Mum of autistic twins shares pro tip: Don't be afraid to travel, just plan ahead
Travelling with a child who has special needs can be daunting - even more so when the journey involves a completely new environment, a plane ride or unpredictable crowds.
So it's no surprise that many parents quietly shelve the idea of taking their children with special needs on holiday.
But for Madam Nor Hafizah Abdul Ghani, a 52-year-old mother of five whose 14-year-old twins are on the autism spectrum, that has never stopped her from showing them the world.
In fact, she says, it became the reason she made travelling a family habit - whether by land or air.
"Although my twins were diagnosed with autism, I believe they're just like any other children - they just need more help," Madam Hafizah, a beauty business founder, told Berita Harian.
"They deserve the chance to see the world, too. I don't want to be selfish and go on holiday without them just because they're autistic."
So far, she has travelled with her twins overseas six times by plane and 15 times by road.
However, she admitted that it took serious planning. Preparations often began as early as six months before the trip. That included choosing the most suitable flight times, crafting an itinerary that's not too packed, and factoring in her sons' preferences and sensitivities.
She also prepared visual aids like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help her communicate with the twins, Yousef Asir Zulkefli and Yousef Asif Zulkefli, both of whom are minimally verbal.
PECS cards prepared by Madam Hafizah to help her twins communicate during their trip to Japan. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) uses picture cards to support individuals with speech or communication difficulties. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
"I took them to Changi Airport before the trip and explained the process so they could anticipate what would happen," she said.
She also counted down the days with her twins months in advance, to help them prepare mentally, as autistic children often struggle with spontaneity.
On their most recent family trip to Japan in December 2024, she also informed the airline in advance using the Disabled Passengers with Intellectual Disabilities or Developmental Needs Assistance (DPNA) code - a special request code for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
With the code activated in her booking, the airline arranged for priority boarding, airport assistance and a smooth, stress-free journey.
"I want the cabin crew and passengers to know I'm flying with children with special needs - in case they cry or need help. And with the DPNA code, the service was amazing, beyond what I expected," she praised.
From the moment they passed through customs to collecting their luggage, everything moved quickly.
Airport staff even escorted them like "bodyguards", she joked, to help them avoid long queues and stressful delays.
In addition, Madam Hafizah emphasised the importance of children with special needs wearing lanyards that clearly indicate their condition.
Her twins wear the green sunflower lanyard, known as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which serves as a discreet yet recognisable signal that they have non-visible disabilities.
Attached to the lanyard is their identification card from the Developmental Disabilities Registry (DDR), administered by SG Enable.
Twins Yousef Asir Zulkefli (left) and Yousef Asif Zulkefli (right) exploring Japan with their mother. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
"I'm not ashamed. It's not about labelling my children. It's about their safety," she said
She also packed noise-cancelling headphones to help the twins regulate sensory input, especially loud or unpredictable sounds, which can trigger meltdowns.
Even with all the prep, she admitted it's not easy. But she's confident that the effort was worth it - not just for her twins, but for the whole family.
"It strengthens our bond. It teaches my other three children how to care for their siblings and it shows them that inclusion starts at home," she said.
To parents who are nervous about travelling, she offers this advice: "Don't be shy. Don't feel like you can't do it. Take it step by step. The important thing is to keep an open mind - treat the trip as a way to better understand your child."
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