SANDAKAN: Concern over the future of his autistic son inspired Mohd Adli Yahya to establish the Autism Café Project (ACP), a social enterprise that equips autistic youths with workplace skills and opportunities for independent living.
The 61-year-old and his wife, Nozilan Mohamad, founded ACP to help autistic youths learn, work and prepare for employment while demonstrating that a café can also serve as a centre for skills training, talent development and career preparation.
Advertisement
“Our greatest concern was what would happen to our son in the future. Instead of remaining worried, we decided to create opportunities not only for him but also for other autistic youths,” Adli said.
The couple’s son, Muhammad Luqman Shariff, a non-verbal autistic individual, has become an example of the potential autistic youths can achieve when given the right support and opportunities.
Adli shared his family’s journey during the recent Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Entrepreneurship Roadshow in Sandakan and Beluran, themed “From Darkness to Purpose: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Autism”.
The programme, jointly organised by the Sandakan Association of Special Children (Pais), Creative Collaborative Workshop Edukidz Sandakan (CCWES), the Beluran Association of Parents of Special Children and Autism Café Project, brought together parents, teachers from the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), entrepreneurs and members of the public.
Advertisement
Adli said the initiative was also aimed at changing public perceptions of autism by highlighting the abilities, rather than the limitations, of autistic individuals.
“Autistic individuals should not be judged by their shortcomings. With proper training, employment opportunities and community support, they can become independent and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Participants witnessed Muhammad Luqman demonstrate his bead-making skills, while sessions in Beluran focused on how social enterprises can help autistic teenagers become self-reliant. The programme also featured briefings by the Social Welfare Department on the importance of the PwD card.
The roadshow concluded at Space 45 in Sandakan with bread- and pastry-making demonstrations, dialogue sessions involving parents and educators, and discussions with local entrepreneurs on expanding business opportunities for the disabled community.
Adli expressed hope that more people would recognise autistic individuals as people with talents, skills and the potential to succeed.
“We hope this project sends a message that social entrepreneurship is not just about generating income, but also about creating a more dignified future for autistic individuals and their families,” he said.
