At the age of 12, Maya Kirti Nanan, started an organisation to advocate for, and help promote equity for her autistic brother and others on the autism spectrum.

Six years later, her hard work was recognised locally when she won the Youth Leadership: Community Groups Award at the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service's National Youth Awards on October 2.

Nanan, 18, is the founder and president of the Siblings and Friends Network, the youth arm of the NGO, Support Autism TT which is registered as the Autism Support Network TT.

The Siblings and Friends Network was also shortlisted for two other categories at this year’s awards including Most Effective Community Youth Project for its virtual education series, and its vice president, Celine Frederick, for the Youth Leader Student Award (18-35).

Nanan told WMN she was very happy when the organisation was shortlisted and proud that the work she and the other members were doing was recognised at the national level.

She said the organisation was nominated by her aunt, Dr Radica Mahase, who is also the founder and director of Support Autism TT, and a Newsday contributor on autism.

It was Nanan's first nomination at the youth awards so she was both surprised and proud that she won, and happy to be recognised locally.

[caption id="attachment_920649" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Maya Kirti Nanan, Youth Leadership: Community Groups winner in the National Youth Awards. Nanan founded The Siblings and Friends Network to advocate for autistic youths. - PHOTO BY AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]

“I started the Siblings and Friends Network because I wanted to create opportunities for my younger brother, Rahul, who is on the autism spectrum. I wanted to advocate for inclusion for him and others with disabilities in TT and to create autism awareness.

“Therefore, we conceptualise and develop all the activities we host and ensure they are sensory-friendly and truly inclusive for persons with autism.”

Nanan said the idea came to her when she realised Rahul was not able to do things or go places she did even though they were only one year apart.

Initially, she wanted to get her friends to interact with people on the autism spectrum, as well as involve other siblings so they could have a strong support system.

It started with a handful of her friends. Now, the organisation has over 350 youth volunteers, ages ten to 25.

“Before covid disrupted our regular routines, the Siblings and Friends Network organised events and activities throughout TT, especially for autistic individuals. Some of our regular physical events included our autism Christmas party, autism tea party and fashion show, autism camps and autism outreach booths which were organised throughout the country.

“We held regular fundraising events so that all events were free and financial assistance is given to those from lower-income brackets and rural areas so that they can attend.”

One popular event was Sensory Santa in collaboration with C3 Centre, San Fernando. The mall would dim the lights,