An autistic award-winning pianist wishes to use her experience to encourage people in society to accept those with the disorder.
Alice Yip Wai-ping, currently working as a private piano teacher, was diagnosed with autism when just six. At the time, her intelligence was also found to be equivalent to that of a child of four years and eight months old.
"I'm not sure what causes my autism, but back then I was too active, unable to distinguish between people, and could only rarely work with others," she recalled.
Yip started playing the piano when she was eight. Her mother enrolled her in classes in hopes that she can learn how to concentrate and get along with others.
"It also made an improvement in my primary school grades. I managed to achieve second place in class when I was in primary five, and I was rewarded with a ticket to a theme park. I was really encouraged by that," she said.
As her experience in playing the instrument grew, Yip participated in many international competitions, with her first being in Rome, Italy, when she was 19.
"Joining these events gives me a great sense of achievement. I can broaden my horizons and communicate with people around the world through our passion for music," she said.
Yip continued to perform in international competitions after she graduated in Wales in 2013. One of her most memorable competitions was held in Budapest, Hungary, in 2017. It was the first time Yip performed a concerto with a large orchestra.
"Apart from needing to get familiar with the language and culture there, learning to work together with the orchestra was also a great challenge, as my social skills are not the best due to autism. But I persevered, and with the support from the orchestra, we managed to get a honorable mention at the competition," she recalled.
Her recent achievements include winning the third prize at a Canadian competition last month, as well as a gold and silver medal, respectively, in a global competition's modern and open classical categories in October.
Yip has also been a piano instructor since graduating from secondary school in 2002, teaching all age groups as well as those with autism. She recalls the experience of teaching a primary school student with the disorder back in 2018.
"Originally, his emotions were unstable. He sometimes refused to accept his faults when he did something wrong and beat himself when he failed to succeed.
"But after teaching him piano he managed to build his self-confidence, as well as learn how to concentrate and get along with others in school," she said.
Yip hopes her personal experiences can encourage people with autism and bring about a positive impact.
"They can succeed and make others proud if they are willing to make an effort. I also hope through gaining talent, those with autism can become more accepted in society," she said.
