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Ten years ago, Maya and Lara Hammoud were simply two young girls trying to help their best friend with autism feel more comfortable, included, and understood. Armed with little more than cardboard, creativity, and compassion, they built their first sensory room. A decade later, those same sisters found themselves in the halls of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, delivering multiple statements during the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19)

What began as a single sensory room built for our best friend with autism has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined. Today, The Perception Foundation is the world's largest youth-led nonprofit dedicated to neurodiversity inclusion and mental health advocacy, reaching more than 500,000 people across 34+ countries. But our mission has never been about numbers. It has always been about creating a world where every person—regardless of neurological differences or

Lara Hammoud and Maya Hammoud are incredibly honored to share a milestone that has meant so much to them throughout their journey in science, advocacy, and innovation. This year, the twin sisters became the youngest speakers in the history of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), often referred to as the “Olympics” or “Nobel Prize” of high school science. Each year, ISEF brings together approximately 1,700 of the world’s top young scientists, engine

Lara Hammoud and Maya Hammoud are incredibly honored to have been named Young Women of the Year of the Americas by Women Changing the World, an initiative created by the Duchess of York. What began as a small act of care, building a sensory-friendly room for a friend with autism, has grown into The Perception Foundation, a global movement now reaching more than 500,000 people across 34+ countries. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the mission that