Minhang introduces service guidance to support 'children of the stars'

Minhang District has released a standard service guidance on assisting autistic people, the first of its kind in Shanghai and nationwide.

Starting in 2017, the district began building a systematic support network for patients with autism. Its political consultative conference proposed a draft of the guidance and its civil affairs bureau launched a thorough survey on the dilemmas and needs of people with autism.

The guidance was finalized later, as were a decision-making panel, policies, charity support and professional caring support.

Sixteen brick-and-mortar autism-assisting centers in the district, including Huiyin Blue Castle and Haoshang Blue House, were set up to serve people with autism.

In 2023 the district's, as well as the city's, first autism daycare center – Zhuanqiao Town Autistic Patients Assistance Branch – was launched to offer more help.

The district has formed an autism caring network that integrates district-level guidance and support centers, subdistrict- and township-level support branches and consulting centers.

Minhang has included approaching-adulthood people with autism into its employment assistance projects, offering labor evaluations, job training and support for people with medium and minor-degree autism.

It has also joined with special schools, agricultural cooperatives and libraries to offer labor experience such as vegetable and fruit picking and packaging, tailoring and cake making for teens with autism who are approaching adulthood.

Life-circle assistance

A life-circle support on autism – starting from raising public awareness of autism, early-stage screening and consultation, community rehabilitation and support, institute intervention and support, as well as employment assistance and internships – is benefiting more people with autism in Minhang.

A bubble tea store at Lane 66 Guangtong Road is staffed mostly by approaching-adulthood teens with autism.