How much do you know about Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)? What volunteer opportunities are available in Hangzhou for individuals interested in working with people with autism?

On Apr 2, the World Autism Awareness Day, let’s refresh our knowledge on this topic!

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. They are characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder – over 75,000,000 people. In 2022, one in every 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

According to the World Health Organization, there are such key facts about autism:

Characteristics may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.

The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.

Evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve communication and social skills, with a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of both autistic people and their caregivers.

Care for people with autism needs to be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity and support.    

In Hangzhou, World Autism Awareness Day was also celebrated at Bei Bei Rehabilitation and Guidance Center of Shangcheng District on March 30thth. There was a bazaar, games and a social area for the children at the center. Members and friends of the Hangzhou Rotary Club helped with the games.

The whole purpose of the event was not only to provide an opportunity to allow children with autism to play and learn together with typical children through a series of rich and colorful activities but also to spread awareness about caring for children with autism and promoting inclusion. After all, they're just children like all others, who need some love, attention and fun!

At the bazaar, a total of 8 booths showcased various items such as toys, picture books, and handicrafts, all with the intention of donating the proceeds to Bei Bei. Among the vendors were parents of children currently undergoing training at Beibei, compassionate individuals from the community accompanied by their children, and staff from the community disabled persons' home, who brought along small gifts crafted by disabled individuals. By the conclusion of the event, they successfully raised over 300 yuan for donation.

One of the enthusiastic sellers was 7-year-old Chloe, who participated in the event with her mother as a volunteer. She gathered up her toys to sell for a low price, for example, she sold a little princess's castle for 2 yuan to a girl and gave her a small bag of stickers for free. After communicating with Bei Bei students, Chloe shared: "I like them, they're cute and funny just like all my other friends!" Another further budding entrepreneur, 7-year-old Gracie was almost run off her feet selling colorful picture books, toys and wooden puzzles and all for such a good cause.

The event also featured movement-based games, including kicking a soccer ball, navigating a maze based on dice rolls, and responding to color cues. International students and first-time volunteers Kristina Nedeva and Jose Riquelme spoke about the joy they experienced helping the children play their games. Various other Rotarians, friends, and their children also eagerly assisted the Bei Bei kids in having fun and showcasing their skills in the various activities.

After the very successful event, all volunteers commented on how much they enjoyed themselves, how efficiently everything had been run and the terrific dedication of the teachers, staff, parents and carers. The highest praise however was heaped onto the shoulders of the wonderful children and how well-behaved, polite and clever they all were in their own, individual ways. The volunteers tend to think that the kids can teach us just as much as we can them.

long with the outdoor activities, Lin Haisong，the founder of Bei Bei, held a seminar with the parents of special children. He mentioned that through professional and humane interventions and support, we can help the children find their own light. Such interventions include: 

- improving children's physical health;

- developing personalized dietary plans;

- enhancing children's physical coordination and motor skills;

- helping children better understand and express emotions.