「From Hawai‘i to Japan: Community Networks and the Development of Autism Support around “Team Lenny”」

Annoucement forwarded from H-Japan in the H-Net Commons:

The final talk in the CIEE Kyoto Seminar Series this Spring, on Friday, April 3, 2026 by Benjamin Dorman (Senior Research Fellow, Nanzan University Anthropological Institute):

From Hawai‘i to Japan: Community Networks and the Development of Autism Support around “Team Lenny”

Abstract:

This talk examines the development of a community-based network around an autistic child in Japan and the forms of practical knowledge that emerged through that process. When our son began to show early signs associated with autism, we sought advice from specialists in Japan but were largely encouraged to “wait and see.” In contrast, time spent in Hawai‘i exposed us to a different environment of diagnosis, family services, and parent support networks. After returning to Japan, we gathered a small group of volunteers around our son in our home, forming what we called Team Lenny. Over several years, volunteers met regularly in a playroom environment shaped largely by what we learned through online communities andfrom teachers we later engaged directly. Through ongoing interaction and reflection, the group developed shared forms of practical knowledge about engaging with an autistic child. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some interactions later continued online before the network gradually wound down as our son grew older.

Although centered on one child, the experience later intersected with institutional settings. In 2016, a crowdfunding campaign connected us with the director of the NPO Tokotoko, who invited us to share our experience with teachers at the Hidamari no Ie center. Elements of the approach were later incorporated into Tokotoko’s "To Heart" program. The talk reflects on how knowledge about autism support can emerge through collaboration between families, volunteers, and childcare professionals.

Please note this talk begins at 18:00 and will be run in hybrid format from CIEE Kyoto (6th Floor, Gion Classroom) with Zoom access available.

Format & Venue

Time: 18:00–19:30 (JST), unless stated differently
Location: CIEE Kyoto, 6th Floor, Gion Classroom and Zoom (hybrid)

Registration

Please register in advance for either in-person or online participation:

In-person (CIEE Kyoto): [On-Site Registration] CIEE Kyoto Seminar Series - Benjamin Dorman – Fill in form

Zoom (online): https://ciee.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gMMpzz0VSJW08y-hDSr7WQ#/registration