Autism numbers rising

Beijing's Kangnazhou center provides baking course for the youngsters.[Photo by Zou Hong / China Daily]

The World Health Organization has estimated at least 1 million children are living with autism in China.

"Autism has different clinical symptoms, and the cause of the disease is quite complicated. It may be jointly influenced by multiple genes and the environment," she says.

"Currently, we don't have more understanding of its mechanism," she says, adding that some studies show the older the father, the higher the possibility for the children be diagnosed with autism.

In China, however, parents have a lack of awareness about the disease. According to a study by Beijing health authorities, it takes about four years between a child showing symptoms of autism to final diagnosis, by which time doctors have missed the best time for intervention.

"Parents pay a lot of attention to their children, but it's really difficult to diagnose the disease at the early stage. On the other hand, some parents also mistakenly think that their children were just a slow talker, which makes their condition deteriorate further," says Du.

Experts stress that early detection and intervention will produce good results in children with autism. It's very possible for an 18-month-old patient to lead a normal life after intervention.

"What children with autism need most is rehabilitation training. Well-trained children can have a certain self-care ability," Du says. "But many children face difficulties when put into normal schools."

The absence of a standard for diagnosis and regimen, and a lack of qualified medical staff, have posed great challenges in carrying out broader intervention and treatment of the disease.

In 2012, the country had fewer than 10 hospitals specializing in treating autism.

According to the Fudan University Autism Treatment and Clinical Research Center, a training program has already started. Under the plan, 100 community doctors, 100 primary school teachers and 50 special education teachers from eight provinces will receive professional training in early autism screening and intervention work. In addition to carrying out early detection and intervention work in children at the age of 18 months, the center will also work out clinical pathways, diagnosis and treatment standards and guidance on autism.