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GULF WEEKLY -
The World Health Organisation estimates the worldwide prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in children at 1pc, up from 0.62pc in 2012. As we culminate Autism Awareness Month, Melissa Nazareth speaks to some of Bahrain's young heroes who have braved the odds to pursue their dreams amidst the struggles connected with their autistic condition.
Hussain Haji
“Art is more than a passion – it’s therapy and empowerment.”
The Bahraini creative talent’s journey began when he was just three years old.
engrossed: Hussain in his element
“I had communication difficulties and drawing was a way to express myself,” the 24-year-old told GulfWeekly.
“I’m inspired by both the natural world and human emotion. My style is impressionistic with abstract touches, often in vibrant colours. I work mainly with painting mediums but have recently started exploring comics and animation,” the artist, who has been attending Comic Con for the last six years and will return to Bahrain International Circuit for the much-awaited event next month, revealed.
The Bahrain Polytechnic visual design student, who graduated specialising in web media last year and has exhibited his works at many local showcases, hopes to develop his comic and animation portfolio and publish his own graphic novel.
distant: Abdulla’s photograph reflecting his unique worldview
Abdulla AlRayes
“My father gave me my first camera, and that simple gift opened up a whole new world for me.”
What started as a hobby has, overtime, evolved into a fulfilling journey for the 33-year-old, giving him the tools to manage his autistic condition.
Shutterbug Abdulla
“Living with autism has its challenges—sensory overload, social situations, and sudden changes can be tough but photography has helped me manage those struggles by providing focus, structure and a way to communicate,” he said.
The Bahraini shutterbug sets out at least thrice a week to go around capturing the world around him, then reviewing, and editing his photos.
“If I had to choose a muse, it would be the sky especially during sunset. There’s something magical about the colours, the stillness and the emotion that comes through in those moments,” he noted.
“I’d love to do my first solo exhibition and maybe even publish a photo book. Most of all, I want to inspire other young people on the spectrum to explore their creative side.”
creative: Ahsan’s artwork bringing alive nature
Ahsan Zulfiqar
“Living with autism can be hard but my family always supports me to do my best every day.”
AHSAN has explored different areas, including music, pottery and sport but, overtime, realised that art and computers are his forte.
“My mother and teachers noticed that I had a talent for copying artwork accurately. So, they encouraged me to develop it further and consider it as a career,” the 27-year-old, who lives with his parents in Aali, said.
support: Ahsan with his life coach at an art exhibition last year
“I paint landscapes, portraits, and even calligraphy. I take classes to improve my art techniques and have also completed some computer courses that helped me get opportunities to work in human resources at various organisations,” the Pakistani national added.
Ahsan’s artwork exhibiting his love for designs
The artist, who is part of Shahzaib’s Club House, a local community of differently abled people, has sold paintings and wants to learn baking as part of his goals for this year. He records his journey @ahsanzulfiqar2016 on Instagram.
proud: Yousif with a copy of 100 Bahrain Stories by Tanzeel Jabbar-Khadir, where his journey is featured
Yousif Hayat
“My ability is stronger than my disability.”
The 31-year-old has lived with labels and judgement for most of his life. At school, he was ‘naughty’ and ‘disobedient’, but this didnt stop the creative talent, who was diagnosed with severe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderand at the age of six and autism in 2010.
His parents never gave up on him and his father, a cameraman, who noticed his interest in cameras, enrolled him in a photography course.
“Yousif has been a volunteer photographer with Bahrain Mobility International Centre for the last seven years,” mum Shahida said, adding that he has won several awards for his work.
The creative talent from Riffa is also a Kung Fu junior green belt holder, displaying interest and skill in diverse fields from social media to football. He has completed a series of educational courses spanning English language and computers.
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