By: Tom White

Autism awareness is rising, especially this April, Autism Awareness Month, but a deeper understanding still lags. That makes the role of artists and storytellers in shaping public empathy increasingly important. Creative voices can help reframe conversations, amplify unheard stories, and foster the type of awareness that policy alone may struggle to reach. When those voices are grounded in personal conviction, creativity, and public action, their impact has the potential to ripple far beyond the page or the stage.

Devangana Mishra is one such voice. A multidisciplinary artist and founder of the nonprofit Brain Bristle, she blends her talents in writing, visual art, and performance with a lifelong dedication to autism education. Through her work, she’s not only crafting narratives; she’s helping to build bridges between communities and their futures.

Building Bridges Through Brain Bristle

At the heart of Devangana’s mission is Brain Bristle, a nonprofit she founded to bring autism education into low-income schools across Mumbai. Her commitment to neurodiversity inclusion began early in life and has influenced much of the diversity her professional journey reflects. “We’re working to create systems that don’t just accommodate neurodivergent children—but also uplift them,” she explains.

Brain Bristle trains social workers, places them in low-income schools, supports families, and advocates for policy change, all while staying close to the communities it serves. The initiative embodies Devangana’s larger philosophy: meaningful change often must be practical and personal.

A Creative Force Beyond Labels

While her social impact work has gained recognition, Devangana is equally known for her creative voice. She has published two books: one is a global poetry and art collection, and the other is rooted in India’s pre-independence history. She is currently working on a novel set in 1980s Bombay. The book aims to explore themes of politics, Bollywood, urban tension, and single motherhood during the lead-up to the 1993 riots.

“I’m drawn to eras of great change,” she says. “They often hold so many stories about who we are and who we choose to become.”

Her artistry also extends into the visual and performing arts. As an actress, she’s appeared in campaigns by renowned photographers like Bharat Sikka and Prabuddha Dasgupta, along with collaborations with fashion houses and designers. Her persona on set mirrors her presence on the page: focused, expressive, and quietly commanding.

Standing Out With Substance, Creating With Connection

Devangana’s work doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it invites you to pause and reflect. With many years of global experience, she brings depth to every role she takes on, whether in literature, art, or education.

She also brings a unified entrepreneurial strategy into every project: “I don’t believe in single-lane careers. Everything I do—writing, painting, acting, building Brain Bristle—feeds into the other. It’s all part of the same vision.”

What may make Devangana’s work resonate so deeply is her ability to connect across disciplines and time. “People often ask how I balance it all,” she says. “But to me, it’s not about balance. It’s about alignment. When your values guide your work, everything tends to fall into place.”

Looking Ahead: Compassion, Creativity, and Advocacy

Devangana’s goals are as multifaceted as she is: she hopes to increase autism awareness by expanding Brain Bristle’s impact across more Indian cities, release her upcoming book to global audiences, and take on more acting roles that challenge conventions.

You can follow Devangana’s creative endeavors and advocacy work on Instagram and learn more about her nonprofit at Brain Bristle.

Published by Joseph T.