Young Malaysian with autism is a model, actor and painter

Thasraveen, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome a decade ago, enjoys modelling. Photo: Ikhwan Abdullah

April is Autism Awareness Month, and StarLifestyle will be running stories of people on the spectrum throughout the month. For more stories, follow this link.

Student Thasraveen Chandra Segaran, 21, was in high spirits after the Autism Rules Fashion fashion show, held at a shopping mall in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The young lad, diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and attention hyperactivity deficit disorder, had every reason to smile.

Thasraveen, who is also a prolific artist, collaborated with homegrown fashion brand Jayk Fashion for the event – three of his art pieces were incorporated into fabric that was featured in the show.

This isn’t the first time Jayk Fashion has used the young man’s art in their fashion pieces: his work was also showcased during the Borneo Fashion Week And Exhibition (2018), Autism Rules Fashion Show (2019) and Kota Kinabalu Fashion Week (2019).

Aveen's (centre) artwork was incorporated into fabric during Autism Rules Fashion, a fashion show with Jayk Fashion, with a collection inspired by the artwork of autistic individuals. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran

“It feels great knowing my work has made it to a fashion show. I’m so happy and I’ll continue to work harder to come up with more creative designs,” said Thasraveen after the fashion show, which also featured artwork by seven individuals with autism.

Thasraveen was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome a decade ago, and he’s chalked many impressive milestones since. Not only does he paint, he is also a part-time model and budding actor.

And, he’s also pursuing a diploma in logistics management at a private college in Kuala Lumpur.

Among some autism support groups, Thasraveen is looked up to as a role model for children on the spectrum.

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Thasraveen is among a handful of Malaysian models with autism. Photo: Nizam Juhari

“I feel inspired, and I’m happy with my achievements. People seem to enjoy my artwork, and that makes me happy.

“Even though I’m autistic, I’ve managed to do so many things. I’m very grateful that my parents have been very supportive. And I’m always happy when people purchase my paintings,” said Thasraveen, who signed up for modelling classes in 2019 and became a part-time model the following year.

The recognition means a lot to the handsome young man, who is of Indian and Bidayuh parentage. It also means the world to his family and it is paving the way for the talented youth to lead an independent life.

Thasraveen’s success isn’t something that happened overnight, though.

Rani has been a staunch advocate and pillar of strength for Thasraveen. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran

His parents, Rani Narayasamy, 46, and Bukit Aman police officer Chandra Segaran Subramaniam, 51, have been powerful advocates of autism. They have stood by their second child through thick and thin.

“Raising Thasraveen has been a journey filled with many challenges. But my husband and I have never given up. On the contrary, we’ve always gone the extra mile to help him succeed in his interests.

“Parents of children with special needs should find ways to expose them to different fields, be it acting, and crafts, modelling or anything they may have an interest in.

"Don’t be embarrassed if your child has special needs. Instead, be proud of their talents. And you must be prepared to do lots of research and work hard to help them achieve incredible things,” said Rani, a homemaker.

Thasraveen gives free art lessons to children with autism from the B40 community around his neighbourhood during his free time. Photo: Rani Narayasamy

Thasraveen was diagnosed with ADHD when he was just three years old. In the last 18 years, Rani has been a staunch advocate for her son and worked hard to help him develop his talents.

When Thasraveen was in Form Three, Rani sent him for painting lessons. As a result, his artwork has been displayed at ABLE Art Exhibition at Universiti Malaya (2018), Kota Kinabalu’s Fashion Week (2019), and Beautiful Malaysia Art Exhibition at Brisbane’s Percolator Gallery (2020).

In addition, he gives free art lessons to autistic children from the B40 community around his neighbourhood during his free time.

The Miri-born youth has also appeared in several online commercials. He’s also had some minor acting roles in a few local Malay TV dramas like Biar Mereka Cemburu, Kain Kapan Berbisik and Shah Alam 40K.

The secret of being a model isn't about having good looks, height or the perfect body size. People with special needs want the modelling industry to see the beauty within them. Photo: Rani Narayasamy

Last year, Thasraveen added another feather in his cap by clinching the Inspiring Model award at Double Event Management’s I AM Model Search competition.

“The secret of being a model isn’t about having good looks, height or the perfect body size. People with special needs want the modelling industry to see the beauty within us.

“And we want them to create awareness and accept us for who we are,” said the former student from Kuala Lumpur’s Methodist Boys’ School.

Rani thinks it is essential for parents of children with special needs to identify their children’s interests and work towards harnessing their skills.

“Instead of pushing our special children to try things that are outside their comfort zone, my advice is to let them develop at their own pace. What’s more important is being patient and supportive of their own individual talents,” she concludes.