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Gallery

Two children with autism, only one a Malaysian

Aini is determined to continue fighting for her daughter to be recognised as a Malaysian citizen.

Photographs by Ahmad Sadiq Mohamad Sani

Aini hugs her children, Rayyan and Hana, both of whom have been diagnosed with autism.
Aini hugs her children, Rayyan and Hana, both of whom have been diagnosed with autism.
Hana, 6, smiles as she hides behind her mother with a cup of milk.
Hana, 6, smiles as she hides behind her mother with a cup of milk.
Rayyan, 8, is a Malaysian and can attend the government school near their home.
Rayyan, 8, is a Malaysian and can attend the government school near their home.
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But Hana, seen here playing with her brother, is not recognised as a Malaysian as she was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where their father works.
But Hana, seen here playing with her brother, is not recognised as a Malaysian as she was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where their father works.
She is a cheerful child despite her autism and enjoys spending time with her brother.
She is a cheerful child despite her autism and enjoys spending time with her brother.
She also likes watching television shows in the living room.
She also likes watching television shows in the living room.
A letter from the home ministry informing Aini that her application for citizenship for Hana has been rejected.
A letter from the home ministry informing Aini that her application for citizenship for Hana has been rejected.
Aini leaves the house with Hana, checking her handbag as they head off to the school for special needs children in Batu Caves where Hana has her therapy sessions.
Aini leaves the house with Hana, checking her handbag as they head off to the school for special needs children in Batu Caves where Hana has her therapy sessions.
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Hana enjoys these classes and always looks forward to them.
Hana enjoys these classes and always looks forward to them.
There, she participates in classes designed to help special needs children learn and develop their social skills.
There, she participates in classes designed to help special needs children learn and develop their social skills.
The children are also taught basic skills such as how to brush their teeth.
The children are also taught basic skills such as how to brush their teeth.
The road ahead may be hard for Hana, but she remains cheerful in spite of the challenges.
The road ahead may be hard for Hana, but she remains cheerful in spite of the challenges.