China Steps Up Efforts to Support Autistic Children's Education on 19th World Autism Awareness Day

BEIJING, April 2, 2026 — As the 19th World Autism Awareness Day is marked globally on Thursday, China has intensified its efforts to enhance educational support for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly known as "star children," by expanding infrastructure, increasing funding, and professionalising the teaching workforce.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has prioritised ASD education as a key component of special education since 2014, when it launched the Special Education Enhancement Plan. This long-term initiative has integrated autistic children into the special education system, aiming to expand their access to schooling through coordinated efforts nationwide.

Under the plan, local authorities have implemented a "one student, one plan" approach, offering diverse placement options including special schools, inclusive mainstream classrooms, and home-based tuition services. This ensures that school-age autistic children can receive education locally and conveniently, according to official data.

A significant milestone in infrastructure development is the establishment of 17 dedicated special education schools for autistic children across China. These institutions form part of a broader national framework.

To strengthen professional support, the MOE has set up the National Resource Centre for Special Education on Autism and the National Digital Resource Centre for Special Education. Together, they are building a five-tier support system spanning national, provincial, municipal, county, and school levels to guide research, curriculum development, and teaching practices for ASD education.

Financial support has also been substantially increased. The central government has raised the public funding standard for special education to 7,000 yuan (about 980 US dollars) per student annually, a move designed to ease the financial burden on families. Additionally, free education from preschool to senior high school is provided for autistic children from low-income families, eliminating tuition-related worries for their parents.

Teacher training and retention have been further strengthened. More than 20 provinces have established staffing standards for special education teachers, optimising the student-teacher ratio. Normal universities have gradually introduced specialised majors and courses on autism education to ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals. Meanwhile, multiple provinces have clarified staffing standards for special education teachers, optimising student-teacher ratios to ensure adequate support.

Looking ahead, the MOE plans to release the 15th Five-Year Plan for Special Education Development, with a focused chapter on ASD education. The plan aims to improve the service system and working mechanisms for autistic children, enhance educational outcomes, and help them embrace a bright future alongside their peers.

The 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development explicitly mentions "addressing shortcomings in special education," supporting the construction of special schools for autistic children in populous cities, and promoting the integration of health and education services. This forward-looking policy underscores China’s commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism.