Uplifting AANHPI Voices in Autism, Disability, and ABA
Each May, we recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities. This year, we chose to spotlight the voices and organizations at the intersection of disability, neurodiversity, and AANHPI identity. These voices and perspectives are too often underrepresented and we aim to uplift the community's voices and perspectives.
These stories and initiatives highlight the power of advocacy, representation, and community building. We’re proud to share a few of the organizations and individuals leading the way.
Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative (AADI)
The Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative (AADI) is a youth-led organization working to amplify the voices of disabled AANHPI individuals. AADI highlights intersectional advocacy, policy reform, and community empowerment, all while uplifting the lived experiences of AANHPI people with disabilities. One of the communities AADI supports and empowers include those who are autistic.
Through research projects, resource guides, and powerful storytelling, AADI creates space for radical inclusion and cultural authenticity. Their work is a reminder that true advocacy must consider both identity and access.
Learn more at aadinitiative.org
Asian Pacific Islander Association for Behavior Analysis (APIABA)
In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, representation matters. APIABA is doing the essential work of centering AANHPI professionals in our field. The Asian Pacific Islander Association for Behavior Analysis fosters community through mentorship, advocacy, and professional development.
Their efforts promote cultural humility and encourage providers to reflect on their own identities and biases as they support clients and families from diverse backgrounds. APIABA’s work is especially meaningful to those of us who care deeply about neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive practices.
Explore APIABA: apiaba.org
Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
Founded by immigrant parents in the Bay Area, Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is a nonprofit rooted in love, empowerment, and community. FCSN offers a wide range of services, including family support, inclusive programming, and adult vocational training.
FCSN’s culturally responsive model is particularly powerful for AANHPI families navigating the often confusing and overwhelming world of disability services. Their work reminds us of the strength of grassroots movements and the importance of building support systems that reflect the communities they serve.
Visit FCSN: fcsn1996.org
Spotlight on Helen Hoang
Representation also includes telling stories that reflect real experiences and author Helen Hoang is doing just that. A Vietnamese American writer diagnosed with autism in adulthood, Helen brings bold, brilliant neurodivergent protagonists to the forefront of romantic fiction.
Her bestselling novels include The Kiss Quotient, The Bride Test, and The Heart Principle. All these novels center autistic characters with depth, humor, and heart, challenging outdated stereotypes and celebrating both autistic identity and cultural heritage.
Her books offer not just great storytelling, but meaningful representation that shows autistic people belong in every kind of narrative, especially the joyful ones.
See helenhoang.com | 📸 @hhoangwrites on Instagram
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month through this lens reminds us that intersectionality matters. Neurodivergent individuals from AANHPI backgrounds deserve to see themselves represented not just in services and supports, but also in advocacy, leadership, media, and storytelling.
We’re grateful to these organizations and changemakers for reminding us what’s possible when we center community, inclusion, and authenticity. May we all continue learning, unlearning, and uplifting each other during AANHPI Heritage Month and every month.
