Our
Approach
Neurodiversity is a complex phenomenon. To generate sustainable change and meaningful progress, we have a multilayered approach that spans across levels of society - from individual empowerment to systematic changes and extending to public awareness and policies.
Social Ecoloigcal
Model
Individual Level
At the individual level of the neurodiversity movement, empowering neurodivergent individuals is essential and critical. Neurodivergent individuals often possess non-traditional talents, heightened sensitivities, and unique cognitive abilities that neuromajority individuals may lack, which offers a wealth of untapped human potential. By championing the value of these differences and fostering an environment where neurodivergent individuals can thrive, we unlock innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and groundbreaking contributions across all sectors of society. Without addressing these broader systematic issues, the potential and positive impact at the individual level may remain limited.
Interpersonal Level
Similarly, fostering understanding at the interpersonal level, such as within families and social circles, is vital because they are the primary source of support, nurturing, and socialization to the neurodiverse community. When family members and close friends value the unique traits and abilities of neurodivergent, it can provide a strong foundation for their personal growth and empowerment. However, if these interpersonal changes are not supported by institutional reforms, neurodiverse individuals may still face significant challenges in accessing truly equitable opportunities at the institutional levels.
Institutional Level
At the institutional level, reforms such as the development and implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive policies and adaptive supports are essential for breaking down the barriers that have long hindered the potential and participation of neurodiverse individuals. These reforms can take many forms to create more equitable access to all. Yet, if these efforts are not complemented by awareness-raising initiatives and reach a broader societal change, the progress made through institutional reforms may remain constrained within the confines of organizations, as neurodiverse individuals could still face challenges in accessing opportunities in the wider community.
Community Level
Community-level support for neurodiversity is essential because it serves as a catalyst for the betterment of society as a whole. When a community values cognitive diversity, it unlocks immense growth opportunities and taps into a wellspring of untapped human potential. Neurodiversity often possesses unique qualities, specialized skills, and diverse perspectives that elevate the entire society. As more people in the community learn about neurodiversity, it cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity. This shift in societal attitudes not only benefits neurodivergent, but also fosters a society that is committed to the principles of equity, social justice, and the recognition that everyone has inherent worth and the capacity to contribute.
Policy Level
The effective policy serves as a powerful enabler, amplifying and coordinating the various initiatives and supports that exist in the above-mentioned layers. By establishing a strong regulatory framework, policies can bridge the hinges from different levels and catalyze synergistic relationships, which create the necessary conditions for these multi-level efforts to achieve collective impact. It can foster a virtuous cycle where individual empowerment, interpersonal support, institutional reforms, and community-driven initiatives reinforce and amplify one another. By aligning these collective efforts from various levels, policies can have a transformative potential in building a more equitable, accessible, and cohesive society for all.
Our
Activities
Understanding the complexity of the neurodiversity landscape, NDAHK engages with a wide range of stakeholders across Hong Kong. Together, this dynamic network of synergies and activities create the ripple effect in catalyzing the awareness of neurodiversity in our society.
Meeting with Primary and Secondary School Principals of Local Schools
NDAHK had a fruitful meeting with a group of primary and secondary principals from local schools. In the meeting, we all shared our passion and connections with neurodiversity. We also discussed our next steps in the educational sector and brainstormed the data to be collected for research.
Hong Kong Outstanding Father Nomination & Incentive Program
NDAHK was honored to be one of the supporting organizations for the HK Outstanding Father Nomination and Incentive Program curated by Family Value Foundation. This nomination acknowledged the efforts of fathers with neurodiversed children.
Meeting with OneSEN
OneSEN was established in 2021 as a support platform that equips neurodiversed caregivers with knowledge and skills through professional seminars and courses to better support the development of their children. We shared our experiences in the field and discussed on sustainable development of NDAHK.
Guest Speaker for Event of
Chuk Yan Center x HASS
The Chuk Yan Center and HASS Lab crossover event highlighted how positive attributes emerged through art activities and steps. In our post discussion, we spoke on the importance of positive language in interpreting behaviors and its role in shaping perspectives on neurodiversity.
Guest Speaker at
Boredism Exhibition
HASS Lab advocates for artistic thinking and presents alternative perspectives on the success of marginalized communities. Their "Boredism Exhibition" showcased a wide range of creativity stemming from boredom. Our roundtable also discussed the paradigm shift needed to promote neurodiversity.
Inaugural Event of Local Schools and Community
Our Inaugural Event was so successfully held! The event attracted more than a hundred professionals, organizational representatives, educators and individuals who are passionate about neurodiversity. We also had an extended session for in-depth discussions of implement the model.
Case Discussion by Professor John Kim from
Harvard Business School
Professor John Kim from Harvard Business School was in Hong Kong and facilitated a case analysis of the development of NDAHK. The session generated much in-depth discussions on possible ways in creating a sustainable model that fuels the mission of NDAHK.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week at HSBC Ability
HSBC Ability program was celebrating the Neurodiversity Celebration Week by bringing together a group of organizations that are dedicated to the neurodiversive community. We shared about the increasing evidence and reports of advantages of hiring neurodiversive individuals in work settings.
Neurodiversity
Celebration Week at YCA
YMCA Christian Academy is a school committed to cultivating a learning environment that celebrates neurodiversity and empowers students of all abilities to thrive. In one of its assembly, the students shared what neurodiversity is, how to help each other to thrive and how to manage differences in school.
Meeting with
Neurodivergent Advocate
Jonathan Mok, a passionate neurodivergent advocate, was diagnosed in adulthood. He shared about his perspective of the silver lining from his neurodivergent conditions. We learned a lot from his perspective on promoting neurodiversity in HK.
Presentation in Heep Hong 50th Anniversary
Our Founder Miss Emily Kwan was invited to speak on the topic of neurodiversity in this special occasion and introduced it to the local professionals and parents. In the Q & A session, we had a good brainstorming time to discuss about ways to promote it through collaborations with other organizations.
Public Seminar at
Chinese University of HK
Dr. Lawrence Fung is the Clinical Director of Stanford Neurodiversity Project. We made the connection with Chinese University of Hong Kong and helped organizing a public seminar on the topic of “The Strength-Based Model of Neurodiversity: Application in Education, Employment and Clinical Setttings”.
Presentation at
Catalyst Education Lab
Our NDA Founder Miss Emily Kwan and the group of members presented on the importance of neurdiversity, successful cases of strength-based model and the multilayered approach to promote the awareness of neurodiversity on the stage. The event had over a hundred audience.
Meeting with Principals
We had an in depth discussion with a small group of principals about the support system for SEN students, the practical challenges in local schools, the implementation of strategies, the role of SENCO, and the relevant school policies. We learned about the structure and the structure of these schools.
School Visit at
Hong Kong Academy
Hong Kong Academy is an inclusive school that is dedicated to incorporate the notion of neurodivesity into their everyday curriculum and regular schedule. We learned about how HKA is a diverse and rich learning community through their daily practices of kindness, understanding and appreciation of differences!
School Visit at
Hong Chi Morninghope
Hong Chi Morninghope is one of the schools dedicated to provide quality service in educating, training and empowerment of neurodiverse students and their families. We learned about their curriculum and learned from the personal sharing of their previous and current students.
School Visit at
Fortress Hill Methodist Secondary School
FHMSS is a secondary school that aims to nurture students to develop comprehensively and to learn life and job skills that prepare them for adulthood and job settings. We observed many job settings on site and discussed on the potential pathways of neurodiverse students.
Presentation at
Catalyst Education Lab
Miss Emily Kwan & Mr. Shek presented on the significance of contexts in unlocking potentials for everyone. Using the analogy of nuts & bolts, their message underscored how identifying and nurturing the fitted contexts are the key to develop the abilities and talents of neurodiverse individuals.
Meeting with
True Colour Symphony
True Colors Symphony was established in 2019 as a non-profit organization that aims to uncover the musical talents of and establish musical performances for neurodiverse individuals. We discussed on the musical potentials of many neurdiverse individuals.
Meeting with LovExpress
LovExpress was established in 2015 as a non-profit organization that partners with diverse community stakeholders to create synergies that empower the autistic community. We exchanged our ideas and discussed on how to enhance the awareness of neurodiversity to the general public.
Presentation at
Catalyst Education Lab
Miss Emily Kwan presented on the performance problems and analysis of the deficit - based model as depicted in Special Education Needs. She spoke of the theoretical framework and systematic thinking related to neurodiversity to the group of educators.
Meeting with HASS Lab
Artist Miki Ho from HASS Lab was having her solo exhibition, including the illustrations of the artistic talents of neurodiverse students. We learned about the passion of HASS Lab in developing the potentials of neurodivese individuals through multiple forms of art media.
School Visit at
Chak Yan Centre School
Chak Yan Center was established in 1974 and have the extended residential service to supports students with adjustment challenges. We learned about their school system and had a generative discussion in the school.
Meeting with
Youth Global Network
YGN was established in 2013 as a non - profit organization that conveys and network different resources globally and locally to expand the horizons of youth. We were glad to learn about their journey from its Co-Presidents, Dr. Bill Tsang.
Renaming. Rethinking.
Recontextualizing.
Before NDAHK was officially born, our Founder Miss Emily Kwan presented the idea of renaming, rethinking and recontextualizing "Special Education Needs" to a group of educators. The idea was supported by many educators.