Dr Jenny H Chu Interview

How has Brookline fostered an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals?

I think Brookline has long been a community that values diversity and inclusion, and we're seeing now that there are increasing efforts to really extend that spirit to neurodiverse individuals. Schools, community organizations, local businesses—they're really working to create environments where all kinds of minds, you know, feel welcomed and supported.I think we're doing this through inclusive hiring practices, neurodiversity-friendly programming at the library, and educational workshops offered by different groups. It really is a growing awareness of inclusion that meets people where they're at, and I think it's celebrating the strengths that they bring.

What initiatives or programs are in place to promote autism acceptance within the community?

So I'm proud to be a part of Boston Peers, where we use evidence-based social skills programs for neurodivergent teens and young adults. We help them build competence and confidence in social interactions.In addition to the direct services with teens and young adults and their families, we also work with educators and community leaders to promote true acceptance—not just awareness—of the neurodiverse community. And that means, I think, seeing autism not as a deficit, but simply as a different way of experiencing the world. Like I said, the town has been so supportive of neurodiverse, sensory-friendly events, programs, et cetera.

How does Boston Peers help neurodivergent teens and young adults develop meaningful social connections?

At Boston Peers, we teach real-world strategies in a way that's structured, respectful, and also empowering. These are skills used by socially successful young people, and they learn how to enter conversations, maintain conversations, even how to exit conversations, how to choose appropriate friends, how to handle teasing—because we know a lot of our neurodiverse young people are very vulnerable to teasing and bullying.To navigate dating and relationships, all within a supportive group of peers, we do different things like role-plays, behavioral rehearsals, and parent/caregiver training so that the skills can be practiced and generalized outside of the group. And the truth is, we really want—our goal isn't to mask who they are. It really is for them to connect authentically with others on their own terms.

What are some common misconceptions about autism that you hope to challenge through this work?

You know, I think one major misconception is that autistic individuals aren't interested in socializing, and that's simply not true. Most of our participants want friendships and relationships, but they just haven't been taught the hidden rules of social interaction.Another myth, I think, is that autism looks a certain way—and in reality, it really is a spectrum. I also hope to challenge the idea that the goal should be making autistic people appear neurotypical. Our goal is connection, not conformity.

Can you share a success story or moment that really encapsulates the impact of your work?

Yeah, I would say, you know, there was one particular teen—let's call them Alex—who really felt very socially isolated, thought, you know, they were never going to have a friend or be part of a friend group. Over time in our program, they started to really open up, learn some wonderful skills that allowed them to socialize with others.They ended up having some hangouts, initiating some hangouts with friends, even going to prom, and even now speaking on behalf of young people with autism. So we're really proud of them. The confidence that they grew over time was really huge. Stories like Alex's are why we do what we do. It's not about fixing people—it's about giving them tools, community, and the confidence to show up as themselves.

What are your hopes for the future when it comes to autism acceptance and inclusion?

I hope we continue to move beyond awareness and into action—creating workplaces, schools, and community organizations that are not just tolerant of neurodiversity, but really enriched by it.I'd love to see more investment in supports that help autistic individuals thrive across their lifespan, not just in childhood. Ultimately, I hope we reach a point where inclusion is just the norm—it’s not an exception—where neurodiverse people are not only accepted, but they're celebrated for who they are.