07/12/2025

ON SUNDAY December 7, 2025 theSunday Special VIII

Inside a family’s journey with autism and travel BY ASHRF WAHAB

Sensory tools packed for their long-haul journey.

The challenge of planning “Travelling with Ariez means we need to adapt, plan, manage expectations and sometimes even strategise,” they said with a laugh. One of their more creative solutions was to have a pilot friend, in full uniform, record a video explaining how aeroplanes ZRUN DQG KRZ WR EHKDYH GXULQJ ÀLJKWV Because Ariez thrives on knowing what to expect, his parents often create detailed itineraries just for him. “If we deviate even a little, everything will fall apart,” they admitted. Even small details like the availability of his favourite drink can be a trigger. Meals, activities and downtime all have to be discussed in advance. Sometimes even SHUVRQDO WRXFKHV PDNH WKH GL̆ HUHQFH VXFK DV SDFNLQJ FORWKLQJ LQ WKH VSHFL¿F FRORXU or texture Ariez prefers or keeping one of his favourite YouTube videos ready to play. “We’ve downloaded hundreds of his videos just in case he suddenly wants that one particular clip,” Zharif said. Navigating airports and new cities Airports, as any parent knows, can be stressful for children. For Ariez, it depends

on familiarity. “If it’s a new airport, we’ll show him pictures or videos before the trip. Hotels are usually easier, who doesn’t like hotels?” Zharif said. The couple is grateful for initiatives like Malaysia Airports’ Butterfly Effect programme, which helps families like theirs move through terminals more smoothly. They’ve also benefited from sensory-friendly rooms in international hubs such as Doha, designed for children on the spectrum. “It reduces stress for everyone and lets XV IRFXV RQ WKH ÀLJKW LWVHOI ´ =KDULI VDLG Coping with sensory overload Like many autistic children, Ariez experi ences sensory overload. When he was younger, he relied on stimming using pieces of paper to calm himself down. At other times, laughter was his release. Now, he tends to cover his ears when environments get too loud. His parents have learned to respond with tools such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys and simple calming activities. “It changes as he grows,” Ain said. “We’ve had to evolve with him.”

Ain, Zharif and Ariez enjoying a family moment on holiday.

F OR most parents, travelling with children is already a test of patience. Add long flights, unfamiliar environments and the inevitable meltdowns and it’s a full-blown adventure in itself. But for parents of children on the autism spectrum, the experience is layered with D GL̆ HUHQW VHW RI FKDOOHQJHV DOWRJHWKHU For Zharif Fuad and Ain Jamlus, par ents to 14-year-old Ahmad Ariez Dzaim, travel isn’t something to be avoided. Instead, it’s become a way to grow together as a family. Their journey, however, re quires meticulous planning, a strong sup

port system and a whole lot of resilience. “Ariez is happy, curious, loud and timid at the same time. He can be fussy, but overall, he’s just colourful,” Zharif said, describing his son. Diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex at age one and later with mild autism at age four, Ariez’s world requires his parents to navigate every situation ZLWK D EDODQFH RI VWUXFWXUH DQG ÀH[LELOLW\ Travelling, for him, is both exciting and overwhelming. He loves going out and exploring, but only if he feels prepared. For that reason, Zharif and Ain have turned preparation into an art form.