Our Story

Chinese Autism Community Interest Company (CACIC) was established by founder Hazel Lim in response to her lived experience. When Hazel’s son was five years old she began to notice he was different to his peers. She noticed the way he interacted with other children and the way he responded to instruction seemed different in some way, but she wasn’t sure why. Hazel discussed her observations with her son’s teachers and they introduced the possibility that his behaviour might be indicative of neurodivergence.

The school made a referral for Hazel’s son to be assessed, but the waiting list was over 2 years. Without a formal diagnosis, Hazel received little support or information about how to help her son. To better understand what her son might be experiencing, Hazel began her own research. As she began to reach out to those she knew for reassurance and moral support, Hazel noticed people struggled to understand or empathise with her position. Whilst those around her were aware of the term autistic, they didn’t seem to understand what it was and were reluctant to engage in any conversation about it.

Hazel found herself even more isolated and alone but remained determined to find the answers she needed. Hazel gave up her successful career as an interpreter in London and moved the whole family to Swansea where she could pursue greater understanding at Swansea University, studying for an MSc in Autism and Related Conditions. Through this, Hazel came to learn a great deal and began to recognise the particular challenges that exist within the Chinese community regarding autism and related conditions.

With a Malaysian heritage, Hazel wanted to connect to the local Chinese Community soon after she arrived in Swansea. Hazel thought she would find community and connection at the Chinese Community Centre, however when she went there and began to explain why she had come to Swansea, she noticed people shut down and grew uncomfortable around her. Eventually, Hazel was told the reason people at the Chinese Community were avoiding her and didn’t want to talk to her, was because she was being so vocal about autism. She learned that in the Chinese culture, there is great stigma associated with autism, a societal perception that it is an embarrassment and should not be discussed.

Coming face to face with significant misunderstanding and resistance within the Chinese community, Hazel grew determined to change things. Knowing there must be many other parents like herself within the Chinese community, Hazel sought to establish a support system for any families in the Chinese community who needed help or information around autism and neurodiversity.

Despite ongoing cultural resistance, Hazel became a voice for Chinese families with autistic children and began to seek funding to run support sessions and activities for them.