NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Brookline, MA, June 21, 2025: In a remarkable story of personal triumph and beyond, 19-year-old Viraj Dhanda, a non-speaking autistic teenager from Brookline, has been accepted into the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as part of the Class of 2029.
Dhanda’s journey is one that defies expectations. Diagnosed with autism at age two, he was initially mischaracterized as intellectually disabled. For much of his early schooling, he was placed in special education classrooms where he was unable to express the rich inner world that would later emerge.
As reported by The Boston Globe, Viraj began using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) around the age of 10. By slowly typing sentences on a tablet—at first just a few words per minute—he gradually revealed an extraordinary mind that had been previously overlooked. He later told his parents that he had understood everything around him but was unable to show it.
With support from his family and teachers, Dhanda transitioned to Fusion Academy in Newton, a private one-on-one school where he thrived academically. According to the Globe, his standardized test scores placed him in the 99th percentile, and he particularly excelled in advanced math, mastering calculus and other challenging subjects.
His dedication paid off earlier this year. In March, while sitting beside his father, Viraj opened an email from MIT and was greeted by virtual confetti. The acceptance letter read: “On behalf of the admissions committee, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to the MIT Class of 2029.”
Speaking through his AAC device, Dhanda shared his reaction with The Boston Globe: “My acceptance proves the worth of nonspeakers. I am not an exception. There are many others like me.”
His father, Sumit Dhanda, celebrated the milestone in a heartfelt social media post:
“My son, Viraj, is a nonspeaking autistic teen who types with one thumb to communicate. He didn’t enter a mainstream classroom until he was 15. Last week, he graduated high school—and he’s now MIT-bound.
The Boston Globe just profiled his journey, and it’s a powerful reminder: never underestimate the potential of those who communicate differently.
For the nonspeaking autistic community, this is more than a milestone. It’s a message of hope.”
The story has moved people across the nation—and beyond. Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi shared the Globe article on social media, writing:
“I came across this incredibly inspirational story about Viraj Dhanda. Brought me to tears. His resolve and his father’s resolve together allowed Viraj to conquer all odds. A must read.
He entered a classroom at age 15. Now this nonspeaking autistic teen—who types with one thumb—is MIT-bound and is featured in the @BostonGlobe.”
His story has since gone viral, resonating with families, educators, and disability advocates across the country as a powerful testament to neurodiversity and the importance of believing in a person’s potential beyond their ability to speak.
Viraj Dhanda’s acceptance into MIT not only marks a personal triumph but also challenges longstanding assumptions about what autistic individuals can achieve. As his family told the Globe, their hope is that his story will open doors—not just at elite universities—but in schools and communities everywhere.
