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The United Nations declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007 highlighting the need to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. Every April, leading ASD advocacy organisations worldwide initiate a range of activities with that goal in mind.

In Hong Kong, “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network”, a project initiated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, echoed the call by organising a JC A-Connect Family Fun Day on 2 April, bringing together service providers and caregivers from all sectors to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of ASD.

The Fun Day had three activity zones, namely ‘Experiential Tour’, ‘Family Game Zone’ and ‘Community Engagement Activities’. By joining different experiential workshops and fun activities, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of ASD as well as the needs of individuals with ASD and their families. A painting exhibition titled “Autistic and Artistic”, supported by the Hong Kong Autism Awareness Alliance, was also held to showcase the artistic talents of people with ASD.

JC A-Connect is a three-year, HK$167 million programme funded by the Trust in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences of The University of Hong Kong, the Education Bureau, Caritas-Hong Kong, Heep Hong Society, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, SAHK, The Salvation Army and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. The project is aimed at addressing the needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Hong Kong mainstream primary and secondary schools and their families. It also draws on mass media and other on-line platforms to promote greater awareness.

Since its launch in the 2015/16 academic year, the project has served over 4,000 students with ASD in more than 400 primary and secondary schools, covering 50% of students with ASD studying in mainstream schools in Hong Kong. In the first year alone, more than 11,000 parents have benefited from some 2,900 parent support and training sessions provided by 18 community centres.

For more information on JC A-Connect, please visit: www.JCA-Connect.hk