On May 10, the American Dream Mall became a stage not for spectacle, but for sincerity. Color4Lives, a sensory-friendly fashion show for children on the autism spectrum, offered a powerful tribute to Mother’s Day, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the newly enacted 2024 Autism Care Act.

Organized by the Sunflower Dance & Music Center and Love Without Borders USA, the event celebrated not only neurodiversity, but also cultural identity. Art, fashion, and heartfelt performances came together to shine a light on children who are often overlooked—and gave them a moment to shine.

A New Kind of Spotlight:

Hosted by the multilingual and engaging host John Rech, the event carefully avoided the overstimulation common at public gatherings. No flashing lights. No loudspeakers. Instead, soft ambient lighting transformed the mall’s hallway into an art gallery and runway, making every child feel safe and seen.

Born in Minnesota and a graduate of Tulane University, John Rech have also studied at Tsinghua University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. His fluency in English and Mandarin help connect a diverse crowd.

The keynote speech was delivered by Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s Statewide Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2018, Paul’s address emphasized the importance of small, impactful adjustments in government to create a more inclusive society. He highlighted simple, often overlooked changes—such as offering waivers, adjusting lighting codes, or allocating sensory-friendly hours at public venues—that, when combined, build a more dignified and accessible infrastructure for all.

University of Pennsylvania student Oscar Wang echoed this beautifully: “Resilience isn’t about heroic crescendos—it’s the rhythm of small accommodations that allows love to move forward at its own pace.”

The event itself was designed with sensory considerations in mind—avoiding loudspeakers and flashing lights, instead utilizing the soft lighting at the American Dream Mall and transforming the mall’s hallway into a thoughtfully curated art gallery. This simple yet purposeful setup created a welcoming environment where the children could comfortably express themselves. As Oscar Wang noted, “This event is the greatest tribute to the autism community.”

Moments That Moved the Audience

One of the most poignant moments occurred when Leah, a long-time volunteer with Love Without Borders, embraced Paul with deep emotion, thanking him for the pivotal role he played in resolving her daughter’s insurance issues six years ago. The warmth and trust between them were palpable, and volunteers accompanying Paul felt a deep sense of relief, knowing that their invitation had led to this meaningful connection.

Sean Xu, a student from Hun School of Princeton, shared the experience of inviting Paul to attend the event. “We sent 16 emails to explain why his participation was so important,” Sean said. “Inviting a state official like Paul was a huge challenge for us, but it gave us the chance to apply what we’ve learned in school to solve real-world issues.” When Paul confirmed his attendance the day before the event, the entire team was thrilled—feeling that their hard work had paid off in a monumental way.

At the event, Leah once again embraced Paul and expressed how his help had transformed her daughter’s life. Her story gave hope to countless other parents of children with autism. Paul patiently answered questions and listened intently to the parents’ concerns. Gabriela, one of the parents, remarked, “Hearing firsthand from New Jersey’s highest official gave me a sense of relief and peace.”

Suzy, an attendee from Egypt, also sought Paul’s help after speaking with Leah. Thanks to his intervention, Suzy was able to secure ABA Therapy for her daughter, Lilly, who has autism. This means Lilly will receive free special education services, and Suzy could not have been happier. She said, “My dream has come true at the American Dream Mall. Our family will forever be a loyal fan of Love Without Borders.”

Jenny, the principal of Sunflower Dance & Music Center and one of the event’s organizers, remarked, “This event was a new attempt. In the past, AAPI Heritage Month activities focused more on showcasing Chinese art, but this year, we infused that charm with new energy by taking on more social responsibility. We want to teach children that their efforts and sacrifices can solve societal problems.”

Leo, from Montgomery Middle School, displayed six of his pieces. One of them, titled Fruit Tree, offered a unique perspective on the world through the eyes of a child with autism. The piece used bold colors and striking contrasts to create a visual impact that captivated the audience. Seven-year-old Ming, one of the youngest participants, showcased Flowing Water and Bubbles, which captivated onlookers with its delicate observation of the world. Her mother, Elina, shared, “This is her first time wanting to show her work to others. She used to draw quietly at home, but today, she stepped out. This small step is the beginning of her confidence. We’re grateful for this inclusive platform and we’ll definitely be back next year.”

Another autistic flute performance artist, William Wu, from Notre Dame High School, has been a long-time supporter of Love Without Borders. He has participated in our art exhibitions multiple times, often seeking acknowledgment and recognition for his talents. This time, he was eagerly waiting to hear his name announced as a recipient of the “Gold Award.” Sitting quietly and focused, William listened intently, pausing his meal in anxious anticipation as the award list was read aloud. When his name was called, his emotions overflowed, and a long-awaited smile spread across his face. William’s grandmother observed, “At home, he is usually very focused and serious, rarely expressing much emotion. But today, he seemed like a completely different person.”

Performance, Art, Fashion, and Connections

The event kicked off with Sean Xu’s Bian Lian (Face Changing) performance, followed by a dazzling magic show by Prof. Harry Hocus, blending Eastern and Western arts. As Eva, a student from Hun School, noted, “These two art forms, from East and West, reflect the artists’ craftsmanship and spirit.” Nicholas, a 6-year-old child with autism, had been following Sean Xu’s Bian Lian performances for months. Sean generously gifted him a Bian Lian costume, a gesture that deeply moved both Nicholas and his mother.

One of the event’s most moving moments was the collaborative large-scale painting created by children with autism and youth volunteers from 16 schools across three states. Without loud music, participants quietly painted their dreams, supporting one another with care and mutual respect. Caitlyn Chen, an autism volunteer from Success Academy Charter School, said, “The dragon is a symbol of Chinese culture, representing strength, resilience, and hope. This dragon not only connects cultures, but also bridges isolated worlds. ‘We are different, but we are not less’ is the essence of this mural event.”

Jenna Chen, a model and volunteer from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, said, “Unlike previous runway shows, this one had no music, no flowers—just the mall’s hallway. When I held the hand of a child with autism and walked down the red carpet, our steps were so in sync, despite never rehearsing. It felt like our hearts were resonating together.”

The Sunflower Dance & Music Center carefully selected 20 of the best models for the Color4Lives Fashion Show, ranging from 7 to 12 years old. Dressed in exquisite suits and princess gowns, the children walked with light, confident steps. The runway was not just a celebration of self-expression but also a powerful declaration of inclusivity, love, and understanding for all to see.

Volunteer Valerie, a mother who captured many unforgettable moments with her professional camera, shared, “It’s an honor to be part of today’s event. On the American Dream stage, the children used art to connect culture and dreams. From paintings to qipaos and paper cuts, every moment radiated the charm and warmth of Chinese treasures, with emotions of gratitude, pride, and unforgettable memories marking the day.”

Noelle Cheng, a spokesperson for Sunflower Dance & Music Center from Staten Island Technical High School, said, “I feel deeply honored to walk hand in hand with a child with autism on the deep red carpet. It felt like stepping into a beautiful, untainted world. My greatest wish is to hold their hands and take them step by step out of the quiet alleys of loneliness, just like leading the morning stars into the embrace of dawn.”

Alina Lin, a student from Brooklyn Tech, known for her outstanding talent in painting, said, “While celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, this moment reminded me that although our voices are important, the voices of the overlooked autism community also need to be heard. They deserve to be recognized and embraced in our celebrations. Today, I felt that the children with autism finally shone brightly, and I am proud of all the volunteers who made this possible.”

Learning Moments

The most touching story of the day was the transformation of Suzy and her daughter Lilly. Suzy, originally from Egypt, had pressed “pause” on her life. Facing rejection and indifference in her home country, she made the brave decision to divorce, sell everything, and bring her daughter with autism to the United States. “I didn’t come to the U.S. to escape fate,” Suzy said, “but to find a safe harbor for my child to thrive.” Lilly, once silent and extremely sensitive to noise, has now changed significantly thanks to the love and patience of volunteers. She has learned to look people in the eye, nod, hug, and most importantly, trust.

Lilly is no longer a passive participant. She has become an active volunteer with Love Without Borders, helping others and becoming a voice for children on the spectrum. Her transformation was one of the most powerful moments of the event.

When Lilly took the stage to introduce Paul Aronsohn, her voice was soft but firm. The audience of more than 500 people sat in complete silence, as if the world was listening. Suddenly, she paused—forgetting her lines. She briefly panicked but, unlike before, she didn’t cry, shout, or slap her ears. She took a deep breath, smiled, and humorously said, “I forgot.” When she saw Paul give her a thumbs-up from the front row, her confidence soared, and she continued with her speech. The audience erupted in applause, cheering for her bravery. That moment was not just a brave declaration; it was a powerful step toward breaking free from labels and embracing her full potential.

Every person in the audience offered her the firmest support with warmth and understanding. Lilly, through her perseverance, proved that children with autism not only see the world but can also change it with their voices. Mrs. Wang from Brooklyn said, “This is a true cultural feast that shows the world that children with autism can have their own applause and flowers.”

After the performance, volunteers from Love Without Borders took the families of children with autism on a tour of the largest indoor sensory-friendly aquarium in the U.S. The children excitedly ran around, their faces filled with joy. During lunch, the children and their families gathered around, enjoying a delicious meal together. The diversity of the lunch offerings presented a new challenge. Some children required Halal food, and others had gluten allergies. Although these were challenges we hadn’t faced before, we ensured that each child’s needs were met with care. Volunteers Kiki and Eva took special care in purchasing the necessary food, ensuring everyone felt the warmth and care of inclusivity.

At the end of the event, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman presented a commendation, read aloud by Dev Menon, a representative from West Windsor High School South. The commendation highlighted the enormous contribution of Sunflower Dance & Music Center and Love Without Borders to the event, noting, “By creating a sensory-friendly environment, you allowed children with autism to shine on the same artistic stage, truly demonstrating what inclusion means.”

As one of the event’s founders, Sean Xu from Hun School of Princeton, and Oscar from the University of Pennsylvania, said, “We’re not just showcasing culture; we’re creating a stage where everyone can redefine what culture is. The real stars today are a group of autism families. The sensory-friendly environment is our promise to these families. Resilience isn’t the heroic crescendo that our culture praises—it’s the small adjustments: dimming the lights, reshaping rituals, holding the event in a sensory-friendly shopping center. These minor changes allow love to move forward at its own pace, without stumbling.”

Our Organizers and Aspirations:

Since its founding in 2012, the Sunflower Dance & Music Center has dedicated itself to the professional development of arts education and achieved remarkable success. Adhering to its mission of “teaching with heart, accompanying with love,” it has deeply engaged in children’s arts education in New York City. In 2025, the center won two prestigious awards at the KAR competition: Primary Studio of Excellence and Secondary Studio of Excellence.

Love Without Borders USA, based in Princeton, NJ, the largest autism high school organization globally, currently has over 500 members. It has successfully organized more than 30 community events, reaching over 5,000 children and families with autism in the past two years. Its social media Facebook has over 13,000 followers and has surpassed 5 million content views. All social media content and interactive activities are developed by high school student volunteers in the U.S., showcasing the youth’s dedication and support for the autism community. Through engaging innovative interactive performances, Love Without Borders has united the autism community and built sensory-friendly environments to erase autism family’s anxiety, significantly advocating societal inclusion of autism in Princeton and beyond.

The autism rate in New Jersey has risen to the highest in the U.S. This is not just a cold statistic, but a responsibility and mission for every community member. Color4Lives is an innovative attempt to closely integrate art with sensory-friendly environments to have an impact on our community. Through interactive performances, it merges cultural diversity with neurodiversity, making it the first of its kind in the U.S. We deeply appreciate the collaboration of all partners, making it possible for the voices of children with autism to be heard. Only through mutual understanding and working together can society become more inclusive