YWCA hosted “The Stories of 105 Brainpower Workers and Y SENse Children's Teaching Materials Exhibition” at The Mills in late March, attracting over  1,600 visitors. The four-day event brought together over 20 social enterprises, schools, and parent groups to share the workplace journey of 105 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The innovative and interactive exhibition aimed to deepen public and employers' understanding of the neurodiversity of ASD youth and to highlight their unique strengths, fostering greater diversity and inclusion in both workplaces and communities. 

The exhibition welcomed Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, accompanied by YWCA's Chief Executive Ms. Yvonne Yeung and Deputy Chief Executive Ms. Emily Lee. They explored the exhibition and interacted with ASD youth, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

“The Stories of 105 Brainpower Workers” explored neurodiversity – the idea that brains work in diverse ways – by showcasing how ASD individuals process emotions, behaviours and languages. One striking display, “Thinking Bubbles”, creatively used black-and-white contrasts to reveal how behaviours that may seem unusual to others are meaningful expressions of emotion for ASD youth. Another highlight, the “A Grade Translation Dictionary”, was a large flip-book installation featuring unique phrases used by ASD individuals. For example, one youth might say “long time no see” to a stranger – not as a greeting, but as an invitation to make friends. These exhibits offered fresh insights into the perspectives of ASD youth, encouraging better communication.

To highlight their potential and challenges, the event shared stories of 105 individuals working across various industries. Audio recordings and slideshows brought their joys and struggle to life, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of their experiences. The exhibition also explored how employers can adapt work environments to unlock the talents of ASD youth. Job coaching services and job coach tools were also demonstrated, boosting employers' confidence in hiring these young people. 

Alongside this, more than 50 Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching materials developed by YWCA were showcased. On-site experts explained how parents and teachers can use these tools to support the growth of SEN teens and children, making learning more accessible and engaging.

The exhibition illuminated the passion and potential of ASD youth. YWCA seeks to bridge employers, parents and schools, paving the way for inclusive workplaces and communities. By creating opportunities for ASD youth to shine, we hope to help them find their stage and lead fulfilling lives. For more information on supporting ASD youth in the workplace or accessing job coaching services, please contact YWCA’s Y SENse at 3520 0910.

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