Two decades of serving children with autism in the People’s Republic of China: achievements and challenges of a state‐run mental health center

Abstract

This article presents the results of research conducted at the first place where autism was diagnosed in China, the Nanjing Child Mental Health Research Center. The purpose was to examine the development of service provision for children with autism in this state‐run medical institution. Specifically, the specific intervention model for autism, factors influencing the development of this model and how structural and organizational features of the institution impact on the implementation of that model are examined. Results indicate: (1) the importance of family involvement in intervention due to limited services in China; (2) the challenges of providing educational services at a medical institution during the reform period. The implications of these services in contemporary China are significant to consider as an important way to address the rights of individuals with disabilities to have equal opportunities in society, beginning with early education.

Keywords:

• autism
• family involvement
• China

Notes

1. Apart from Dr Tao Kuo‐tai, who was the first to diagnose autism in China, all other names are pseudonyms.