Hong Kong can become global hub for autism support, Unesco official says

Brothers Jayden (left) and Hugo Pang perform at the event marking World Autism Awareness Day.

Photo: Jonathan Wong Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to foster an inclusive society for people with autism, with a Unesco official saying the city has the potential to become a global hub for support services.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday highlighted the importance of a better understanding and acceptance of autistic people at an event marking the United Nations’ World Autism Awareness Day. “Awareness is our starting point.

Inclusion is our destination.

Action is the bridge that joins them,” he said. “[The Hong Kong government] is building that bridge through a life-course commitment to inclusion.

We prioritise early identification and timely support, ensuring children and families receive the support they need from the very start.” Lee said authorities were offering tiered support for students with diverse learning needs at schools and partnering with community organisations to step up training and employment pathways for those living with the condition. “Our goal is to help autistic people develop their talents, participate fully in society, and pursue lives of fulfilment,” he said.

Chief Executive John Lee addresses the event in a video.

Photo: Jonathan Wong The Hong Kong Autism Institute launched the plenary event this year to mark World Autism Awareness Day, in collaboration with Unesco’s regional office for East Asia and the Special Olympics East Asia.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, repetitive behaviours and sensory processing differences.

Professor Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of Unesco’s regional office for East Asia, told the South China Morning Post that Hong Kong had the potential to become a hub for autism support services in Asia and beyond. “Hong Kong has strong potential to become a leading hub for autism inclusion in Asia, and potentially an internationally recognised centre of excellence, if this ambition is pursued in a holistic and sustained way,” he said.

He pointed to the city’s unique combination of strengths, including a strong research and higher education base, a well-developed health and social service system, international connectivity, a dynamic private sector and a growing culture of cross-sector collaboration.

Hong Kong was well placed to connect local experience with regional and global dialogu

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