Breaking Barriers Together: How Alvinia Christiany and Teman Autis Are Changing the Autism Narrative in Indonesia
Every so often, we come across individuals whose work leaves a lasting impact on the people and communities around them. For me, one of these inspiring figures is Alvinia Christiany, a woman whose passion and commitment are reshaping perceptions of autism in Indonesia. Alvinia, along with the organization she co-founded, Teman Autis, is on a mission to provide support, education, and resources to families navigating the challenges of raising children with autism. It’s the kind of work that reminds us all that real change starts with empathy, action, and a dedication to building a sustainable, compassionate future. In Indonesia, there’s still a stigma surrounding autism, which can make life even harder for children with autism and their families. This stigma often leaves parents feeling isolated or even ashamed, unsure of where to turn for help. Alvinia recognized this gap and decided to take action. She and Ratih Hadiwinoto founded Teman Autis in April 2018, aiming to create a welcomin