Malaysian singer Shila Amzah reveals her son, 4, has autism
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Shila Amzah and her husband Ubaidillah Zulkefli and her son Seth Uwais.
PHOTO: SHAHILAAMZAH/INSTAGRAM
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian singer Shila Amzah has revealed that her four-year-old son, Seth Uwais, has autism.
In an Instagram Reel posted on June 25, she expressed relief in understanding her son’s condition after initially having concerns about his development.
“Seth has been diagnosed with level one autism. I had a feeling it could be either autism or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder),” the 33-year-old said.
According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association, individuals diagnosed with level one autism require minimal support.
Symptoms may include difficulty initiating social interactions, unconventional responses to social cues and challenges with switching between activities, among other things.
Rather than feeling disheartened by the diagnosis, Shila sees it as an opportunity to raise Seth better.
“Now that we have the official diagnosis, it’s easier to know what to do and what not to do,” she said, adding that her son is undergoing applied behavioural analysis therapy.
Many netizens have left comments praising Shila for taking the news positively, while others sent encouraging words.
Malaysian actress Fasha Sandha said: “Seth is a smart kid who will become the pride of his mum and dad. Love your positive energy.”
“I love parents who aren’t in denial. Nothing is wrong with an autistic kid,” commented a netizen.
Seth is Shila’s first child from her previous marriage to Haris Idraki Elias, which ended in divorce in 2022.
She married social media influencer Ubaidillah Zulkefli on Aug 5, 2023, just six months after going public with their relationship.
The couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Rhea Akira, on May 9. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
