Shenzhen makes efforts to help autistic youths integrate into society, chase dreams

Over recent years, autistic children in China have gained increasing attention and care. In 2022, China's National Health Commission released a trial protocol on autism screening and intervention services for children under the age of 6 to improve related services. The country has also released a work plan to improve special education during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). (Xinhua)

This combo photo taken on March 22, 2024 shows Wu Huajian (L) wiping a car and Xu Jilun (2nd R) washing a car with a colleague, at a car wash center in Shenzhen. Wu, 19, and Xu, 30, has been working at the car wash center since July 2023. A total of 15 employees with mental disorder currently work here. This Tuesday marks the 17th World Autism Awareness Day. In Shenzhen, some autistic young men, dubbed "children of the stars," have integrated into society and are pursuing their dreams.

Autistic men Wu Huajian (L) and Xu Jilun, pose for a photo at a car wash center in Shenzhen.

Huang Xuanning (L) and Cao Hongyi work at an industrial park in Shenzhen. Huang, 24, and Cao, 27, joined the industrial park in September 2023. They are responsible for loading vending machines in the factory area, including handling and placing snacks and drinks. Now they are basically qualified for the job with the help of team partners.

Dai Jinyu, a 29-year-old autistic man, works at Shenzhen Autism Society in Shenzhen. Dai joined the organization in October 2018, mainly responsible for scanning and copying files and indoor disinfection.

Autistic young men Liu Hanyang (R) and Peng Jingrui, make pastry at a bakery in Shenzhen. Liu, 25, and Peng, 23, has been working as bakers at the bakery since June 2023. In addition to making bread and snacks with their teacher, they can also work as cashiers and deliverymen. 

Autistic young women Yuan Anqi (R) and Qiu Minyi, pose for a photo at a bakery in Shenzhen.  Yuan, 22, and Qiu, 28, started working as cashiers at the bakery in June 2023. With the help of their teacher, they can also make bread and cakes sometimes.

Autistic young man Guan Hao poses for a photo at the staff dining hall of a hotel in Shenzhen. Guan, 23, joined the hotel in June 2021 as a waiter of the staff dining hall. Like other employees, he now works eight hours a day and is responsible for placing cleaned plates, cleaning up garbage and the hall. In the eyes of his leaders and colleagues, Guan is now a good employee.

Autistic young man Guan Hao works at the staff dining hall of a hotel in Shenzhen.

Pan Yikai, a 23-year-old autistic man, works at a bookstore in Shenzhen. He has been working part-time at the bookstore since May 2022 for two to three hours a day, responsible for wiping and arranging book shelves and cleaning the floor. 

Autistic men Huang Xuanning (R) and Cao Hongyi pose for a photo at an industrial park in Shenzhen. Huang, 24, and Cao, 27, joined the industrial park in September 2023. They are responsible for loading vending machines in the factory area, including handling and placing snacks and drinks. Now they are basically qualified for the job with the help of team partners.

Autistic young man Ran Yulong poses for a photo at a supermarket in Shenzhen. Ran, 19, has been working for 96 hours a month at the supermarket since September 2023. His main job is to sort out fresh fruit and vegetables and check the shelf life of the products. He has been shopping at the supermarket since he was a child and now is an employee. 

Autistic man Huang Xuanning works at an industrial park in Shenzhen. Huang, 24, joined the industrial park in September 2023. He is responsible for loading vending machines in the factory area, including handling and placing snacks and drinks. He is basically qualified for the job with the help of team partners.

Autistic man Ran Yulong works at a supermarket in Shenzhen.

Autistic women Yuan Anqi (L) and Qiu Minyi work at a bakery in Shenzhen.

Autistic men Huang Xuanning (F) and Cao Hongyi work at an industrial park in Shenzhen.

Autistic young men Liu Hanyang (R) and Peng Jingrui pose for a photo at a bakery in Shenzhen.

Pan Yikai, a 23-year-old autistic young man, works at a bookstore in Shenzhen.

Dai Jinyu, a 29-year-old autistic man, poses for a photo at Shenzhen Autism Society in Shenzhen.