Despite having lived with high-functioning autism since he was a toddler, Amir – who wishes to be known only by his first name – is fast establishing himself as a noteworthy abstract artist.
His journey began two years ago during the rough days of the pandemic, when he found himself developing anxiety issues from not having interacted with other people.
Painting became more than a creative outlet – it was a lifeline for his mental wellbeing. As he told FMT Lifestyle: “Art helps me feel calm and less stressed.”
By putting paint to canvas, Amir not only found a way to cope with his anxiety but also discovered a means of connecting with the world.
And now, his artwork has taken on yet another purpose: J8 Autism Athletics has transformed his vibrant creations into tote bags to raise funds for Amir to achieve his goal, pun intended, of becoming a football player.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle at the annual open day of a school in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, recently, the Sabahan-born Amir shared that he had previously struggled to fit in.
“During my school years, all my friends and family members had very high ambitions like being a doctor, engineer or pilot. But all of that is really difficult for me,” he said.
From speech delays to academic challenges and difficulties socialising, Amir faced, and still faces, considerable obstacles that others may not. And although he realised early on that he needed to find his own path, he never expected it to be football.
“I’ve always loved it, but it was during the 2021 European Championships, Italy vs England, that I decided I wanted to be a football player,” he recalled. “That’s when I finally found my dream.”
His mother, Siti Zuraiyni Yassin, was determined to help him, but they soon found they had a major hurdle to overcome: financial constraints. Generating a steady income for his football training has not come easy.
“He tried working at a petrol station; he even attempted higher education but it didn’t suit him as not everyone was understanding of his condition,” Siti Zuraiyni, a single mum, told FMT Lifestyle.
“We realised he was more comfortable at home, and that’s when the idea of art came about.”
Amir’s proclivity for the paintbrush was discovered by his coach from J8 Autism Athletics – an organisation aimed at integrating those on the spectrum into mainstream sports academies and society at large, of which Amir has been a member since May.
J8 has since been trying to nurture and monetise Amir’s talents towards his ambition, leading to the sale of his artwork and tote bags.
Remarkably, art isn’t Amir’s sole accomplishment – with his coach’s help, he recently decided to run a marathon, conquering his fear of crowded situations.
“When I received the medal, it felt like my very first major achievement,” Amir recalled. “I had never received a prize, award, or trophy before. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me.”
Siti Zuraiyni shares her pride in his achievement as well. “Throughout his school years, he would watch his classmates go on stage to collect awards, while he never had the chance.
“So, when he received the finisher medal from the marathon, he was smiling and posing for pictures, something he rarely does.”
Observing them, it’s clear she pours her heart and soul into supporting her son. And he is truly grateful for everything she has done.
“My mother has always been by my side,” Amir said. “Without her, I think I wouldn’t be as good as I am today.”
In fact, he inherited his artistic talent from his mother, who happens to be a painter herself! They have even collaborated on pieces together, even though Siti Zuraiyni winkingly confided that “Amir has no boundaries: he is more daring than myself when he creates his art”.
All in all, Amir’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. “One thing I’d like to tell others like me is, never give up. If there’s something you love or want to become, keep at it and work hard.
“One day, you’ll achieve all your ambitions,” he concluded.
To get your hands on Amir’s tote bags, available throughout this month, get in touch with J8 Autism Athletics on Facebook or Instagram.
Also be sure to check out Amir’s artwork on Instagram.