On a Sunday morning at the end of this month, a pickleball court in Balakong, Selangor, will be more than a place to play. It will be a space for where sport meets a deeper community purpose.
Organised by Pickld and its partners, "Rally for Autism" invites the public to come together for a three-hour session, with proceeds going to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom). But beyond the rallies and scorelines, the event is about raising awareness and understanding autism.
For organiser Leong Sook Leng, who started Pickld with two of her friends, the cause is deeply personal.
Her son Noah, a neurodivergent teenager, inspired her to create a warm, inclusive community space.
"When I first imagined this, I wanted it to be more than just a pickleball court," she says. "I wanted it to be a place where families – including neurodivergent families like mine – could play and feel comfortable being themselves."
"Rally for Autism" is open to everyone, from seasoned pickleball players to families, friends and those simply curious to learn more about autism.
"Pickleball players will naturally make up a large part of the attendees since it is a pickleball rally, but the event is really designed for families, friends and members of the wider community," says Leong. "More importantly, we hope to welcome neurodivergent individuals and their families, parents, siblings and caregivers who are looking for spaces where they feel accepted and supported."
Pickleball, Leong notes, is uniquely suited to this purpose. Easy to pick up and inherently social, it encourages interaction across ages and abilities.
The highlight of the day, a three-hour social ladder game, keeps players rotating across courts, moving up or down based on performance. The format is lively and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left on the sidelines for long.
Around the venue, visitors can explore booths offering information, consultations and even free pre-screenings for children. These resources are designed to make conversations around autism more accessible, especially for parents who may be unsure where to start.
"In Malaysia, discussions on autism are still at a relatively early stage," Leong explains.
Misconceptions still persist – including the tendency to conflate autism with other conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
"Autism is not something that can always be seen physically. Many autistic individuals look just like you and me," she adds.
By placing these resources in a relaxed, community-driven setting, the event hopes to lower barriers to understanding. For some families, it may be their first step towards seeking support; for others, a chance to discover new pathways – from early intervention to education and even employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
"We want families to know that they are not alone," she says. "There are organisations, vocational pathways and even companies that are increasingly open to employing neurodivergent individuals because they recognise their unique strengths."
While Pickld has hosted cause-driven events before – including a breast cancer awareness rally last year – this initiative has drawn particularly strong support. Partners and organisations came forward readily, signalling a growing willingness within the community to engage in meaningful issues.
"Advocacy is not something abstract to me. It's part of everyday life," she highlights.
Like many parents, she has navigated the uncertainties and misunderstandings that came with raising a child on the spectrum. But she has also witnessed the joy, resilience and distinct perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring.
If the event can spark even small shifts – a conversation started, a misconception challenged and a family feeling less alone – it will have succeeded, says Leong.
On April 26, the day the event takes place, participants are encouraged to wear blue, a colour associated with autism awareness. But more importantly, they are invited to show up with openness – to play, learn and connect.
More info: @pickld_kl (Instagram)
