Malaysians with autism teaching music to special needs kids love their jobs

Sharon (centre) with (from left) Joshua, Wan Zareef, Lim and Wong, four friends who are musicians with autism. Photos: Sharon Vyner

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

Joshua Daniel Johnson, 28, loves his job as a music teacher in a centre for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in USJ1, Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Part of his job scope includes carrying out the lesson plans as he teaches drums and bass guitar to four students on the spectrum.

“While I like to teach my students to sing, I especially enjoy teaching the guitar because that’s one of my favourite instruments. I recently taught my students to play Oye Como Va (Santana) and Stay With Me (Sam Smith).

“I like to teach students with special needs because they are talented and full of potential. One needs patience to teach people with disabilities,” said Joshua in an email interview recently.

Joshua (left) conducting a music lesson with one of his students.

Joshua looks forward to working each day because his childhood buddies, Wan Zareef Nuqman Wan Ahmad Kamal, 24, Maxx Lim, 20, and Ilyas Wong, 26, are also his colleagues.

These four lads are musicians and band members who have high-functioning autism.

They teach music at the Vyner Music and Training Centre, co- owned by Joshua’s mother, Sharon Rachel Vyner, 50, and his aunt, Cindy Deborah Vyner, 48.

Joshua and his special colleagues are well-equipped to teach music. Joshua attended piano and bass guitar lessons when he was 12 years old. He has passed his Grade Eight drum exams (with distinction) and also Grade Four piano from Rockschool, a leading exam board in pop and rock music in Britain.

The Zimi J band comprises (from left) Lim, Wong, Wan Zareef and Joshua. Photos: Filepic

Similarly, the other teachers with autism are also trained in music. For example, Lim teaches music theory, drums and piano while Wan Zareef and Wong specialise in percussion instruments and drums respectively.

Sharon roped in these musically inclined youth to work at her centre because she knows the challenges these special children face in securing jobs.

In reality, not many young adults with special needs can gain employment quickly. Many organisations do not have much confidence in people with disabilities (PWDs).

“The problem is not many companies are willing to give them a chance. With proper training, many people with special needs can gain employment at fast food restaurants or hotels.

“I’ve known these boys since they were young. They used to attend music lessons at Music Mart in Petaling Jaya, and over the years, they have forged close friendships,” she said.

Sharon believes in the power of music in engaging children with special needs. Photo: Filepic

Like many parents of children with special needs, Sharon worries about her only child’s future so she set up the school to cement a solid foundation for Joshua’s future.

“I believe many persons with disabilities can earn a living based on their skill set. Studies have shown that adults with autism work well in jobs that require the ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks,” she said.

Sharon sees the potential in these young adults and wants them to excel in what they know best – music.

“In 2016, Joshua and his friends formed their music band called Zimi J. They were encouraged to launch the band with the help of their former music teacher, Edwin Nathaniel. They have gone on to perform at numerous autism-related events in the Klang Valley.

“In 2017, Joshua and his friend Salvador Ling clinched the Best Duet Award and Appreciation Award at the Autistic Talent Gala in Hong Kong. That was one of my proudest moments. My wish is for them to earn an income and move towards independence.”

Wan Zareef leading the drum circle at the Selangor and Federal Territory Association for the Mentally Handicapped. Photo: Filepic

Wan Zareef’s mother, Mastura Aseli, is grateful her special needs son is gainfully employed at the school.

“Music has been Wan Zareef’s love and primary interest since childhood. We are glad he can continue to be involved in music and help and coach his students in music.

“He’s talented, and he can seamlessly memorise dates, notes and names. With this job opportunity, he can pursue his interest in music and share his knowledge with other young adults with special needs,” said Mastura, a homemaker.

Sharon, a widow, wishes for her son and his peers to be self-reliant and move towards independence when she’s no longer around.

“In the last 10 years, I have taken many steps to teach Joshua about self-management and doing things independently. I also roped in the other boys to work at the centre because I want to ensure they can also earn a living.

“Maxx, Wan Zareef and Ilyas are like my sons and I love them very much. When their parents can’t look after them, these boys can continue to teach, earn a living and become self-reliant,” she said in conclusion.