Optism Celebrates Asia’s Largest Autism Inclusion Conference

Optism joined Asia's largest inclusion conference in Macau, promoting autism awareness, early intervention, and inclusion across Hong Kong, Macau, and Shenzhen.

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Optism is proud to have been the official media partner of the recently concluded Inclusion Conference Festival 2025, Asia’s largest event dedicated to autism and intellectual disabilities. Held in Macau from June 23rd to June 27th, 2025, the conference brought together 650 attendees from across the Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and Shenzhen, as well as participants from other parts of Asia. The festival served as a powerful platform to promote awareness, share insights, and foster inclusion for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The event began on June 23rd at Macau Anglican College, where families, educators, and professionals gathered for a day of engaging sessions and workshops. On June 24th, the conference continued at the iconic MGM Cotai, offering attendees a dynamic space to explore topics such as early intervention, inclusive education, and strategies to build self-esteem and independence in individuals with autism.

A highlight of the festival was the heartfelt keynote delivered by Carmen Li, Founder of Optism, who shared her personal journey as a mother of a child with autism. Carmen reflected on the challenges she has faced and the lessons she has learned over the years, emphasizing the importance of early acceptance, early intervention, and the strength of community support. Her moving story resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring parents to embrace their children’s unique journeys and find empowerment through connection and mutual support.

Optism’s CIO, Vincent, also took the stage and shared his perspective on autism, encouraging parents to see autism not as a disability but as a different ability. He urged families to play an active and supportive role in helping their children unlock their full potential. Vincent’s message of positivity and empowerment left a lasting impression, sparking meaningful conversations among attendees about shifting perceptions of autism.

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Our CIO, Vince, delivered a heartfelt speech, while Carmen had the opportunity to speak with the media about Optism’s inclusion efforts in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

In addition to Carmen and Vincent’s contributions, the festival featured impactful keynotes from renowned experts in the field. Dr. Weihong Kuang (China) delivered an insightful talk on moving beyond pathologizing autism, advocating for lifelong support and inclusion instead of focusing solely on correction. Dr. Larry Luo (China) introduced the innovative Fascia Therapy, a non-drug rehabilitation approach designed to enhance self-healing mechanisms and improve physiological functions in individuals with autism. From Hong Kong, Dr. Angus Lam explored the often-overlooked topic of sexuality and intellectual disabilities, offering guidance on how caregivers can support autonomy and dignity in this area. Meanwhile, Dr. Derrick Tan Meng Kiat (Singapore) presented strategies to strengthen executive function, self-regulation, and self-inhibition, empowering individuals with autism to develop independence and essential life skills.

Workshops during the festival were equally engaging, showcasing the transformative roles of art, music, and sports in fostering self-expression and community connection. These interactive sessions provided attendees with practical tools to support individuals with autism in creative and meaningful ways, reinforcing the event's core theme of inclusion.

The Inclusion Conference Festival 2025 was a resounding success, highlighting the power of collaboration across the Greater Bay Area and beyond. By bringing together experts, families, and educators, the event underscored the importance of addressing challenges faced by individuals with autism and promoting innovative solutions to foster inclusion at every level.

Optism is honored to have been part of this transformative event and remains committed to empowering families and championing neurodiversity. Stay tuned as Optism continues its mission to provide resources, build community support, and help parents across Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, and Asia navigate the autism journey.