KUALA LUMPUR: For 11 years, composer and singer Edry Abdul Halim has shared his life with Emery, his third of four children who suffers from autism.
It has always been a challenge for Edry and his wife Milia Mohamad to raise Emery, who turns 11 on May 15. He throws tantrums and sometimes bites his siblings and young relatives.
Nevertheless, KRU’s youngest member admits that Emery is his “greatest gift from God” for the boy has taught him to be more patient and calm.
Emery’s arrival also made sure Edry, 41, spent more time with his family despite his busy schedule as one-third of the successful pop and hip-hop family trio which also comprises his elder brothers Datuk Norman and Yusry.
Recollecting Emery’s early years, Edry said: “He suffered an epileptic seizure shortly after he was born, and after getting treated for it, doctors found that he showed signs of autism.
“He was not able to speak, and my wife and I learnt to communicate with him in sign language. We still do, as he remains speech-impaired,” said Edry in an interview with the New Straits Times today.
Edry, who has three other children Emil, 18, Edylia, 15 and Elya, 8, admitted that he could not afford to lose his cool when looking after Emery because he could turn aggressive.
“I discipline him if he disturbs his siblings, but I do so with affection. As a result, he has developed a strong bond with me and misses me a lot whenever I’m out-station or overseas for work purposes,” said Edry.
So strong is the bond between father and son that whenever Edry comes home Emery will greet him with a warm hug.
“He is happiest whenever my brothers and parents visit him. He’s always cheerful and happy when they are around.”
Edry calls his son ‘a special boy in every sense of the word’.
“Despite coming into my life with autism, he’s gifted with a fantastic memory and lots of joy in his heart.
“Since he arrived, he’s brought cheer not only to my wife and I, but also his siblings, relatives and family friends,” said Edry, adding that despite occasionally “attacking” his siblings, they get along great with him and always attend to his needs.
The composer feels he has not spent enough time with Emery, despite devoting time and energy over the last two decades training new singers.
Now that KRU is calling it a day as a pop and hip-hop trio on May 6, Edry promises to “catch up” with Emery and see to his educational needs.
In the second half of the year, the whole family will follow Emery to Europe and start life anew there.
He will be enrolled in a school for special needs children, and while Edry has not decided which country they will go to, it is either the United Kingdom or Germany.
“Over the last year, my wife and I have identified a few schools there which are specially for autistic youngsters. They’ve got the best educational facilities for Emery,” he said.
“I would have wanted him to study in a local school for special children, but unfortunately there are no schools for those with autism.”
Despite migrating to Europe, Edry will spend half of his time in the Klang Valley to help his brothers manage KRU Studios, their business empire based in Cyberjaya, Sepang, Selangor.
“KL will still be my home, for here's where I found fame and family. Emery was born here too, and will be back during his school holidays, as he loves to visit his grandparents,” said Edry.
Edry and Milia had planned to go overseas next month, but deferred their move because of KRU's 25th anniversary and farewell concert, Konsert Gergasi KRU25, which will be held at Istana Budaya from May 4 to 6.
“We’ve also decided to spend one more Hari Raya Aidilfitri with Emery in KL, as it’s our favourite time of the year,” he said.
Norman, Yusry and Edry unanimously agreed to disband KRU last year, but chose to give fans “one last, explosive concert”.