Maya and Lara Hammoud: Revolutionizing Neurodiversity

At a young age, most teens are worried about high school exams, social media, or figuring out what comes next. For Maya and Lara Hammoud, however, those concerns took a backseat to a deeper mission: to change the world for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). What started as a heartfelt project to support their best friend with autism has now become a global movement, proving that age is not a barrier to transformative change.

The journey of these twin sisters, founders of Perception Foundation, is a testament to the power of compassion, science, and sheer determination. Their unique approach combines grassroots advocacy with cutting-edge neuroscience research, making the impossible possible for millions worldwide. The Hammoud sisters are not just advocates—they are trailblazers, paving the way for a more inclusive world for neurodiverse individuals.

The Beginnings of a Global Movement

What began as a simple act of kindness quickly evolved into something much bigger. When Maya and Lara were in their early childhood, they noticed that their best friend, who had autism, faced significant barriers in everyday life. Spaces were not sensory-friendly, and inclusion was a rare exception rather than the norm. Rather than just accepting this reality, the sisters decided to take matters into their own hands, and they fundraised in the community to build their first sensory room,  which is a specially designed room to help reduce overstimulation and support those with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and trauma, for him. After building this space they started to look around to see if these sensory rooms were available to everyone and were shocked to find a large lack of these public sensory spaces.  

In 2020,  they co-founded Perception Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit organization with a mission to provide sensory resources and advocate for neurodiversity inclusion. Their first task was to design a cost effective sensory room because typical sensory spaces cost up to $30,000 which make them out of reach for most families. They developed the first ever cost effective sensory room that has a 96.7% reduction in normal sensory room costs! Because of this cost effective model for this sensory room, the girls were able to bring sensory spaces into places were they had never been before like hospitals, schools, refugee aids, and community centers—places where neurodiverse individuals often feel alienated.

But the girls didn’t stop at cost-effective sensory rooms. They expanded their nonprofit into sensory-friendly community events, breaking down stigma around neurological disorders and opening doors to experiences many had long been excluded from. They even pioneered the first PreK-12 neurodiversity curriculum for schools.

The journey, however, was far from easy. Fundraising roadblocks, limited awareness, and the skepticism that comes with being both young and underestimated tested their resolve. Yet, step by step, the sisters pressed forward—turning obstacles into momentum and steadily building the foundation for lasting change.

Bridging Advocacy with Science

While their advocacy efforts were making a tangible difference, Maya and Lara didn’t stop there. As passionate about science as they were about activism, they sought to merge the two to create real, lasting change. Their curiosity led them to neuroscience, where they sought answers not only to why neurodiversity exists but also how it can be better understood and treated.

At just 17 years old, they made an extraordinary discovery—a genetic biomarker for NDDs, detectable as early as 13 weeks of pregnancy. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis, a critical step considering that 80% of individuals with NDDs are undiagnosed past early childhood due to inconsistent behavioral diagnoses.

But they didn’t stop at the discovery. The Hammoud sisters, along with a dedicated team, also developed a novel therapy aimed at restoring neurotypical brain development with 97% efficacy in organoid models. Unlike current treatments that merely manage symptoms, this therapy directly addresses the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, offering hope for a future where NDDs can be mitigated before they ever take root.

The Rise of Perception Foundation: Youth-Led and Globally Recognized

Today, the Perception Foundation stands as a testament to the sisters’ unwavering commitment. What began as a small project has grown into the world’s largest youth-led movement for neurodiversity advocacy, with 81+ branches across 20+ countries and an impact reaching more than 365,000 individuals worldwide.

At its core, the foundation provides mentorship in advocacy, nonprofit management, and project design—equipping young people with the tools to create meaningful change. The Hammoud sisters personally guide these youth leaders through the challenges of nonprofit work, inspiring them to launch initiatives that transform their own communities.

Their work has also touched lives directly: they have created more than 260 sensory resources and hosted 30+ inclusive community events,  ensuring that neurodiverse individuals everywhere feel seen, celebrated, and supported.

And perhaps most remarkably, the sisters pioneered two world firsts: a cost-effective sensory room model—making inclusion accessible at a fraction of the cost—and the first PreK–12 neurodiversity curriculum, now adapted for both schools and workplaces. Together, these innovations are breaking stigma and setting new global standards for accessibility.

What Makes Perception Foundation Different?

What sets the Perception Foundation apart is its unique blend of science, activism, and personal connection that Maya and Lara bring to their work. Their mission goes beyond providing resources—it’s about driving lasting change that transforms both individuals and the systems that serve them.

Through their research into neurodevelopmental disorders, they stand at the forefront of scientific innovation, while their tireless advocacy has positioned them as global leaders in the neurodiversity movement. Yet what truly distinguishes them is their story: two young Arab sisters who recognized a problem and set out to solve it. In a field where women—especially women from diverse backgrounds—are often underrepresented, Maya and Lara’s rise is nothing short of inspiring. Their journey proves that with passion and perseverance, change is possible for anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

A Future of Hope and Innovation

Maya and Lara Hammoud’s work has already garnered international recognition, including being named among the Top 9 Youth Changemakers worldwide by Pace e Bene Society, earning the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and winning back-to-back Grand Awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair. But these accolades are just the beginning.

Their work continues to evolve, and with the support of a global network of young leaders, they are determined to ensure that neurodiversity is not just understood but celebrated. For the Hammoud sisters, the goal is simple: to create a world where neurodiverse individuals are seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

Take Action: Join the Movement

Maya and Lara Hammoud’s story is one of courage, vision, and the power of youth-led change. If you want to be part of this revolution in neurodiversity, there are several ways to get involved. Visit Perception Foundation to learn more about their mission, support their work, or explore how you can bring neurodiversity inclusion to your community.

Follow Maya and Lara on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on their latest discoveries, community events, and advocacy initiatives. Join the movement today and be a part of shaping a more inclusive and compassionate future.