B’ao Zhong (preferably known as Bao) is an autistic diagnosed at the age of 27, and a licensed and registered counsellor (KB08026, PA07601). He obtained his license with the Board of Counsellors (Malaysia) in 2018 upon his completion of post-graduate study. Bao holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons.) Psychology from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). 

Despite the negative public perception of autistics, Bao took great pride in his identity. He underwent mainstream education and struggled - most professionals and educators found Bao a tough one to manage, and often resort to abuse and discrimination. Most importantly, Bao survived and believes that he could make use of his life experiences for his clients! 

Being part of ‘The Lost Generation’, Bao found out about autism in 2015 and felt that it might explain his life experiences and his out-of-the-norm sensory profile. However, he did not pursue his diagnosis back then as there is no available adult autism assessment in Penang, and it is not affordable as Bao grew up (and still is) in a B40 single-parent family. Only in late 2019, he encountered a documentary and the appearance of Dr Dawn-Joy Leong, he took the courage to pursue his diagnosis and received an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in April 2020. After going through his life in the B40, struggling academically and socially, with many barriers in accessing healthcare and autism diagnosis, he realized there is a lot to change for society and took the helm in making changes to his best ability. 

Upon his graduation from USM, he joined a multinational corporation (MNC) as an associate in market research in KL. Although he spent 3 months on the job, he realized that his heart is in mental health and was disheartened when hearing clients needing mental health services and nowhere to go. He then returned to Penang and served as a vocational trainer for neurodiverse adults and provided pro-bono counselling and consultation. During the pandemic, Bao was allowed to serve the needy by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. He took the opportunity and is currently serving as Psychology Officer (Counselling) in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and rotates between government health clinics in Penang. One of the key aspects of his counselling clinic is providing support and improving the daily living experiences of adult autistics while providing a safe space for them to come back to.

In addition, Bao is also actively involved in volunteerism and participated in several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He actively participated in activities of the Centre for Creative Arts Therapy Penang (CCAT Penang) in which he honed his skills in creative arts therapy and play therapy. Despite the completion of his internship in 2014, his active involvement with CCAT Penang lasted till 2021 as he completed his term as Vice President of the EXCO committee. He also used to volunteer in food banks, respite care for autistic children, Talian Kasih, Safe Space Malaysia and many more. Currently, he serves as the Chairperson for Autism Initiatives Malaysia – High (AIM-High) which focuses on advocacy for adult autistics and providing support groups for adult autistics. 

In his practice, Bao Zhong often utilizes psychodynamic approaches - exploring the role of the unconscious in our daily living and making meaning of one’s adverse experiences. Also, Bao Zhong is equipped with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), creative arts therapy, play therapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), and trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TF-CBT).