A Timeline of Creative Journeys
Holding Hands to Light Up the Stars: Empowering Children with Autism The 2024 “ Star Journey Family Camp 2024”, supported by the New Taipei City Social Welfare Department, is an innovative training program that brought together children with autism and their families during the summer holidays. Traveling and learning hand in hand through Luzhou and Tamsui, “Big Stars” (older youth) and “Little Stars” (younger children) experienced meaningful growth. Two generations of parents also had the chance to share and pass down their parenting wisdom. At TAAA, we believe that parents are their children’s lifelong teachers. We hope that more families with children who have disabilities will engage with our programs and embrace the philosophy of Additive Education—empowering their children through holistic and creative learning. One mother told staff that her eight-year-old child had wet his pants during the activity and wanted to go home. She explained that this happens when he’s upset or unwilling to cooperate. The staff gently encouraged her to let the child experience discomfort and suggested: “Let this moment surprise him. It’s hot out—the pants will dry soon. If we immediately meet his request, he may use this tactic again to avoid learning.” The mother agreed, and with support from an older “Big Star,” the team redirected the boy’s attention. Soon, he accepted the idea of staying and showed a clear step forward in emotional resilience. In raising children with autism, one of the biggest challenges is over-accommodation. While they are young and lovable, if they remain overly dependent on their parents, it may become a burden in the future. True parenting is about looking ahead—helping children become independent and avoiding habits that may hinder their growth later in life. Star Families, Shining Together At the Taiwan Autistic Arts Association (TAAA), we not only help children with autism discover their self-worth but also inspire hope in their families and communities. Parents at the association are more than caregivers—they are mentors to one another, actively sharing successful parenting experiences and walking alongside their children in strength and solidarity. This powerful community is the result of more than two decades of dedication, not simply the outcome of organizational support. It is built on mutual encouragement and shared journeys. We aim to create an environment where every Star Child can shine, growing freely under a sky filled with possibility. 🌟 Every hand held is a step toward growth.
Immersive Learning Project - A Story of Mrs. Mackay – Chongming Chang The Background for Art Project Creation: In the era advocating for gender equality, let's delve into the extraordinary life of Mrs. Chang Chongming, the wife of Reverend Mackay. Her narrative brims with courage, perseverance, and dedication. Originally named Chang Congchai, she was born in the 19th century and became a child bride at a tender age. Refusing foot binding, she endured the daily punishment of shelling peanuts. Thankfully, her grandmother cherished her deeply and introduced her to the church. It was here that her path crossed with Dr. George Leslie Mackay, leading to their union in a cross-cultural marriage of the 18th century. At their wedding, she recited her vows in vernacular Chinese, embarking on a new life journey with Reverend Mackay. Mrs. Chang followed him in preaching and actively participated in medical and educational endeavors, significantly contributing to Taiwanese society. To offer a deeper understanding to the Autistic Star, we enlisted the assistance of members from the "Tamsui Women's Path" program, women embarking on second careers, to recreate the wedding scene of the Mackay couple from the 18th century. The Autistic Star took on the roles of Reverend Mackay, while the women portrayed Mrs. Mackay. They immersed themselves in the experience, feeling the constraints of bound feet, reciting marriage vows in vernacular Chinese, and even manually shelling peanuts. Through this unforgettable theatrical journey, everyone present came to cherish and appreciate Mrs. Chang Chongming’s unwavering perseverance and dedication even more.
Immersive Learning Project - "One Touch of Green" The Background for Art Project Creation : This project provides autistic youth with a unique opportunity to engage with and explore historical themes. Despite initial skepticism from some historians about the ability of autistic individuals to grasp abstract historical narratives, this initiative marked our first application for public resources from the Ministry of Culture's Policy Committee. Our goal was to broaden the horizons of these youths in line with additive education principles. By fostering active social engagement and forging a successful partnership with the PTS A Touch of Green production team, we offered these youths, exempt from military service, a chance to experience military life, thereby enriching their life experiences. Within the PTS "A Touch of Green" studio, autistic youths were immersed in the full experience of a pilot preparing for flight, from dressing in a uniform to boarding training. They gained firsthand experience in film production, interacted with actor Wu Kang-Ren, and participated in taking production photos, all of which deepened their understanding and interest in drama. Additionally, we facilitated a deeper connection with the authentic history and culture of the Sisinan Village through dialogues with veterans, using dramatic techniques to enhance their comprehension of historical contexts. During the broadcast of PTS A Touch of Green, the Star Child group not only kept up with the program and engaged in discussions but also actively produced artworks themed around the program. This flurry of creative activity fueled their inspiration and led to the creation of artworks resonant with historical themes. These pieces were eventually displayed in the small living room of Huashan Art & Cultural Park-Culture department, empowering the autistic community and encouraging individuals with disabilities to confidently and proudly present themselves in public. Star Child exemplifies a vibrant and assertive presence, challenging conventional societal perceptions of autism.
In 2023, Autistic Stars represented New Taipei City’s autistic youth in an exhibition and cultural exchange held in Dallas, USA, marking their debut on the international stage. The event not only highlighted the artistic accomplishments of autistic youth but also provided a platform to share Taiwan’s successful approaches to autism education and caregiving. This participation earned international recognition for Taiwan’s “Additive Education” model, reinforcing the country’s commitment to advancing special education and fostering global connections in the field.
Autistic Stars embarked on an immersive learning journey through a travel-study program in Tamsui. As part of the program, they received multilingual training to become certified tour guides.
Welcome to a special project directed by Grace Chen for her son YiHong, a young man with autism who has never experienced having a girlfriend — until now, through the magic of storytelling. Set in a quaint coastal town, this heartwarming drama allows YiHong to explore emotions of affection, connection, and friendship for the first time. Combining humor, Taiwanese opera, martial arts, and rich local culture, this immersive learning journey is more than a story — it's a beautiful step towards emotional growth and self-discovery.