Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt (she/her/hers) is a writer, actress, consultant, and advocate for diversity, autism, and disability representation in entertainment. As a Chinese, Jewish, transracial, autistic adoptee, Ava shares her intersectional lived experiences through consulting with Hollywood studios, theatres, and arts organizations, public speaking, and publishing articles. She’s the Autistic Creative Consultant for How to Dance in Ohio, a neurodiverse coming-of-age Broadway musical that follows seven autistic young adults (authentically cast) at a social skills center in Ohio, as they form connections and prepare for a dance. Additionally, she’s a writer for the upcoming PBS Kids animated series, “Carl the Collector.” Ava has worked with professional theatres to develop sensory friendly performances, the Kennedy Center on a neurodiversity training course, and the Smithsonian Access team to create accessible museum exhibits. 

Feel free to connect with Ava on LinkedIn, or via email: Ava.rigelhaupt@gmail.com