Harnessing the capabilities of autistic individuals through social enterepreneurship insights from Malaysias current ecosystem

Social entrepreneurship represents a novel methodology for tackling global social issues. Despite increasing global interest, less knowledge exists regarding how social enterprises efficiently utilize the abilities of autistic individuals, especially within the Malaysian context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the realm of social entrepreneurship in Malaysia and examine how it creates social value for autistic individuals by recognizing the distinct problems they encounter. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing data gathered from semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation. A thematic analysis was performed on data collected from six social enterprises in the Klang Valley that predominantly assist autistic individuals. Findings reveal several key themes, such as high unemployment rates among autistic individuals, pathways to inclusion and empowerment, the existence of support systems, and structural challenges within the social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Notably, the study highlights the vital role of social enterprises in addressing these challenges by fostering skills development, social integration, and meaningful economic participation for autistic individuals. These findings also provide valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to strengthen the role of social enterprises in supporting autistic individuals. While the findings are based on selected cases within the Klang Valley, they offer a foundation for broader exploration across diverse social enterprise contexts. Overall, these findings facilitate the development of more inclusive and responsive social entrepreneurship models that can help not only individuals with autism but also other marginalized communities