Written By: Saanvi Shah, FCSN VOICES Youth Reporter
Graphics By: Christy Ma, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Team Lead

For Jason and Jennifer Hwan, life changed the moment they welcomed their two sons, Vincent and Alan, into the world. Both boys are on the autism spectrum, but each has a unique story. Raising them has been a journey of challenges, triumphs, and love that has shaped not only their family but also the community around them.

Alan, now 30 years old, was a joyful and musical baby. Jennifer recalls that he would wake up singing and humming, hitting complex rhythms with ease. “When he wakes up he starts humming and singing at quarter notes, accented notes. He couldn’t talk until he was 2, but you could tell he loved music from the very beginning.” Despite this early talent, Alan did not speak until he was two, and his autism diagnosis came at age four. He attended a county early intervention program embedded in regular schools, designed for children whose needs could not be accommodated in a standard classroom. Alan thrived in this environment, where he could develop social and academic skills while being supported in a classroom tailored to his needs.

Vincent’s early development was more challenging. Healthy and strong at birth, he began showing symptoms of autism around age one. Between ages one and two, he cried upon waking, avoided eye contact, and showed little response to voices or familiar faces. He struggled with verbal skills, was extremely picky with food, and had difficulty grasping everyday concepts. “It was really hard to take care of him,” Jennifer recalls. Over the years, Vincent underwent a series of consultations, including genetic testing and evaluations at Stanford Hospital, but no single cause for his autism was found. He began ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy at age two, continuing until he was ten, learning concepts in small, structured steps through DTT (Discrete Trial Training). Even today, at 32, he communicates minimally, using simple words or gestures to express basic needs like requesting the bathroom, food, or water.

Raising special needs children in the 2000s was daunting. Resources were limited, and much of the guidance the Hwangs relied upon came from books and the advice of other parents like Ms. Sufen, whom they met before FCSN was founded. Jennifer retired early from engineering when Vincent moved to an adult day program at 22, dedicating herself full-time to her children and the community. Jason, still a full-time engineer, co-founded the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) in 1996 and has served as volunteer president and board member ever since.

Together, Jason and Jennifer created a supportive network that provided opportunities for children with special needs to grow, learn, and have fun. The first FCSN activity they remember was a simple gathering where kids could play and socialize. Vincent, then five, initially resisted attending, but with gentle encouragement, he gradually participated. Alan, three at the time, thrived in the group setting, showing early signs of his musical talent.

Raising Vincent and Alan has greatly shaped Jason and Jennifer’s perspective. “Before our children, we never truly thought about the special needs community,” Jennifer reflects. “Now, it’s unimaginable to think of life without them.”

Jason adds, “Many people ask, ‘Was it hard?’ And yes, it was. But you can’t dwell on that [and] you have to move forward. You learn to look at things from different angles, to be patient, and to find happiness in small pieces.”

The Hwangs emphasize the small joys in daily life, from a song sung correctly to a  moment of understanding or even a simple request expressed by Vincent. These moments are victories that remind them of the value of persistence and unconditional love. Through their journey, they have also worked to raise awareness about special needs children, speaking to schools and community groups to educate others about their abilities and potential.

Though both boys are adults, the Hwangs continue to dream and plan for their future. Jason emphasizes that raising special needs children teaches you to find happiness in small moments and to never take life for granted. “Our sons may communicate differently,” he says, “but they show us what truly matters [which is] love, connection, and the power of community.”