Our Autism Community: Chinese Autism Research and Empowerment Services (CARES)

Embracing Diversity: Redefining Narratives, Building Community Networks

The Autism Blog invited our community partners at CARES (Chinese Autism Research and Empowerment Services) to share about how Chinese-speaking families in our region navigate an autism diagnosis, their organization’s mission, and the resources they provide.

Read this article in simplified Chinese here - 如要阅读简体中文版本，欢迎点击此处。

Members of the CARES leadership team, from left to right: Nicole, child, Davina, Linda, Daisy, Zoey

At CARES we’re leading a movement to dismantle harmful stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and amplify marginalized voices. We envision a community where diversity is embraced and celebrated, where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully, regardless of their abilities.

Our approach is holistic and community-centered. We provide essential resources and support services tailored to the unique needs of Chinese families. We empower these families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the educational, legal, and social challenges that often come with developmental disabilities. Whether we’re advocating for policy changes, conducting impactful research, or offering direct support, CARES is committed to being a beacon of hope and advocacy in the Chinese community.

Why CARES?

When we started CARES in Seattle, one question kept coming up from Chinese-speaking families: "What will the future look like for my child?" This question reflects the deep concerns and uncertainties these parents face every day. Unfortunately, the stories and images they encounter rarely provide the hope and reassurance they so desperately need.

In mainstream media and cultural representations, people with developmental disabilities from Chinese backgrounds are almost invisible. When they do appear, it’s often through a lens of pity, reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than showing their potential. This lack of representation has serious consequences—it creates misunderstandings and leaves parents feeling isolated as if their struggles are invisible to the broader community.

During a lecture this March with undergraduate special education students in China, Dr. Hui Zhang, Director of Autism Research and Policy at CARES and a mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), asked, "Did any of you ever have classmates with disabilities during your school years?" Out of sixty students, about a dozen raised their hands, mentioning peers with hearing or visual impairments, or developmental disabilities. This number was more than Dr. Zhang expected, given that during her own school years in the 1980s and 1990s, it was rare to encounter a classmate with visible disabilities.

Ending Stigma, Offering Hope and Support to Families

This limited awareness has significant consequences, especially when it comes to parenting. Dr. Zhang herself was unprepared for the challenges her child with ASD would face. In China, and within Chinese cultures more broadly, prenatal care and baby growth guides rarely discuss developmental disabilities. Families often avoid these "unfortunate" topics altogether. This mindset is common and evident in the questions people ask on social media about families of children with developmental disabilities: "Why didn’t the parents do prenatal screenings? Why didn’t they take precautions?" Dr. Zhang’s experience highlights the widespread misunderstandings and lack of preparedness in the Chinese-speaking community, which inspired the creation of CARES.

As Dr. Ruqian Ma, one of the founding members of CARES, said: “This realization marked the beginning of CARES. We knew that change was necessary.” With this commitment, CARES is focused on reshaping these harmful narratives and providing much-needed support to Chinese families facing the challenges of developmental disabilities. Our team—which includes school psychologists, special education researchers, behavior analysts, legal professionals, and parents—offers a deep well of both personal and professional insights. We understand the pain of seeing a child’s potential overshadowed by societal misconceptions, both in our professional roles and personal lives.

For too long, the story of developmental disabilities within the Chinese community has been one of sadness, stigma, and isolation. But at CARES, we believe there’s a different story to tell—one that celebrates neurodiversity, fosters community support, and enriches our collective understanding of what it means to be human. Disability is not just a challenge; it’s part of the diverse spectrum of human experience and deserves recognition.

Through our work, we aim to rewrite the narrative surrounding developmental disabilities in the Chinese community. We’re building bridges of understanding, challenging biases, and paving the way for a future where individuals with developmental disabilities are recognized as valued members of society. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can build a brighter future where everyone is embraced, supported, and empowered, regardless of their abilities.

Key Resources for the Chinese-Speaking Community

At CARES, we are committed to providing not only support and advocacy but also the essential resources needed to empower Chinese-speaking families navigating the challenges of developmental disabilities. We believe that access to the right tools and information can make a world of difference in the lives of these families.

Key resources provided by CARES

• Educational Workshops and Webinars: CARES offers regular sessions that cover topics such as developmental milestones, legal rights, and navigating the educational system. These sessions are conducted in Mandarin, ensuring accessibility for Chinese-speaking families.
• Parent Support Services: Our parent support services provide a safe space for parents to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn strategies from experts and peers alike.
• Resource Navigation Services: We assist families in accessing local services, from medical evaluations to educational accommodations, ensuring they receive the support their children need.

Other resources in the Seattle area

• Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC): CISC provides comprehensive services, including family support and early intervention programs, to the Chinese-speaking community in Seattle. They offer resources for families with children who have developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
• Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS): ACRS offers a range of mental health services, including support for families dealing with developmental disabilities. Their programs are designed to meet the unique needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities, with services available in multiple languages, including Mandarin.
• Open Doors for Multicultural Families: Open Doors supports and partners with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. It offers programs for individuals and their families from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which include Chinese Mandarin programs.

These organizations, alongside CARES, are vital parts of the network working to support the Chinese-speaking community in Seattle. By working together, we can provide a more comprehensive and supportive environment for families facing the challenges of developmental disabilities.

We invite you to explore these resources and connect with us at CARES as we continue to build a community that embraces diversity and supports every individual’s potential. Together, we can change the narrative around developmental disabilities and create a more inclusive future for all.