SHENYANG, April 2, 2025 — Zhao Yue vividly recalls a defining moment in 2014 when her five-year-old son, diagnosed with autism, spoke his first clear word: 'grandpa.' This breakthrough came after extensive support at the Little Turtle children's services center in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, where Lun Lun (pseudonym) had initially struggled to communicate and engage with those around him.

Upon arriving at the center, Lun Lun was completely withdrawn, had not spoken even basic words like 'mom,' and avoided eye contact.

With the dedicated efforts of the teachers, he underwent three years of rigorous training in essential life skills, culminating in a transformative journey that has allowed him to navigate everyday activities, including attending the cinema on his own to enjoy films like the animated 'Ne Zha 2.'

The Little Turtle center has evolved significantly since its inception 18 years ago, expanding from a modest classroom catering to five children to a prominent establishment with 54 teachers capable of assisting more than 300 children annually.

Sun Lina, the center's founder, emphasizes a commitment to creating a 'blue harbor' for young children with autism, aged 18 months to eight years, facilitating their transition to special education schools.

As autism awareness grows, the need for specialized services has become critical.

A report from Wucailu, a Beijing-based rehabilitation institution, indicates that approximately 2 million children under 14 in China have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a growth rate of 160,000 new cases annually.

To address this rising need, the One Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has developed partnerships with over 600 social organizations across China, furthering support for more than 825,700 individuals with autism by the end of 2024.

The foundation also provides substantial aid, offering 600 yuan (around 82.50 U.S. dollars) monthly for each registered child and establishing standardized rehabilitation procedures.

In response to the growing demand for educational resources, the Ministry of Education in China announced the development of pilot zones nationwide to reform the special needs education sector, focusing on increasing the number of special schools for children with autism.

In Shenyang, children under four years of age with ASD receive a rehabilitation subsidy of 24,000 yuan per year, while those aged four to ten qualify for 18,000 yuan annually.

Concurrently, the Huanggu District Women’s Federation has initiated workshops aimed at economically empowering mothers of autistic children through the production of handmade hairpins.

Volunteering initiatives have also gained momentum.

Liu Zetong, a 21-year-old student from Zhengzhou University, has been actively involved with a local autism running group since late 2023, dedicating his Saturday mornings to support children with autism through exercise and social interaction.

The running sessions, organized by Zhengzhou Miaoyutian mental disability service center in conjunction with the One Foundation, typically span nearly two hours and engage teenagers with autism alongside their parents and volunteers.

Liu noted improvements in participants' health and social skills, sharing anecdotes of children who have gradually become more interactive and physically active.

Ren Shaopeng, who oversees autism projects at the One Foundation, highlights the importance of a collective societal approach in supporting families affected by autism, emphasizing the role of parents, communities, and organizations.

Now 44, Zhao Yue has transitioned into a volunteer teaching role with the Shenyang Disabled Persons' Federation, guiding children with autism through exercise activities set to spirited music.

Reflecting on her journey, Zhao expresses gratitude for the support she received during challenging times, which inspires her to extend a helping hand to others in need.