Autism Partnership Hong Kong
Making a Difference for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Through High-Quality APM® Autism Treatment Since 1994
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Intensive 1on1 Autism Therapy Programs
Designed to maximize the progress of children with ASD and reach their full potential.
Jumpstart – A 5-Day APM Therapy Program
1:1 APM Intensive Specialized Treatment – A Short ABA Therapy Program for Rapid Progress
Changing Lives Through High-Quality APM® : A Progressive ABA Approach for Autism Treatment in Hong Kong & Worldwide
Since 1994, Autism Partnership has been dedicated to providing high-quality APM® autism treatment for children with ASD across multiple countries, including Hong Kong.
Our APM® model is a progressive, evidence-based autism treatment grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), designed to deliver flexible, individualized, and highly effective learning experiences that support meaningful, long-term progress.
Autism Partnership - A Global Presence
Autism Partnership provides high-quality APM® autism treatment services across 14 centers in 7 countries and 12 cities worldwide, delivering flexible, evidence-based autism therapy for children with ASD and comprehensive autism support for families.
In Hong Kong, AP has 3 autism treatment centres in Quarry Bay and Lai Chi Kok, providing intensive, individualized APM® autism treatment tailored to each child’s needs.
Years of Experience in Autism Treatment
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Highly Trained Consultants
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Autism Partnership - A Belief That Started Everything
It Began with a Question
What if children with ASD were not limited by their diagnosis —
but by how they were taught?
In the 1970s, a group of young clinicians began working together at the UCLA Young Autism Project. Under the mentorship of Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas, they were immersed in every aspect of early autism intervention — teaching, supervision, curriculum development, parent training, and research.
They did not simply apply methods.
They studied how children responded.
They asked why some learned faster — and why others stalled.
That question would shape decades of work.
It Began with a Question
During their years at UCLA, Ronald Leaf and John McEachin (the co-founders and directors of Autism Partnership) were involved in the foundational work of behavioral intervention for autism. They contributed to curriculum development, behavioral strategies, research studies, publications, and international conferences that would influence the field for years to come.
But more importantly, they saw something clearly:
Progress was not just about what was taught —
it was about whether a child had learned how to learn.
Motivation, attention, flexibility, and engagement mattered.
Without them, skills faded. With them, learning accelerated.
Learn more about our directors https://autismpartnership.com.hk/en/about-us/our-team/
The Decision to Do More Why Autism Partnership Was Formed
By the early 1990s, the need for high-quality, comprehensive autism services had grown rapidly — but consistency and depth were still lacking.
In 1994, Autism Partnership was formed in the United States with a clear purpose:
to bring together decades of clinical experience and refine autism treatment into something more responsive, more individualized, and more effective.
AP was not built as a program to be copied.
It was built as a practice to be refined.
From the beginning, services were designed to adapt to the child — not force the child into a fixed model.
Led by Clinicians, Grounded in Experience Leadership That Advances Autism Treatment Practice
Autism Partnership continues to be led by our directors including Toby Mountjoy, Dr. Ronald Leaf and Dr. John McEachin and professional clinicians whose careers span decades of autism treatment, research, and training.
Our directors remain closely involved in clinical oversight, program development, and staff training — ensuring that decisions are guided by outcomes, not trends.
This leadership continuity is what allows Progressive ABA to remain both rigorous and responsive, even as the field evolves.
Autism Partnership Hong Kong — Where Our Work Took Root in Asia
The First. The Largest. Providing Quality Autism Therapy in Hong Kong
Opened in 1999, Autism Partnership Hong Kong was the first autism treatment provider in Hong Kong to specialize in intensive APM® therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
But our beginnings were far from large.
There was no dedicated autism therapy centre in Hong Kong—just a small team of fewer than ten, led by Ronald Leaf, working directly in families’ homes, training parents, and teaching children one by one.
What grew was not a business. What grew was trust.
Toby Mountjoy and the Early Days of Autism Partnership Hong Kong
In 1996, Toby Mountjoy moved to Hong Kong shortly after completing his degree in the United Kingdom— drawn by a desire to learn, to be challenged, and to explore meaningful work.
Not long after arriving, he attended an ASD training workshop led by Dr. Ronald Leaf. That experience introduced him to the field of autism intervention and to the realities of working closely with children and families of ASD. He later joined Autism Partnership as a behavioural therapist, supporting a small group of families with ASD in Hong Kong and learning the work from the ground up.
At the time, services were entirely home-based, with therapists working directly with families. The work was demanding—but it laid the foundation for what would become Autism Partnership Hong Kong.
How Autism Partnership Hong Kong Took Shape
As more families sought ASD support in Hong Kong, the need for a more sustainable and consistent early intervention model for children with ASD became clear. Dr. Leaf and Toby Mountjoy began discussing the value of establishing a permanent base in Hong Kong—a place where full-time staff could be trained, supervised, and supported, and where families could access services with continuity and depth.
That vision became reality in 1999, with the opening of the Autism Partnership Hong Kong center.
Today, AP Hong Kong has 3 autism therapy centers located in Quarry Bay and Lai Chi Kok, with a total of 32,000 square feet of purpose-built learning space.
A Regional Leader, With the Same Clinical Heart
Today, Autism Partnership Hong Kong is home to the largest and most highly qualified team of APM® experts in Asia, and has supported thousands of families of children with autism across Hong Kong and the region.
Despite its growth, the heart of the work remains unchanged:
- Intensive and individualized teaching
- Close clinical supervision
- Strong parent involvement
- A focus on long-term outcomes, not short-term gains
From a handful of home visits to 3 dedicated autism therapy centers, AP Hong Kong’s story is one of steady progress—built through relationships, experience, and care.
Quality Intensive APM® Treatment Programs for Autism
The Autism Partnership Method®
The AP Method®
Built on over 30 years of clinical experience and autism research, the AP Method™ develops critical learning, communication, social, and life skills through individualized, evidence-based intervention.
We focus on what matters most — helping children with ASD:
- Reduce challenging behaviors
- Develop strong “learning how to Learn” skills
- Learn how to communicate effectively
- Build meaningful social interactions
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Our Intensive APM® Treatment Programs for children with ASD
We devote our expertise and effort to individualizing every autism treatment program according to each child’s individual needs, paving the way for a future with amazing choices and opportunity.
We offer a range of autism therapy services, including:
- Early Intervention for Autism
- Intensive 1 on 1 APM® Therapy Programs
- School Readiness Programs
- Social Skills Training Programs
- School Shadowing Programs
- Parent Training and Support
Psychological Assessments for Autism in Hong Kong
We offer one of the most comprehensive, detailed, and specialized autism assessment services in Hong Kong and across Asia, supporting both local and overseas families in gaining a clear, accurate understanding of their child’s developmental profile and needs.
Meet Our APM® Clinical Team in Hong Kong
At Autism Partnership Hong Kong, our consultants bring decades of ASD and ABA experience in working with children with autism. Trained extensively in the Autism Partnership Method® (APM®), they are dedicated to delivering high-quality, individualized autism treatment designed to meet each child’s unique developmental needs.
Kan Wong, M.Sc., CPBA-AP, BCBA, Program Director
With over 20 years at Autism Partnership, Kan brings extensive experience in autism intervention across individual, group, and classroom-based programs. She currently oversees clinical operations and provides consultant support across Autism Partnership centres in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Dr. David Fischer, Psy.D., CPBA-AP, BCBA-D, Behavioral Consultant
Bringing over 20 years of experience in Progressive ABA therapy, Dr. Fischer has worked across clinical, school, and university settings. His expertise includes complex behaviour, early autism intervention, and supporting individuals with autism both in Hong Kong and internationally.
June Tam, M.SocSc, Behavioral Consultant
With over 20 years of experience supporting children with ASD, June provides one-on-one and group-based APM® programmes across different settings. She also supervises cases, supports families with ASD in Hong Kong and overseas, and guides parents and staff in delivering effective autism intervention.
Ambrose Cheung, M.Ed., BCBA, Behavioral Consultant
With over 10 years of experience delivering high-quality APM® autism treatment, Ambrose provides one-on-one and group-based programs, while supporting staff development and guiding parents of children with ASD in Hong Kong centers.
Autism Partnership - Leap of Faith Stories of Parents of Children with ASD in Hong Kong
Autism Support & Resources | ABA Knowledge Hub
Books, Research, Journals & More
AP Publication
Written by a team of renowned professionals, AP offers a selection of books and teaching tools for parents, professionals and educators on autism and ABA program strategies.
A video series exploring the world of autism and the different perspective in the ASD communities.
AP Academy
An educational platform with over 100 courses and 400 videos for parents, professionals and educators seeking to learn more about Autism and APM skills.
Research Journals
ASD and ABA Research Published in Peer-Reviewed Journals by the clinical team of AP and APF.
1. What is the Autism Partnership Method® (APM®)?
The Autism Partnership Method® (APM®) is a progressive model of Applied Behavior Analysis and a high-quality, evidence-based approach for treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Developed through over 30 years of research and clinical practice, APM® goes beyond traditional ABA by emphasizing real-time, “in-the-moment” analysis and strong clinical judgment.
It is both flexible and systematic—allowing programs to be continuously adapted to each child’s needs—while maintaining a compassionate, individualized approach to learning and development.
2. What makes our autism treatment approach different from other aba/autism providers in Hong Kong?
If your child has received ABA before, you may notice some key differences in how we support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- We Focus on Learning Skills First
Instead of starting with language alone, we first help children build essential “learning how to learn” skills, such as paying attention, responding to feedback, and staying engaged. We also work on reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning. These foundations help children progress more effectively in all areas. - We Prioritize Long-Term Progress
We don’t rush through programs just to achieve quick results. Our goal is to help children with ASD develop lasting skills that carry over into daily life. Progress is steady, meaningful, and built to last. - We Use Focused, Purposeful Data
Rather than collecting large amounts of data, we focus on what truly matters. This allows our therapists to spend more time actively teaching your child while still making informed, data-based decisions.
3. What is the best age for my child to start a Progressive ABA program?
The earlier intervention (autism treatment) begins, the better the outcomes for children with autism (ASD). Research consistently shows that early, intensive intervention can significantly support a child’s development, particularly in communication, learning, and social skills.
Starting during the early years—often between 18 months and 3 years old—allows children to benefit from a critical period of brain development, when learning is most rapid and responsive. With the right approach, children can build strong foundational skills that support long-term success.
That said, it is never too late to start. ABA therapy can be beneficial for individuals of all ages, and meaningful progress can still be achieved with a well-designed, individualized program.
The key is not just when to start, but ensuring the program is appropriately intensive, thoughtfully structured, and tailored to your child’s needs.
4. How many hours of autism treatment should my child receive?
Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your child. Research and our clinical experience consistently show that children with ASD who receive more hours of high-quality behavioral intervention tend to make greater progress. As a result, many children at Autism Partnership begin with 20 to 45 hours of treatment per week.
As your child develops skills, reduces interfering behaviors, and becomes more engaged in school and social activities, we may recommend gradually reducing treatment hours based on their progress and individual needs.
5. Can my child attend APM® therapy once or twice a week?
While once or twice a week may seem convenient, research shows that higher intensity is important for children with ASD to make meaningful progress.
To see stronger results, children usually need more frequent and consistent therapy. This may reduce some “just-for-fun” time in the short term, but when therapy is engaging, children often enjoy it and benefit greatly from it.
Learning new skills can sometimes be challenging, but it is an important part of growth. Our goal is not just short-term happiness, but long-term success.
We see intensive therapy as an investment—helping children build the skills they need for greater independence and a better quality of life. As they progress, they will have more opportunities to enjoy a wider range of activities.
6. How can my child attend a full-day (5-hour) program?
A key to effective treatment is giving children with ASD enough time and consistency to learn. Full-day programs help children with ASD practise skills more often and make better progress.
Many parents worry that 5 hours is too long. However, when sessions are engaging, young children can tolerate it well—and often enjoy it.
Our sessions are:
- Age-appropriate and adjusted to your child
- Playful, engaging, and motivating
- Balanced with breaks and reinforcement
We closely monitor your child’s energy and adjust the hours if needed. When learning is fun and meaningful, children are more willing to participate and succeed.
7. Can my child continue schooling while receiving APM® intervention?
We understand that schooling is important, and our ultimate goal is for every child to successfully attend school—ideally with minimal or no support. However, our priority is to equip your child with the essential foundation skills so they can truly thrive in a school environment, not just cope with it.
Rather than placing children into full-time school settings before they are developmentally ready, we take a careful and systematic approach. Children are gradually introduced to learning environments—starting with small group instruction, progressing to larger group settings, and eventually transitioning into part-time school placements.
As they demonstrate readiness and success, their time in school is steadily increased until they can participate more independently. Many of our children go on to succeed in mainstream school settings, but we emphasize that meaningful, lasting outcomes come from building readiness first—not rushing the process.
8. What skills are taught in the training sessions?
Our training program focuses on developing key areas including language, cognitive, social, adaptive behavior, and “learning how to learn” skills. Each child receives an individualized autism intervention program tailored to their developmental needs.
During daily sessions, therapists follow structured lesson plans that target these core skill areas through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Our consultants provide regular supervision to ensure programs are implemented effectively and make ongoing adjustments based on each child’s progress.
This approach ensures that every child receives consistent, personalized support to build meaningful and lasting skills.
9. Does my child need an ASD diagnostic assessment before starting training?
A formal ASD diagnosis is not required to begin training. Our goal is to support your child’s development as early as possible and help bridge any developmental gaps.
Before starting, we will arrange consultations with parents along with observations of your child to gain a well-rounded understanding of their strengths and needs. Based on this, we provide clear clinical recommendations and outline the most appropriate program direction.
This process also helps parents gain a comprehensive understanding of how our APM® (Progressive ABA) approach can support their child before beginning intervention.
10. What is the typical length of treatment for children with ASD at Autism Partnership Hong Kong?
The duration of APM® autism intervention varies for each child, as it is determined by their individual needs, learning profile, and rate of progress. While every case is unique, many families typically engage in intensive APM® treatment for approximately 2 to 4 years to achieve meaningful and lasting developmental gains.
As children develop stronger foundational skills—such as communication, learning readiness, and social interaction—the level of autism support is gradually adjusted. This may include transitioning into school-based settings, participating in group programs, or moving toward periodic consultation and monitoring.
APM® intervention is designed as a comprehensive, long-term approach. With consistent, high-quality support, it not only helps children build essential skills but also supports families in navigating their child’s developmental journey with greater confidence and clarity.
11. When can my child transition into mainstream schooling?
For many parents of children with autism (ASD), transitioning into a mainstream school is an important goal. While it is often suggested that children with autism benefit from being around neurotypical peers, the timing of this transition is critical. Entering a school setting too early—before a child is developmentally ready—may limit how much they can truly benefit from the experience.
At Autism Partnership Hong Kong, our focus is on preparing each child through high-quality, evidence-based APM® autism therapy/ treatment. Before entering a classroom, children need to develop essential foundation skills such as communication, attention, learning readiness, social interaction, and the ability to follow group instruction. These skills are key for children with autism to succeed in a school environment.
Our goal is not simply placement in a school, but long-term success. With the right autism support, children can learn to participate meaningfully and independently, rather than just cope in a classroom setting.
The transition process is gradual and carefully planned. Children typically begin with structured one-on-one sessions, then progress to small group learning, and later to larger group settings. When ready, they may start attending school on a part-time basis, often with the support of school shadowing to help them adapt successfully. As they continue to build skills and confidence, their time in school increases until they are able to fully integrate, often without additional support.
With appropriate preparation and quality autism early intervention, many children are able to successfully transition into mainstream education. The key is ensuring that each child is developmentally ready, so they can truly benefit from the opportunities that school provides.
12. Is it necessary to attend parent training?
Parent involvement is a critical component of effective autism intervention. Research, including early work from the UCLA Young Autism Project, consistently highlights that when parents are actively involved, children tend to make more meaningful and sustained progress.
To support you in this role, we provide structured, ongoing parent training throughout your child’s intervention journey. Our parent training program is designed to build both understanding and practical skills across several phases:
- Phase 1: Understanding Your Child and Family Context
A Treatment Coordinator will visit your home to better understand your child’s behaviors and the challenges you are facing. This helps us identify key areas to address and tailor support to your family’s needs. - Phase 2: Building Foundational Knowledge
You will attend weekly sessions to learn the principles behind our autism treatment approach. This includes understanding how behavior is shaped by experience, and why challenges such as meltdowns, difficulty following instructions, or selective eating occur. - Phase 3: Learning Practical Strategies
Building on the foundations, you will learn evidence-based strategies to help your child develop more effective communication, coping, and learning skills. - Phase 4: Guided Practice in a Clinical Setting
You will apply these strategies directly with your child during sessions, with hands-on coaching and feedback from our team to build confidence and effectiveness. - Phase 5: Application at Home
Training extends into your home environment, where you will practice these strategies in real-life situations, helping your child generalize skills into daily routines.
Parent training is not just recommended—it is an essential part of achieving the best outcomes for your child. With the right autism support and guidance, parents play a powerful role in helping their child progress and succeed beyond the therapy setting.
13. How is Autism Partnership Hong Kong related to Autism Partnership Foundation (APF) in Hong Kong?
In 2007, Autism Partnership, under the direction of Toby Mountjoy, established Autism Partnership Foundation (APF), a registered charitable organization in Hong Kong. APF was founded to improve access to high-quality autism treatment and autism support in Hong Kong for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—especially those from low-income families who may not otherwise be able to access intensive, evidence-based intervention.
Through APF, children can receive free or subsidized autism therapy, including both one-on-one and group-based programmes. All services are delivered using the APM® (Autism Partnership Method), a structured and evidence-based approach to autism treatment, ensuring consistent, effective support aligned with Autism Partnership’s clinical standards.
APF plays an important role in making effective autism services in Hong Kong more accessible for low-income families, helping more children with autism develop essential communication, learning, and social skills.
14. How is Autism Partnership Hong Kong related to AP School in Hong Kong?
In 2007, Autism Partnership, under the direction of Toby Mountjoy, established the Autism Partnership Foundation (APF), a registered charitable organization in Hong Kong. Under APF, AP School was founded as a self-financed primary school dedicated to supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a structured and specialized educational setting, applying the same APM® (Autism Partnership Method) used in Autism Partnership’s clinical services.
Autism Partnership Hong Kong focuses on providing intensive, individualized APM® early autism intervention to help children build critical foundation skills, including communication, behavior management, social interaction, and learning readiness. These skills are essential in preparing children to succeed in more structured environments.
AP School extends this approach into a classroom setting, where students receive education supported by evidence-based teaching strategies and individualized programs. The school environment allows children to apply and generalize the skills they have developed through therapy into daily learning and social situations.
Together, Autism Partnership Hong Kong and AP School provide a continuum of support—from APM® autism intensive therapy to structured education—helping children with autism build the skills they need and successfully transition into school and beyond.
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