This week marked another meaningful step in CACIC’s mission to bring culturally aware autism education to communities across the UK. Hazel travelled to Southampton to speak at the Southampton Chinese Association, where she delivered a talk on children’s brain development and neurodiversity.
Creating understanding where it is most needed
For many Chinese families, topics like brain development and autism still carry layers of cultural stigma, uncertainty, and silence. Hazel’s session offered a safe and open space to explore these ideas without judgement. She explained neurodiversity through clear, accessible language and shared how understanding a child’s brain can transform the way families respond to behaviour, communication, and emotional needs.
Parents asked thoughtful questions. Educators reflected on their experiences. You could feel the relief of having information presented with cultural sensitivity rather than fear or shame.
Introducing the Sunflower Scheme to the community
Hazel also took the opportunity to introduce our bilingual Sunflower Lanyard, created in collaboration with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. For some attendees, this was the first time they had encountered the symbol or understood its purpose in public spaces.
She explained how the Sunflower Scheme can help autistic individuals and their families:
- access public spaces with confidence
- reduce the pressure to explain or justify behaviours
- feel recognised rather than judged
- navigate unfamiliar environments more comfortably
It was encouraging to see community members embrace the idea and ask how they could support awareness efforts.
The visit also offered a chance to share CACIC’s ongoing fundraising work and the long-term vision behind it. Many families expressed interest in supporting culturally specific resources, workshops, and advocacy efforts.
It was a reminder that change grows when communities come together, not only through learning but through collective action.
On the way back, Hazel noticed something that made the day feel complete: the Sunflower symbol displayed on the doors of Southampton Central Station.
A quiet but powerful reminder that the work we do in community spaces is connected to broader movements across the country.
The symbol she had just introduced to families earlier that afternoon was right there, shining back at her.
A perfect full-circle moment.
A final reflection
Hazel’s visit to Southampton was more than a talk. It was a bridge between information and culture, between families and understanding, between awareness and action.
Every conversation, every question, every moment of connection plants a seed for future acceptance. And every seed matters.
As we continue growing awareness across the UK, we remain committed to making sure no family feels alone, misunderstood, or invisible.