How running has boosted this Malaysian autistic boy's confidence and social skills

Rohanizam (left) says that by bringing Muhammad Firas out, he can develop social skills and build confidence. Photos: Nasom

Muhammad Firas Rifqi Rohanizam, 10, was in a jovial mood after participating in the 5km Eco Run for Inclusion at College of Computing, Infor-matics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam, Selangor recently.

His father, Rohanizam Abd Rashid, 50, wasn’t worried that he’d have any meltdowns during the run, as Muhammad Firas, who is autistic, is accustomed to being in public and navigating crowds.

“Muhammad Firas has been joining me on jogs for many years. He loves the outdoors,” Rohanizam said during a phone interview from Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor.

“We usually run in the parks in our neighbourhood. I have noticed that since exposing him to outdoor activities, he has become much friendlier and more confident. He also has a deep appreciation for nature – he enjoys observing plants, birds and fish in ponds during our runs.”

'Muhammad Firas (right) needs to learn independence and develop life skills to prepare for his future,' says Rohanizam (left). Photo: Rohanizam Abd RashidThe event was jointly organised by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), UiTM and chemical company Dow Malaysia. In attendance was public health and environment executive council member Jamaliah Jamaluddin and Dow country director (Malaysia and Singapore) Paul Fong. Over 500 people attended the run.

Autism is a developmental condition that affects social communication and behaviour. There is a wide range of symptoms and impairments associated with autism, and the condition is referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Rohanizam, a project manager at a construction firm, is one of many dedicated parents of children with autism who go the extra mile to help their child interact with others.

The father of five says it is vital to expose children with autism to many settings as this will enable them to adapt to different situations, interact with others and build their confidence.

“If Muhammad Firas stays at home, he won’t learn about the world or develop social skills. By bringing him out for activities like jogging, he learns how to mingle with others, and people also get to understand his behaviour. It’s important that my son interacts with society,” said Rohanizam, adding that Muhammad Firas is a student at Nasom in Teluk Pulai, Klang.

He highlighted the importance of early intervention and acceptance by parents for children with special needs.

“Some parents may hesitate to acknowledge their child’s condition and might avoid bringing them out because they are hyperactive or seem naughty. But it’s essential to find solutions to support these children.

“Children with autism need to learn independence and develop life skills to prepare for their future,” said Rohanizam.

The running event was designed not only to raise awareness for autism, but also to champion sustainability by collecting used shoes, so that they can be recycled and turned into playground materials.

The event embraced the 5Rs theme – run, reduce, reuse, recycle and respect – encouraging participants to run with purpose and recycle shoes for a circular economy.

The run aimed to raise autism awareness and promote sustainability by recycling used shoes, turning them into playground materials.

At the event, Nasom chairman Julian Wong said the purpose of the run was to foster acceptance for individuals with autism.

“Inclusion goes beyond physical presence – it is about creating a space where everyone, regardless of abilities, feels valued, understood and empowered. By embracing neurodiversity, we can build a society where individuals with autism thrive in all aspects of life, and are supported and respected for their unique qualities,” said Wong.

Proceeds from the Eco Run and over 600 recycled shoes collected during the event will go toward building a new playground at Nasom’s autism centre in Teluk Pulai.

Wong added that the run serves as a reminder that small efforts, such as recycling shoes or fostering inclusion, can lead to profound changes in both communities and the environment.

The playground, designed to benefit 53 students, will have a surface made from recycled shoe materials – rubber granules and fibres bound with environmentally friendly adhesives.

This is the country’s second playground made from recycled shoe materials. The first was built in 2022 at SK Bukit Tadom (A) in Banting, Selangor after the 2021 floods.