Small Cube Big world

Led by Yihan (Ethan) Deng Teach individuals with autism how to solve a Rubik's cube.

In 2017, 15-year-old Max Park clinched the title at the Rubik's Cube World Championship, an extraordinary achievement for the young competitor, especially notable as Max is autistic. His journey and triumph became a beacon of inspiration for Ethan, motivating him to embark on a mission to teach autistic children how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. Ethan believes that engaging with the puzzle can not only offer a fun and stimulating activity but also potentially alleviate some symptoms of autism, providing therapeutic benefits and enhancing problem-solving skills.

Ethan himself has notable achievements in the world of Rubik’s Cube, having won the 2019 Championship of the WCA (World Cube Association) Junior category in Baoji, China. This accomplishment underlines Ethan's skill and dedication to the Rubik’s Cube, further fueling his passion for sharing this interest with others and making a positive impact on the autistic community through the power and joy of solving the cube.

12th May 2019

On Mother's Day, Ethan delivered a heartfelt speech titled "Small Cube, Big Love," during an event specifically organized for autistic children. In his speech, Ethan shared the inspiring story of Max Park, a young autistic individual who overcame challenges to win the Rubik’s Cube World Championship. Ethan's narrative highlighted how the Rubik's Cube not only served as a tool for Max to enhance his problem-solving skills but also as a medium to express his passion and perseverance. This story was shared to motivate and encourage both the children and their families, illustrating the profound impact that dedication and love for a hobby can have on personal development and overcoming obstacles.

Aug.2019 A Trip to hope schools

Ethan embarked on a journey to four Hope Primary Schools situated in the rural and pastoral regions of Xiahe County, within the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Southern Gansu Province. There, he delivered a speech titled "Can Rubik's Cube Change Lives?" to hundreds of children. Through his speech, Ethan utilized the inspiring story of Max Park, a young autistic individual who became a world champion in solving the Rubik's Cube, to motivate the children to chase their passions. His message aimed to demonstrate how dedication to a hobby or interest can lead to remarkable achievements and personal growth, encouraging the students to explore and develop their unique talents.

8th Nov 2019 Into Golden Wings

Ethan conducted an interview with Ms. Junru Zhang, the visionary founder of the Golden Wings Art Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children. Together, they crafted a comprehensive plan to regularly teach autistic children how to solve the Rubik's Cube. This initiative, aptly named the "Small Cube Big World" project, officially commenced today. This project embodies the belief that engaging autistic children with the Rubik's Cube can significantly benefit their cognitive and motor skills, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence through the mastery of the cube.


23th Nov.2019

“Care for Autistic Children Charity sale”at the charity sale of WAB school, art paintings from Golden Wing’s autistic children raised CNY 24150 yuan for Golden Wings.

1st June 2020

Children’s day, Ethan taught Rubik’s cube lessons in Golden Wings.


22th March 2021

Since the epidemic began, Golden Wings has been unable to carry out teaching activities until March 2021. Ethan visited and taught Rubik’s cube to many autistic children. We spent a warm time together.

14th May 2021

Before the national disability day, Ethan came to Golden Wings to teach the Rubik’s cube to many new friends.


11th Oct 2021

Student club “Small cube Big world”was founded . At that time, we had 6 members. We visited Golden Wings as our club's first activity.


2nd April 2022

On World Autism Day, Our club organized a charity painting sale for Golden Wings children. We sold 18 paintings and raised CNY 54000 yuan.


April 2022

“Small Cube Big World”club held a painting exhibition for autistic children in WAB school. We displayed these paintings in Upper ,middle and lower school. Amongst these paintings, two pieces shown in the Olympics closing ceremony were very attractive.


May  2023

Ethan joined the non-profit organization Project Ready as a tutor, teaching autistic children Rubik’s cube.

February 2024 

Westchester American Chinese Association Chinese Lunar Year Event, IntraSpectrum show table. Senator Stewart-Cousins and Westchester Country Executive Mr.Latimer  joined the event.

July 2024

The IntraSpectrum Club recently visited the Gillen Brewer School, a private special education institution known for its inclusive and integrated approach to learning. During the visit, the club members toured the school, had a Rubik’s cube teaching session with a group of students, and had the opportunity to interview Rebecca Skinner, the Head of School.