Neuro-diverse students, some of whom rarely get the chance to venture into new experiences came together recently in Cypress to enjoy a “Taste of Asia” event that provided a chance to get a taste of life in a much different way prepared by kids their own age.
The Beach Cities Chapter of Autism Peer 1 on 1 organized a “Taste of Asia” event to welcome the Lunar New Year for neuro-diverse students from throughout the region, said Alistair Wu, a freshman student at Oxford Academy in Cypress.
He said the Lunar New Year celebration featured Asian snacks (from Korea, China and Vietnam), creating Asian crafts such as paper lanterns, watercolor card making, lantern making, and some fun and games.”
Dr. Kyle Chang, the first Council member elected in the newly carved out District 3, a majority Asian District, was the guest speaker for the event.
“It is an honor for me to be here today,” said Chang, “not just as a city council member, but as someone who once volunteered with children who were neurodivergent back when I was in college.”
Alistair Wu (right) with 12-year-old Lucas Wang at the “Taste of Asia” event in Cypress to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
“It’s remarkable the progress we’ve made as a society since then, not just in our willingness to talk about mental health issues, but also the initiative and advocacy we’re seeing from the next generation,” he said.
Chang praised the nonprofit group for pairing volunteers “with their peers, fostering relationships that enrich both lives.”
According to information provided by Autism Peer 1 on 1, that’s exactly why the organization was founded.
Autism Peer 1on1 empowers individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by fostering meaningful connections, creating supportive environments for personal growth and building a more inclusive society.
By educating neurotypical teenagers, Peer 1 on 1 encourages innovative solutions and prepares them to advocate for supportive policies and practices, it said.
“I know how important it is for community programs to get support from their community. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, you’re helping ensure these programs continue to change lives,” said Chang.
“Together, I sincerely believe we’re making a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone,” he said.
The Beach Cities Branch of Peer 1 on 1 is made up of all student volunteers, said Wu, including Mason Ghose, Marketing Director, Arts & Activities Director Katelin Tang, and a host of student volunteers.
“Peer 1 on 1 is an organization that supports in your diverse children with special and special needs children in general. So, for our branch, we mostly focus on our and STEM related activities. So, this event, specifically is to promote awareness about social issues regarding neuro-diverse children, as well as promote Asian culture,” said Wu.
“This is a way for neurotypical and neuro-diverse children to be able to interact more with others, since usually there tends to be like a barrier,” said Marketing Director Ghose.
Dr. Yuping Mao, the adult volunteer of the Beach Cities Branch, said 10 special needs families participated and that approximately 20 local Peer students had volunteered to help.
In addition, Mao said “neuro-diverse” is a relatively new term adopted to refer to those on formerly called “autistic” or on the Autism spectrum.
Erni and John Wang are the parents of 12-year-old Lucas. In an interview with ENE, the parents said their son’s participation in Peer1 on 1 “has been a blessing.”
Pictured, L-R Zhanqi Cheng, Founder and Director of Peer 1 on 1, Dr. Yuping Mao, Adult leader of the Beach Cities Branch, Erni Wang, special needs mother and Erica Baweek, high school volunteer mother. They were photographed at the Cypress event.
Lucas is highly functioning, yet on the spectrum, they said his mom, Erni. She said activities sponsored by Peer 1 on 1 have truly induced progress in Lucas’ ability to communicate.
She said Lucas enjoyed the Cypress event, but a tennis program sponsored by Peer 1 on 1 has given Lucas a chance to learn the sport and helped him communicate.
“I can see the growth in him and his tennis skills,” said Erni, saying they “way they teach him is calm, patient, and very effective.”
John Wang, Lucas’ dad, said the fact that these student volunteers are closer to his age makes a huge difference.
They understand that there’s going to be some limitations, yet they are very understanding like the people that they’re supporting,” said Gray. “That is really refreshing to be in an environment where they’re nurtured to do what they want to do and explore their creativity.”
Information provided by Mao indicated that collaborations with youth organizations have expanded our reach, and generous grants from Autism Speaks, the California Department of Developmental Services, and corporate sponsors like Qualcomm and Boeing have allowed us to enhance the Peer 1 on 1 program.
“Our primary focus is providing social and recreational activities for youth with autism, helping them build friendships and develop critical social skills in a supportive, peer-based environment,” she said.
Recognizing the limited services available after individuals age out of public school, the program offers affected families a variety of additional services and programs.
Autism Peer 1 on 1 seeks to empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by fostering meaningful connections by creating supportive environments for personal growth, and the “Taste of Asia” event in Cypress was a great example of the organizational impact of the effort.