Shila Amzah has asked netizens to pray that she and her husband, Muhammad Ubaidillah Mohd Zulkefli, can raise their son well. Photo: Shila Amzah/Instagram
Malaysian singer Shila Amzah revealed that her four-year-old son, Seth Uwais, has autism.
In an Instagram Reel posted today (June 25), Shila expressed relief in understanding her son’s condition after having initial concerns about his development.
“Seth has been diagnosed with level one autism. Alhamdulillah, I had a feeling it could be either autism or ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder),” the 33-year-old said.
According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association, individuals diagnosed with level one autism require minimal support.
Symptoms may include difficulty initiating social interactions, unconventional responses to social cues, and challenges with switching between activities, among others.
Rather than feeling disheartened by Seth’s diagnosis, Shila sees it as an opportunity to raise him better.
“Now that we have the official diagnosis, it’s easier to know what to do and what not to do,” she said, adding that Seth is undergoing applied behavioural analysis (ABA) therapy.
Shila continued: “Please pray that Seth can grow and learn well. Pray for (my husband and I) as parents, that we can raise him well.”
Many netizens have left comments praising Shila for taking the news positively, while others sent encouraging words.
"Seth is a smart kid who will become the pride of his mum and dad. Love your positive energy. May Allah ease everything," said local actress Fasha Sandha.
"I love parents who aren't in denial. Nothing is wrong with an autistic kid," commented a netizen.
Seth is Shila's first child from her previous marriage to Haris Idraki Elias, which ended in divorce in 2022.
The singer married social media influencer Muhammad Ubaidillah Mohd Zulkefli on Aug 5 last year, just six months after going public with their relationship.
The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby daughter named Rhea Akira, on May 9.
