Viraj Dhanda

Viraj Dhanda
Nonverbal autistic student redefining advocacy and possibility

Viraj Dhanda is a nonspeaking autistic student admitted to MIT’s Class of 2029. Diagnosed with autism and apraxia in early childhood, he overcame profound communication barriers through typing and has since demonstrated extraordinary abilities in mathematics, writing, and critical thinking. Viraj’s poetry and essays showcase his unfiltered voice, offering deep insight into the inner world of nonspeaking autistics. His journey has garnered national attention from The Boston Globe, CBS Evening News, and NPR’s Here & Now. At MIT, he hopes to study economics and political science while continuing to write and advocate for a more inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.

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