Our Origin

Chen YingChun, originally a visual merchandising designer, transitioned into special education, where she encountered the challenges faced by students with special needs. She observed that the traditional special education system often grouped various special needs students together without tailored instruction or development opportunities. This lack of personalized education led to the underdevelopment of autistic students within the compulsory education system.

In response, Chen introduced "additive education," an approach that uses art creation, immersive learning, outdoor exhibitions, and community engagement to provide autistic individuals—affectionately called "Autistic Stars"—with sensory-rich experiences. TAAA’s innovative approach engages all five senses, allowing Autistic Stars to express themselves beyond traditional communication methods. Through thematic training and hands-on creative projects, they traveled and created art across northern Taiwan, interacting with community centers and senior citizens. Their work received widespread acclaim, transforming children once seen as hopeless into capable youth with promising futures.

This approach not only reshaped the lives of participants but also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
  TAAA contributes to the well-being of autistic individuals by offering creative and therapeutic activities, improving mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

• Goal 4: Quality Education
  TAAA promotes inclusive education by providing autistic individuals with opportunities to learn and develop their artistic skills, ensuring equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  By nurturing artistic talents, TAAA empowers autistic individuals with the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce, particularly in creative industries, supporting sustainable economic growth.

• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  TAAA reduces inequalities by advocating for the rights of autistic individuals, promoting their inclusion, and providing them opportunities to express their talents.

• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  TAAA fosters inclusive communities where autistic individuals can thrive, participate in cultural activities, and be valued members of society, contributing to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.

• Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  TAAA promotes inclusive societies by advocating for autistic individuals' rights and ensuring their voices are heard, granting equal access to opportunities.

These goals illustrate how TAAA’s mission and activities contribute to global efforts for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

Inspired by the profound impact of these methods, the Autistic Arts Foundation (AAF) was established to expand TAAA’s work. Building on TAAA’s foundation, AAF carries forward the mission of promoting the talents and potential of autistic individuals while exploring new horizons in art and inclusion. Through creativity, inclusion, and empowerment, AAF aims to shift societal perceptions of autism from a challenge to an opportunity for growth and contribution, aligning with global efforts for a more inclusive and sustainable world.