Anne Zhang

zhangy49@gmail.com

LI MENG’S case got the attention of the One Foundation.

Spokesperson Yao Yao told Shenzhen Daily yesterday that Li, despite his strange behavior, has the ability to study in the fifth grade at a public primary school.

The foundation launched the Marine Paradise Project last October, which is dedicated to helping children with autism, cerebral palsy and other diseases. Yao said autistic children are largely ignored by society.

“If they are not ignored then they encounter prejudice,” he said.

The project, on the one hand, provides them with financial aid for medical treatment and on the other hand, helps those children have a normal social life by increasing public awareness of autism, Yao said. In Li’s case, both Li’s parent and the One Foundation hope he could go to a public school rather than a special education school.

“A detailed plan has been made to help him return to the school,” Yao said.

An experienced social worker will attempt to persuade teachers and parents to accept Li. A special education assistant will then accompany him at school, helping him improve his behavior and get involved in school life. A personalized education plan will be carried out for Li and guidance will be given by teachers from Yuanping Special Education School.

The ultimate goal is to help Li fully integrate, Yao said.

Less than 11 percent of autistic children are studying at public schools, while about 13.8 percent attend special education schools, according to a survey on autistic children in South China conducted by One Foundation.

A majority of parents hope their autistic children get equal opportunities in education. In a proposal to the Ministry of Education last week, One Foundation suggested establishing special education classes for autistic children at public schools.

The attempt to help Li integrate is a pilot project. If it succeeds, Yao said, his organization would urge the government to promote it nationwide to help more autistic children study at regular schools.

“We hope autistic children will become better adapted to society and receive more acceptance,” Yao said. “It’s a process of mutual adaptation.”