Molly’s Practice of Love for Autistic Children

Autistic children, sometimes referred as ‘children from the stars’, can appear to live in another planet far away from ours for they usually have trouble in communicating and socialising. According to a report released by Beijing Normal University Press in 2015, there are more than 2,000,000 autistic children in China and it has aroused increasing concerns about how to help them and their families.

A relatively small number of autistic children can attend school as normal children do, while the majority of them receive treatment in dedicated centres and attend special education schools.

Founded in June 2015, Xiamen Star Development and Promotion Centre for Special Education is one such social organisation which provides special education for the disabled, especially for autistic children.

It has organised a series of free activities, such as swimming, baking and manual training to develop the student’s abilities in various areas. “What we’re trying to do is to clearly identify what their needs are and how we can help meet them.” Molly Li, the founder of the special education centre said.

Molly first got to know disabled children through working as a volunteer in 2000, when she studied psychology at Zhejiang University. At that time, the beginning of her voluntary work, she was asked to provide the children with one-on-one psychological counselling.
 
In 2005, Molly emigrated to Canada to seek a better treatment for her son Marco. “Marco was diagnosed with autism a few years ago ” Molly said, “It was hard for me to process it at first. But, it’s him that makes me realise the difficulties other autistic children and their families face.”

With the help of her friends, Molly established an organisation for Canadian children and families in need at the end of 2014. Later, she came back to China and implemented the plan here last May.

“Autistic children have the same right to be part of society as anyone else does.” Molly said, explaining her opinion on this issue.

Different from other special schools, the Star Development and Promotion Centre for Special Education is a friendly institution open to every child. All children and families are welcome and they have fun in games, classes and cooking in the centre.

'We develop a harmonious relationship between the giver and the taker when we help others. Moreover, when you give more, you will then receive more.’ Molly said. “That’s what I learned in the past few years about charity.”

In addition, they tend to teach children in a relaxed way. Kids are free to paint, swim, make handicrafts and desserts or do anything they like. “We throw on a variety of activities in accordance to their preferences and we do not set a strict timetable.” Molly likes the easy and cozy atmosphere in the centre.

Among these activities, art is the core project in the centre. This January, Molly invited her friend Isidora, a painter and costume designer based in Canada, to give artistic classes in the centre. Children have fun painting, making sock puppets and performing puppet shows which include classic fairy tales like Snow White, as well as short stories they make up themselves. “Autistic children sometimes have a gift for art, and they can express their feelings better through these activities rather than by talking.” Isidora said.

Besides, this may also contribute towards a self-financing system whereby the centre sells clothes made by autistic children. “I mean clothes designed by the designer will be made with the help of autistic children.” Molly said, adding, “It’s better to take advantage of their strengths and to encourage them. ”

“This is just the beginning. I hope more and more people will be become aware of  and be inspired to care and love for these wonderful kids.” As Molly said, volunteers are warmly welcomed to join in. “We hope more people will get involved and help them in the future.” She added.

More in the official website:http://www.alinkagroup.org/