07/12/2025

ON SUNDAY December 7, 2025 theSunday Special IX

A journey worth taking Yes, travelling with an autistic child de mands extraordinary effort. There are charts to make, flights to prepare for, VXLWFDVHV VWX̆ HG ZLWK VQDFNV DQG VHQVRU\ toys and family members enlisted for support. But for Zharif, Ain and Ariez, the H̆ RUW LV ZRUWK HYHU\ ELW Because at the end of the day, travel isn’t about ticking boxes on an itinerary. It’s about creating moments of connec tion – whether that’s watching a child VWD\ FDOP RQ DQ HLJKW KRXU ÀLJKW ODXJKLQJ together in a hotel room or simply learn ing to be patient when things don’t go according to plan. For families like theirs, the journey is the destination.

AUTISM spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of characteristics and abilities seen in autistic individuals. No two people experience autism in exactly the same way. Common traits of autistic individu als may include differences in sensory processing. Some people may be highly sensitive to light, sound, touch, taste or smell, while others may seek extra-sensory input. Tools such as noise-cancelling head phones, weighted blankets or fidget toys can help manage sensory challenges. Another common aspect is stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour. Repetitive movements or actions, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases, can help autistic people regulate emotions, cope with anxiety, or express excitement. Stimming is generally harm less and can be an important form of self-soothing. Many autistic children also have a Understanding autism spectrum disorder m “It takes a village to travel with an autistic child. “His aunties and uncles are always on their toes. If Ariez doesn’t want to cooperate with us, he’ll cling to them instead,” Ain said. This support enables the family to keep travelling even when circumstances get tough. Malaysia and beyond: Room for growth While Malaysia has made strides in raising awareness of autism, the couple said there’s more to be done in terms of infrastructure. “In cities, you can manage because there are more resources. But once you go outside, it’s harder. Hotels, transport and attractions still have a long way to go to be truly autism-friendly.” They hope the travel industry will catch up with simple, practical changes. “Imagine if airlines had autism-friendly NLWV ZLWK KHDGSKRQHV RU ¿GJHW WR\V 2U LI malls had more sensory rooms like the ones at Sunway Putra Mall. Small changes go a long way,” Zharif expressed. What they’ve learned Travelling with Ariez has reshaped the way Zharif and Ain view parenting. “When you think things are going to get bad, sometimes it turns into one of the best moments. We’ve learned to be grateful for the small wins,” Ain said. T KH\ R̆ HU D SLHFH RI DGYLFH IRU RWKHU SDUHQWV FRQVLGHULQJ WKHLU ¿UVW WULS ZLWK an autistic child. “Preparation, preparation, preparation. But not just for the kids, parents need to SUHSDUH WKHPVHOYHV WRR ,I \RX JLYH R̆ stressful energy, children on the spectrum will feel it. Be calm and accept that noth ing’s perfect.”

When you stay calm, your child feels it too.”

Ain

preference for routines. Sudden changes in environment, schedule or expectations can be stressful. Visual schedules, social stories and gradual exposure to new situations can provide reassurance and predictability. Communication differences are also typical. Some autistic individuals may be non-verbal, while others may have well-developed vocabularies but struggle with social cues, figurative language or back-and-forth conversation. Tools such as picture exchange systems, communica tion apps or simple gestures can support interaction. Understanding these traits can help families, educators and service providers create supportive environments. Aware ness and accommodation from sensory friendly spaces and flexible approaches can improve the daily experiences and well-being of autistic individuals. Recognising the variety of traits within the spectrum promotes more inclusive and empathetic approaches in education, travel, work and social life.

A mix of curiosity, colour and cheekiness – Ariez being his lively self.

Breakthrough moments Despite the challenges, there have been moments of pure triumph. One memory WKDW VWDQGV RXW ZDV D ORQJ KDXO ÀLJKW IURP Doha to Stockholm. “He was calm throughout the eight hour journey. He watched movies, ate his meals and even slept for a few hours. That was a big win for us,” Ain said. Even interactions with strangers have been surprisingly positive. While Ariez’s EXUVWV RI ODXJKWHU FDQ FDWFK SHRSOH R̆ guard, Zharif said most react warmly. “Sometimes strangers will smile know ingly as if to say, “We get it”. It makes us happy to see that awareness is growing.” The village that travels together Behind every successful family trip lies a small army of support. For Zharif and Ain, extended family plays a huge role.

Simple changes can make travel more autism friendly.”

Zharif