THE RAHUL EFFECT w/Maya Nanan

Maya Kirti Nanan is a youth leader and autism advocate from Trinidad and Tobago, known for founding the Autism Siblings and Friends Network (ASFN) and Rahul’s Clubhouse - Trinidad and Tobago’s first autism-inclusive enrichment centre. Motivated by her younger brother Rahul’s autism diagnosis, Maya has built a movement focused on awareness, inclusion, and empowerment. Through ASFN, she has trained hundreds of youth volunteers and led national advocacy and education initiatives. Rahul’s Clubhouse offers life skills training, therapy, and vocational development to children and adults with autism. Recognised with awards like the Diana Award and the 2023 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, Maya continues to drive youth-led, community-based solutions for disability inclusion across the region and internationally.

TANITH: Your brother Rahul’s autism diagnosis has been a defining moment in your life. How did that early experience shape your sense of purpose and plant the seeds for your journey as an advocate?

MAYA: Seeing how Rahul, who is nonverbal, was misunderstood, excluded, and underserved by society, I had a first-hand look at the challenges autistic individuals and their families face in Trinidad and Tobago. Rather than feeling helpless, I channelled my love for Rahul and turned it into action. I realised that other siblings like me often lacked the tools and support to understand and connect with their autistic family members. This experience gave rise to founding of the Autism Siblings and Friends Network (ASFN) - a youth-led organization built on empathy, awareness, and inclusion. It began as a peer-support space but evolved into a national movement that empowered young people to become allies and advocates for those with autism as well as to create opportunities for autistic persons. My bond with Rahul has become both inspiration and compass, grounding my mission in lived experience. The injustice and social stigma Rahul faced planted a powerful sense of duty for me to be his voice and, more broadly, to build a society where individuals like him are fully accepted, supported, and celebrated. This personal connection is what gives my advocacy work its authenticity, urgency, and heart. ​

TANITH: You founded the Autism Siblings and Friends Network at just 12 years old — a remarkably young age to take on such leadership. What compelled you to act, and how did you navigate the challenges of being a young change maker in this space?

MAYA: When my younger brother Rahul was diagnosed with autism, I didn’t fully understand what autism was because we were just kids, but I could see how isolated he was, how misunderstood he became, and how difficult it was for my family to find support. As his sister, I felt a deep responsibility to do something. I didn’t want to just sit back and watch him be excluded from the world around him. I wanted to create a space where people like Rahul were accepted, supported, and included and where siblings like me could learn, connect, and make a difference too. That’s what led me to start the Autism Siblings and Friends Network (ASFN). At first, it was just a small group of my cousins and friends who wanted to help. But over time, it grew into a youth-led movement focused on education, inclusion, and empowerment. We are the only youth-led organisation in Trinidad and Tobago which focuses on one main cause. Being so young, I faced challenges some adults didn’t take me seriously, and I had to learn how to lead while still being a student myself. But I stayed focused on my “why” - Rahul. His journey gave me strength and purpose. I leaned on mentors, asked questions, and learned along the way. I realised that age doesn’t define impact, commitment, and compassion do.

TANITH: Autism often comes with misunderstanding and stigma — in your experience, how have you seen it ‘mark’ individuals, families, or even entire communities? And how does your work aim to rewrite that narrative?

MAYA: I’ve seen firsthand how autism is often surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma, especially because people lack knowledge and awareness. Too often, individuals with autism are labelled as “difficult,” “spoiled,” or “not normal.” Families, including my own, have faced judgment in public spaces, people staring, whispering, or offering unkind advice when Rahul would behave in ways they didn’t understand. That kind of stigma doesn’t just isolate the individual; it isolates the entire family. It creates fear, shame, and silence when what’s really needed is support, education, and empathy. Through my work with ASFN and Rahul’s Clubhouse, I’ve been focused on changing that narrative. We create safe, inclusive spaces where autistic individuals are not just accepted, but celebrated. We train young people to become allies and advocates, we educate communities to replace judgment with understanding, and we give families the tools and confidence to embrace their journeys. My goal is to help people see the beauty, value, and potential in every autistic person to move from stigma to solidarity. In hope that once you know better, you do better.

TANITH: From Rahul’s Clubhouse to your volunteer training initiatives, you’ve created tangible spaces for belonging and inclusion. What does true inclusion look like to you, and what barriers still need to be dismantled to achieve it?

MAYA: To me, true inclusion means creating environments where everyone, not just some, is welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive exactly as they are. It’s not just about inviting someone into a space, but making sure that space is designed with them in mind. At Rahul’s Clubhouse, for example, we didn’t just build a centre and add a few sensory-friendly elements. We built a space from the ground up where autistic individuals feel safe, understood, and capable of reaching their full potential. To me, that is what inclusion means: belonging without having to change who you are. But we still have a long way to go. Many of the systems in place, such as education, employment, and healthcare, aren’t built to support people with different needs. There’s a lack of accessible resources, trained professionals, and policy-level commitment. Social stigma is still a huge barrier, too. That’s why our volunteer training is so important: we’re creating a culture of empathy and awareness, starting with young people. To truly achieve inclusion, we need to dismantle the idea that difference is a disadvantage. We need to listen, adapt, and build systems that honour every individual’s worth. Inclusion isn’t a checkbox, it’s a mindset, a commitment, and a continuous journey.

TANITH: Carrying a mission so deeply tied to your personal life can be both powerful and heavy. How do you stay grounded and inspired while balancing advocacy, leadership, and the emotional toll that comes with it?

MAYA: Carrying a mission that’s so personal, so deeply tied to my love for Rahul, can definitely feel heavy at times. There are moments when the emotional toll is real, especially when I see how much still needs to change or when families come to us completely overwhelmed. But what keeps me grounded is knowing why I do this. Rahul is my heart, and every step I take in this work is for him and others like him. That purpose keeps me focused and reminds me that even on hard days, the work matters. From a young age, I’ve always been involved in extracurricular activities, whether it was school clubs, volunteer groups, or sporting activities, so balancing multiple responsibilities became second nature to me. Advocacy just became part of my routine, something that blended into school life, friendships, and even how I spent my weekends. I’ve learned how to set boundaries, take breaks when I need them, and surround myself with a support system of people who understand the mission and share the load. Most of all, I stay inspired by the progress we’ve made, watching a child light up at Rahul’s Clubhouse, seeing a volunteer become a passionate advocate, and even choosing a career path that stems from their passion in volunteering with us, or hearing a parent say they finally feel seen. Those moments remind me that change is happening, and it’s worth every effort.

TANITH: Your story is proof that being ‘marked’ by a personal experience can spark widespread change. What message would you like to leave with young people who feel different, misunderstood, or defined by a single part of who they are?

MAYA: I want young people who feel different or misunderstood to know that being marked by something in your life doesn’t have to hold you back, it can actually be your greatest strength. For me, growing up with Rahul’s autism diagnosis shaped who I am, but it never limited me. Instead, it opened my eyes to the importance of empathy, patience, and kindness. What I’d tell any young person who feels different or misunderstood is this: you are not broken. You’re not too much or too little — you are exactly who you’re meant to be. Your story, no matter how challenging, has value. You don’t have to wait until you’re older, or more confident, or “ready.” You just have to start. And while it might feel overwhelming, remember this: being a kind human being is more than enough. Kindness opens doors, builds trust, and inspires people. Lead with that. Let your compassion be your strength. Be a kind human being. Kindness is powerful. It breaks down walls, changes hearts, and builds bridges where there once were divides. You don’t need to be perfect or have everything figured out to make a difference. Just show up with an open heart and a willingness to listen and care. Remember, your story matters. Your voice matters. And by embracing who you truly are with all your unique experiences, you have the power to create real, meaningful change. So don’t be afraid to stand tall, be proud, and let your kindness shine. You don’t have to change who you are to change the world. In fact, the world needs more people who are willing to be real, to care deeply, and to turn their own experiences into hope for others. So take up space. Use your voice. And know that what makes you different might just be your greatest gift. ∎

Find & follow Maya on Instagram:
@maya_nanan
Also follow Support Autism T&T:
​@supportautismtt