Patricia Yuen - Head of Communications and Development from Love 21

Good morning! Connection doesn’t always mean grand gestures. It can begin with something as simple as a smile, a hello, or asking them about their day. For people with neurodiverse needs, these small moments are proof that they matter, evidence that others see and value them. Hello everyone, we are Love 21 Foundation, a nine-year-old NGO in Hong Kong dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and autism, along with their families. Today, I’d like to share about why connection is so important for everyone, including our friends with Down Syndrome and Autism. Our holistic model includes nearly 1,000 healthy activities per month, consisting of a wide range of sports, dance, therapeutic interventions, employment, dietary and nutrition programmes. What makes Love 21 even more unique is our holistic model that we support the entire family. Every day, Love 21 offers classes specifically for parents, where they can have a laugh and exercise with their peers in a fun environment. We also have classes for the parents and children to participate in together. In these sessions, the caregiver and child improve their communication skills, build stronger empathy for each other, and most importantly, have fun. We also provide counselling and have peer support groups for the caregivers and parents. Nearly 70% of the over 600 families that we support are single parent households. The neurodiverse community in Hong Kong has been especially held back by a lack of opportunity and care. It is our goal to give our members the best holistic support we can while also introducing them to the greater community in order to reduce stigma. Another important goal, is to help society understand the talents of this community and how much they can contribute to our society when given the chance to do so. The 21st of March marks “World Down Syndrome Day” with the global theme - “Together Against Loneliness.” It’s a timely reminder of something we at Love 21 witness every day: that genuine connections change lives. Earlier this month, we gathered several of our neurodiverse members to talk about loneliness, friendship, and relationships. The word “loneliness” itself rarely came up in their conversation, yet when asked about a time when friends didn’t reply to messages or moved away, many shared moments of sadness. Some described loneliness as black or grey, they also feel uncomfortable and frustrated when facing a situation of being left behind. They know that feeling, even if they cannot always name it. Globally, about one in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome. While public understanding has improved, isolation remains one of the greatest unspoken challenges. Research shows that individuals with Down syndrome and other neurodiverse needs experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression at significantly higher rates. However, many cannot identify or express those feelings easily, leading others to underestimate their emotional needs. As our special education teacher often reminds us, over time this can lead to potential mental health risks. Also, the lack of understanding and support for their children can make caregivers feel isolated, burned out, and even hopeless. However, when our parents joined us with their children, and connections begin to form, everything changed. They joined our classes, being equipped with parental skills specifically for special needs. Parents who once struggled alone also found laughter with peers who truly understand them. Members who once felt excluded have now discovered confidence and belonging. These connections not just helped the individuals but also the entire families. That’s why at Love 21 we puts connection at the heart of our work. Beyond activity programmes, we create a space for families to meet, to talk, and support one another; we create opportunities to develop connections. We run a lot of community activities and CSR sessions to allow our members and parents to form bonds with the community. As part of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day, Love 21 is launching the #SockItWithLove21 campaign - a fun and symbolic way to celebrate uniqueness and raise awareness. Odd socks represent the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome, and the beauty of being unique. We invite everyone to put on a pair of mismatched socks and wear them to work, exercise, or even on a date to show your support for the neurodiverse community, it is also a good point to kick start a conversation. Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag us with #SockItWithLove21 @Love21Foundation to spread the love! You may even plan a fun odd-sock activity to raise awareness and money for us. Check it out on give.asia , or stay tuned with our socials for more updates! Join us, take a simple step starting today, to let them feel connected, supported, and loved!