Mitani (right) connecting with the special children through rhythms and movements, breaking barriers in communication and understanding.
THE GENTLE, steady beat of percussion drums resonates through a sunlit room at Ideas Autism Centre (IAC).
Under the guidance of a passionate therapist, random sounds and gestures transform, becoming meaningful moments of connection.
At the centre, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who once struggled to communicate are now beginning to smile, make eye contact and vocalise more freely.
Thanks to funding from the Star Social Impact Grant (SSIG) programme under Star Foundation, IAC launched the “Music Therapy for Autistic Children from Low-Income Families Programme” in September 2024 at both its centres in Rawang (Selangor) and Nilai (Negri Sembilan).
Catering to children aged three to nine, the programme provides support for 67 special needs students, primarily through referrals from government and private hospitals.
Since its launch, the programme has conducted over 30 of its 48 sessions, showing encouraging progress in the children’s social, cognitive and communication skills.
IAC music therapist Asako Mitani said: “Some children take three months to respond, others may need two years.
“But each one shows growth in their own time.
“Small milestones like clapping on cue or waiting their turn to play are deeply meaningful.”
Experts in the field say music therapy is widely recognised as an effective early intervention for children with special needs.
The therapy is said to support social interaction, cognitive development and communication, while also helping to reduce anxiety, improve focus and enhance language skills.
IAC said that at its centre, music therapy sessions were tailored to each child’s development level.
It said beginners were introduced to sensory-stimulating sounds through a variety of percussion instruments including hand drums, egg shakers, tambourines and bells, allowing them to express themselves without words.
For advanced learners, vocal imitation and basic keyboard exercises are introduced to promote teamwork, coordination and confidence, it added.
IAC said therapists would gently guide the group throughout the sessions, helping children with turn-taking and listening, while encouraging social interaction within a safe and joyful environment.
IAC fundraising manager Chut Afifa said the SSIG funding arrived just as the team was seeking support to realise the project.
“We are truly grateful to the Star Foundation,” she said.
“Their backing not only enabled us to reach out to more children in need, but also strengthened our partnerships with other corporate sponsors to help sustain the programme.”
IAC said the initiative, now in its second phase, has received positive feedback from parents.
Many reported notable improvements in their children’s ability to communicate and engage socially, the centre noted.
One inspiring example is a participant named only as Darwish, who began his journey at IAC in 2016 at age three.
Within six months, he started showing progress by following instructions and being more cooperative.
IAC said he became increasingly independent over the next few years, and that music therapy helped him build confidence and ease in interacting with others.
Among Darwish’s achievements are a live poetry recital at The Star Golden Hearts Award event last year at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya, followed by another performance at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
While such successes are uplifting, Mitani said being a music therapist came with challenges, as the children often exhibited a range of behaviours related to social interaction, communication and routine.
“These can include difficulties with social communication and interaction, repetitive actions and restricted interests.
“Given that each child’s needs are unique, as a therapist we must remain empathetic, patient and sensitive,” said Mitani.
IAC assistant manager Ilya Shaharudin said: “Autism is not a disability, it is a different ability.
“Beyond early intervention and music therapy, our ultimate goal is to help these children gain independence, reduce behavioural challenges and develop communication skills that allow them to adapt and thrive in mainstream educational settings.”
The SSIG Programme, an initiative by Star Foundation (the charitable arm of Star Media Group), aims to empower impactful and sustainable projects that make Malaysia a better place.
The programme focuses on five core areas: environmental protection, community development, education, access to basic needs and infrastructure as well as health and well-being.
Since its inception, the SSIG programme has awarded RM714,000 in grants to 15 meaningful initiatives across the country, improving lives and supporting conservation efforts nationwide.
