Multiple perspectives

Chris Papadopoulos hopes his inclusive encyclopaedia will spark discussion and action, and Hazel Lim looks at addressing the stigma around autism in the Chinese community

My journey into the world of autism and neurodiversity is both personal and professional, and I have dedicated much of my life to creating spaces where autistic and neurodivergent individuals can be their authentic selves and thrive.

My academic background is rooted in public health, with a focus on autism, mental health and health technology. As a university lecturer, researcher and commentator, I have sought to challenge stigma and advocate for inclusion.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of contributing to projects that aim to reduce stigma and improve support systems for autistic people and their families.

In 2014, after my eldest son was diagnosed as autistic, I created the London Autism Group on Facebook to connect with other parents and build a supportive community.

The response was incredible – it quickly became a lifeline for many families, including my own.

But, while the group provided vital support, I realised that meaningful, long-term impact required something more formal.

So, in 2017, I founded the London Autism Group Charity, which provides community, support, and education to autistic individuals and their families.

Through this work, I have met countless incredible people whose compassion and insights continue to inspire me.

I also co-created The Autism Podcast, a podcast dedicated to sharing diverse autistic experiences, tackling stigma and offering practical advice for navigating the world as an autistic or neurodivergent person.

It has been an extraordinary privilege to amplify the voices of others and engage in discussions that challenge societal norms and inspire change.

This book is one of the most meaningful projects I have ever worked on.

My aim is not only to inform but to touch hearts, inspire empathy and celebrate the richness of neurodivergent perspectives. I hope it serves as a valuable resource and sparks meaningful discussion and, most importantly, action that ripple beyond these pages.

The articles on this page are edited extracts from Voices of Neurodiversity

Cultural barriers and a Chinese support group

I’m Hazel Lim, an autism advocate and proud founder of the Chinese Autism community interest company.

I have three children, and my journey into autism advocacy began when my eldest son was five years old. I noticed he interacted and responded differently from his peers, though I couldn’t quite pinpoint why.

I raised my concerns with his teachers, who suggested he might be neurodivergent and referred him for an assessment. However, with a waiting list of more than two years, we were left without a diagnosis or the support we desperately needed.

Determined to help my son, I began researching autism myself. But, when I turned to friends and family for support, I was met with silence. While they had heard of autism, they didn’t understand it or felt too uncomfortable to engage.

Feeling isolated, I knew I had to find my own way. In 2015, I gave up my career and moved my family from London to Wales to pursue an MSc in autism and related conditions at Swansea University.

My studies deepened my understanding of autism and revealed the unique challenges faced by the Chinese community regarding stigma and misunderstanding. I decided to act.

In 2016, I founded the Chinese Autism Support Group to support Chinese families navigating autism. Then, in 2019, I produced the first bilingual English and Chinese autism booklet in the UK.

This resource addressed the cultural barriers many families face and offered professionals insight into the challenges within our community.

In 2021, I founded Chinese Autism CIC to provide nationwide support and empower Chinese families with knowledge and guidance.