Life of Guangzhou - Guangzhou's First Primary School for Autistic Children Expected to Recruit in 2009

According to informal statistics there are now possibly some 40 thousand autistic children living in Guangzhou. Until recently they have had no way to receive professional systematic therapy, let alone schooling.

However, a 4000-square-meter primary school built specially for autistic kids has now completed construction in the Longgui area of Baiyun district. As the first special school offering education and rehabilitation training in the country, it plans to recruit 300 students for its first semester in 2009, if possible.

In September of 2005, the Guangzhou Rehabilitation and Research Center for Autistic Children was built. Currently, about 90 patients receive treatment at the center, but 600 are still waiting. "We only accept pre-school kids around two to six years old. But after the school is finished, we will be able to accommodate more children," said Fan Yuebo, of the Center.

Children receive treatment at the Guangzhou Rehabilitation and Research Center for Autistic Children. (Guangzhou Daily)

Symptoms of Autism usually include extreme and anti-social behavior. The primary school's first aim is to cultivate the students' social abilities.

According to Fan, an "imitation" community with a McDonald's, a hospital, a supermarket and a police station has been built on the campus. Only when patients are involved in society can they become acclimated to its various roles and activities.

(by Jessie Hwang. Stephen Roach)

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