Giving autistic youth a leg up

Umar, who was diagnosed with autism at age two, showing off his onstage charisma in Putrajaya. — Photos: SAHAR MISNI/The Star

DECKED out in white shirts and bow ties, Qamar Hariz Kamarul Ariffin, 14, and Muhd Aliff Taufiq Mohd Yusni, 15, were supposed to be in school but they were asked to represent the National Autism Society (Nasom) and sing at the Youth and Sports Ministry in Putrajaya.

Inspired by the opportunity to perform on stage for World Autism Awareness Day and the presence of press cameramen, Qamar now wants to be a singer and Muhd Aliff, a news photographer.