4 Businesses in Asia Empowering Autistic Individuals and Supporting Families

For parents of children with autism, the prospect of their child finding fulfilling work and being part of a supportive community is both a hope and a concern. Globally, autistic individuals face some of the lowest employment rates, but in Hong Kong and across Asia, inspiring businesses are paving the way for change.

These organizations are creating meaningful job opportunities and fostering inclusive workplaces that empower neurodiverse individuals to thrive. By providing employment alongside life skills training, financial independence, and a sense of belonging, these initiatives are giving autistic individuals and their families renewed hope.

The Edible Projects 

Hong Kong, China

For families in Hong Kong, businesses like The Edible Projects  (T.E.P.) not only provide employment but also foster a sense of belonging and community for autistic children and their parents.

Established in 2019, The Edible Projects  (T.E.P.), a social enterprise under the LoveXpress Foundation, is built on a self-sustainable business model that hires and trains autistic youths while supporting local communities. This initiative serves as a beacon of hope for parents of autistic children in Hong Kong, demonstrating how meaningful employment opportunities can transform lives. T.E.P. currently operates two health-focused cafés and offers Ready-to-Cook frozen food products through its online shop, cafés, and pop-ups at Sogo and city’super.

“We wanted to extend the operations of T.E.P. to create even more job opportunities for those with special needs, so we collaborated with food production facilities that we currently partner with to launch our Ready-to-Cook series, with the packaging and delivery done by SEN youths,” explains Stefanie Chin, T.E.P.’s General Manager.

Their frozen food offerings, including stews and soups that are both nutritious and easy to prepare, feature packaging designed by autistic artist Alvin Li, whose artwork is also displayed in T.E.P.’s cafés.

“These frozen food products are also given to low-income families and the elderly by our participants with special needs and other volunteers under LoveXpress’ food distribution programs,” says Stefanie. “Autistic individuals often have social communication difficulties, so this gives them the opportunity to socialize, gather, and make a difference.”

Every Wednesday, T.E.P.’s Sham Shui Po café provides training to ASD and SEN students transitioning from school to the workforce. Participants gain hands-on experience in kitchen operations, customer service, and communication. “They are also given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the diners at the end of lunch service, so they get to interact more with strangers and know that what they do matters,” adds Stefanie.

Currently, most of T.E.P.’s operations are based in Kowloon and outlying islands, but future plans include expansion to Hong Kong Island with grab-and-go kiosks and soup stations. “Some autistic individuals can be even more productive at certain tasks because of their ability to be hyper-focused,” Stefanie remarks. “We hope that by expanding our efforts, we can provide more job opportunities and ways of making a living for them.”

The Animal Project 

Singapore

The Animal Project (TAP), a Singapore-based social enterprise, creates high-quality lifestyle products featuring artwork by artists with special needs. Founded in 2013 by Roland Tay, TAP was inspired by his autistic son Jun-Yi’s (JY) remarkable animal drawings, which channel his creativity into a sustainable livelihood.

“JY’s artworks express subtle nuances of social interactions that he himself rarely partakes in,” Tay explains. “With just a black marker pen, he draws each animal without any hesitation and each carries a different expression.”

Since 2013, TAP has been transforming JY’s and other special needs artists’ animal-themed works into products such as bags, accessories, and kitchenware. The enterprise supports five artists, who receive royalties for their work, and provides employment opportunities for individuals with special needs in packaging, inventory management, and delivery. At least 50% of TAP’s profits are reinvested into initiatives supporting the special needs community.

Endorsed as a “Made With Passion” brand by the Singapore Brand Office and Singapore Tourism Board, TAP’s products are sold online and in stores such as the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari shops, and Design Orchard Retail Showcase.

“If it’s a dignified product of quality, people will continue to buy especially when there’s a social cause behind it,” Tay says. “TAP exists for a cause, not just to make money. But we have to make sure we make money to sustain the cause.”

By combining art and advocacy, TAP offers creative outlets for neurodiverse individuals while raising awareness about autism. For families, it serves as a powerful reminder that individuals with special needs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society with the right support.

Coco Farm & Winery 

Ashikaga, Japan

In Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, Coco Farm & Winery has empowered individuals with ASD and other special needs for over 60 years. Founded in 1958 by teacher Noboru Kawada, the initiative began as a way to give students meaningful work by clearing 7.5 acres of steep hillside land and planting grapevines. This provided healthy manual labor in a natural setting while showcasing their abilities.

In 1969, this effort grew into Kokoromi Gakuen, an institution for intellectually challenged students at the vineyard’s base. Coco Farm & Winery became a private company in 1980, launching its first wine in 1984. Guided by wine consultant Bruce Gutlove, the winery focuses on producing high-quality wines while empowering students to learn and work with purpose, proving that disabilities do not define abilities.

“In an effort to boost agriculture and welfare, people with disabilities have become involved in farm work. There’s a growing movement to help Japanese farmers who face the problem of worker shortage,” says Machiko Ochi, Chef Administrator of Kokoromi Gakuen. “Our students work alongside our staff, who provide hands-on training and guidance with crushing grapes, bottling wine, and shipping orders in addition to viticulture.”

Coco Farm & Winery’s wines have earned international acclaim, appearing at events like the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit (2000), a welcome dinner for British Prime Minister Theresa May (2017), and Japan Airlines’ international first-class lounges.

Beyond winemaking, Coco Farm fosters community engagement. Students participate in forest management and seasonal events, while locals assist in daily activities and volunteer on the vineyard. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, a shop, café, and the annual harvest festival held every November.

Looking ahead, Machiko hopes the farm will remain a safe haven for students. “The goal is to continue to grow high-quality grapes and produce high-quality wines so that our students can live proudly.”

Autism Café Project 

Malaysia

The Autism Café Project (ACP), founded in 2016 by Adli Yahya, creates a safe and empowering space for autistic individuals to work and thrive. Inspired by his son Luqman, diagnosed with ASD at age two and 90% non-verbal, Adli envisioned a social enterprise to provide meaningful employment and foster autism awareness.

What began as a café has evolved into ACP Group Home, where individuals on the spectrum live, work, and create. Its centralized kitchen produces cookies and food items sold at markets, company events, and through catering services. The youths also craft handmade items like bracelets and festive gift boxes. ACP employs four permanent staff and relies on 10 autistic volunteers.

“Seeing them living to the fullest of their ability is just amazing. They work, and they are giving back to society,” says Adli. “They make meal packs and donate them to the homeless and orphans as well.”

Running ACP comes with financial challenges. “You must retain a certain amount of revenue to ensure it is sustainable,” Adli remarks. “You want to do good, but there is a financial cost.”

Despite hurdles, ACP empowers autistic youths to live fulfilling lives through work opportunities, social engagement, and community contributions. By promoting inclusivity, ACP demonstrates that with the right support, individuals with ASD can thrive, give back, and inspire greater acceptance in society.

Championing Inclusivity for Families with Autistic Children in Hong Kong and Asia

Supporting businesses that empower individuals with autism and their families is essential to creating a truly inclusive society. Across Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, initiatives like these provide parents with hope, resources, and meaningful opportunities for their children.

By celebrating the unique strengths of autistic individuals and fostering inclusivity, we can build a brighter and more supportive future for families in our communities.

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