IN conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day, held on April 2 every year, The Malaysian Insight visited a cafe in Puchong run by autistic individuals.
The Autism Cafe Project, an initiative by Mohd Adli Yahya, 55, opened its doors in August 2016.
Adli started the cafe to support his autistic son, Muhamad Luqman, 19, who is also a staff member.
After watching Luqman’s struggles growing up, Adli quit his job as Standard Charted Foundation executive director to set up the cafe, which trains special needs youth to be independent.
The father of six said he was worried about Luqman’s future, and believes that through the cafe, other children like his son will have the opportunity to learn life skills and make a living.
“I might have another 10 to 15 years left to live, but my son has a long way to go. Who is going to look after him then? It is tough for them (special needs youth) to land a job. I hope this project will help him when my wife and I are no longer around,” said Adli.
He said it is key for parents of special needs children to have patience and give good guidance.
With such dedication, he said, every autistic child has a shot at a bright future.
As the quote goes, “Autism doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a parent that never gives up”.
The Autism Cafe Project operates thrice a week, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, starting at 9am.
It features an array of local dishes and cakes, as well as does catering and sells merchandise. – April 2, 2019.
The Autism Cafe Project, located at the 1M4U complex in Puchong, opened in 2016. Its staff members comprise autistic individuals, who learn to interact with customers, take orders and carry out small chores. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Muhamad Luqman, 19, making bracelets to be sold at the Autism Cafe Project. Luqman, who has autism, previously received an order for 130 bracelets, which sell for RM25 each. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Mohd Adli Yahya (third from left) assigning tasks to his son, Muhamad Luqman, and other staff members of the Autism Cafe Project. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Muhammad Haziq Zaharudin, 21, preparing nasi kerabu for a customer at the Autism Cafe Project. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Muhamad Luqman is tasked with washing dishes at the Autism Cafe Project due to his love for water. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Jazlynn Hanna Jamaluddin, 22, is the only woman staff member at the Autism Cafe Project. Studies have shown that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Muhammad Haziq Zaharudin is a high-functioning autistic. His job at the Autism Cafe Project is taking orders and preparing food. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Noor Aini Ahmad, 48, seen with her son, Muhammad Haziq Zaharudin, a staff member at the Autism Cafe Project. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Jamaluddin, 57, lending support to his daughter, Jazlynn Hanna, at the Autism Cafe Project. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Mohd Adli Yahya, 55, guiding his son, Muhamad Luqman, to serve customers at a function catered by the Autism Cafe Project. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Muhammad Haziq Zaharudin showing his favourite photo, which he posted on Instagram. His parents hired photography teachers to encourage his interest in the art of photo-taking. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.Customers enjoying a meal at the Autism Cafe Project in Puchong. - The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, April 2, 2019.
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