Our Origin
Empowering Autistic Individuals
Through Art, Travel, and Education
The Taiwan Autistic Arts Association (TAAA) was founded in 2015 by Teacher Grace Yin-Chun Chen, a mother of an autistic child and a seasoned special education teacher. With over 25 years of experience, she has used art as a transformative tool to build confidence, improve communication, and unlock the potential of individuals on the autism spectrum.
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TAAA brings together talented autistic artists from across Taiwan—including those with Down syndrome and Asperger’s syndrome—creating a nurturing community for creative growth and personal development. The organization’s mission is to break the cycle of isolation and foster meaningful social participation for autistic individuals. Central to this mission is Grace's belief in "Additive Education"—an innovative approach that integrates diverse experiences such as travel, hands-on learning, and artistic creation to ignite curiosity and build independence.
Originally a visual merchandising designer, Grace transitioned into the world of special education after witnessing the systemic challenges faced by students with disabilities. She observed how traditional models often lumped all special needs students together without personalized instruction, leaving many autistic individuals under-supported and underdeveloped throughout their schooling.
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In response, she pioneered a more dynamic and inclusive method: Additive Education. This approach uses multi-sensory engagement—through art-making, immersive learning projects, outdoor exhibitions, and community outreach—to empower autistic individuals, whom she lovingly calls “Autistic Stars.” With rich, thematic experiences across northern Taiwan, these young artists created and exhibited their work while interacting with community centers and elders. The results were inspiring: children once seen as limited began to flourish, gaining recognition as confident and capable creators.
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TAAA’s efforts do more than transform individual lives—they also align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Through therapeutic creative activities, TAAA enhances emotional and mental well-being.
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Goal 4: Quality Education – TAAA offers inclusive, lifelong learning opportunities tailored to each individual.
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Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By nurturing artistic skills, TAAA opens doors to creative career paths and economic independence.
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Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – TAAA champions equity and inclusion by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals.
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Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By integrating autistic artists into cultural life, TAAA builds more inclusive and resilient communities.
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Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – TAAA advocates for representation and equal opportunity in education, culture, and public life.
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Inspired by the profound impact of these initiatives, the Autistic Artistry Foundation (AAF) was established to expand TAAA’s reach. AAF builds on this foundation, promoting neurodiverse talent and inclusion on a global scale. With a mission rooted in creativity, dignity, and empowerment, AAF aims to transform how society views autism—not as a limitation, but as a different, brilliant way of engaging with the world.
Join Bryan Lee as he shares his transformative summer experience volunteering with the Taiwan Autistic Arts Association. Witness the incredible creativity and growth of the Autistic Stars as they develop independence and express their unique perspectives through art. This video highlights the association's life-changing impact on all students and their families.
In this video, Ivy Lee warmly shares her summer journey volunteering with the Taiwan Autistic Arts Association. She reflects on the joy of witnessing autistic stars thrive under caring guidance, as they develop remarkable artistic talents and essential life skills. The video invites you to explore the association's innovative methods for nurturing independence, offering much-needed relief to caregivers. Ivy also shares how outdoor adventures and sensory experiences help unleash the full potential of these incredible individuals, leading to the creation of truly inspiring works of art.