About Us
My Story
Hi, my name is David Kang. I'm the founder of The PHILIPS organization. In 2018, I wanted to create a space to bridge social gaps and nurture social inclusion for autistic children. Named after my brother, Philip, PHILIPS aims to help autistic children form new friendships through engaging biweekly meetings.
Philip was born in May 2004. Several months after his birth, he began having chronic seizures and was later diagnosed with profound autism and developmental delay. His diagnosis meant our lives centered around his needs, making simple activities like family vacations or grocery trips seem insurmountable. Our home became a sanctuary from a world that didn't understand him.
This early exposure to the stigma associated with autism, especially within East Asian cultures where mental health and developmental disabilities are often shrouded in silence, sparked my determination to advocate for autism awareness. Witnessing my parents navigate these challenges with resilience and grit inspired me to raise awareness and change societal perceptions of autism.
What started as a local initiative has now grown internationally, with chapters in four countries and hundreds of members. Our approach, rooted in empathy and diversity, fosters positive relationships and inclusive communities.
Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of autistic children and their families :)
