SHENZHEN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- This Tuesday marks the 17th World Autism Awareness Day. In south China's Shenzhen, some autistic youth, who were once called "children of the stars," have integrated into society and are chasing their dreams.
Over the past years, autistic children in China have gained increasing attention and care. In 2022, China's National Health Commission released a trial protocol on autism screening and intervention services for children under the age of six to improve related services. The country has also released a work plan for improving special education for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day, aimed at raising awareness about autism and promoting inclusion and acceptance of people with autism.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2007 to designate April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, which has been observed annually beginning in 2008.
The observance of the day is to increase public knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It also aims to promote early diagnosis, early intervention, and support for individuals with autism and their families.
Producer: Wang Jianhua
Coordinators: Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang
Reporters: Mao Siqian, Zhao Ruixi
Editors: Wang Siwei, Lyu You, Geng Xinning, Liu Yun
Translators: Meng Chenguang, Zhang Haofu
Visual Designer: Mao Siqian
China Story Studio■
