Autism Awareness Day Recap: A Fun Filled and Informative Day in Shuangjing

The Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (SENIA) Beijing Chapter hosted a special event for Autism Awareness Month on Apr 2, a day chalk full of festivities, entertainment and more in Shuangjing.

“The purpose of the event was to educate, celebrate, and connect! With the end of COVID restrictions, we believe that SENIA should play a role in increasing awareness around neurodiversity for the general public. Greater inclusivity begins with shedding societal misconceptions and realizing that individuality exists within each of us, and that a more inclusive society benefits us all,” said Stephenie Lee, founder of Beacon Learning and SENIA-Beijing board member.

The afternoon saw the gathering of over 250 people, including SENIA members, corporate event and raffle sponsors, volunteers, and participants. Everyone came for their own reasons, enthusiastically offering their skills, talents, ideas, services, and products for an amazing day of celebration and awareness. Many left the event inspired, and committed to a more inclusive community for neurodiverse individuals in Beijing. Hear it from them yourselves!

Why did you choose to participate in SENIA’s Autism Awareness Event?

Joseph, volunteer, international high school teacher and parent of child with autism

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I chose to participate as my daughter was diagnosed with autism.  I think there is so much education needed around neurodiversity.  The majority of people we meet are very kind and understanding but the education really helps people understand the daily challenges neurodivergent individuals face.  On a personal level events where you meet other parents going through similar challenges are profoundly moving.  To see how much kindness and support is out there makes you feel you can persevere through the more challenging times.

Stacy, organizer, learning interventionist at Beacon Learning

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I’ve met beautiful families and heard inspiring stories in my time providing learning interventions for families in Beijing, but I often notice that families feel isolated when searching for support and community for their child. I wanted to be a part of fostering a space for acceptance and sharing that allows us to educate, connect, and celebrate across the spectrum.

Elinna, volunteer, educator

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I learned about this event through my circle of friends. I had been interested in participating in events like these but never found the right opportunity before. When I saw this event, I signed up.

What was an unexpected result or insight from participating in the event?

Emma, high school volunteer from Dulwich College Beijing

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An unexpected result from participating in the Autism Awareness Event was the incredible sense of community and connection that I experienced. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and support from fellow participants, individuals with autism, their families, and other attendees. Interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum and hearing their unique perspectives and stories was genuinely eye-opening and gave me a deeper understanding of their experiences. It was a humbling reminder of the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and spreading awareness about neurodiversity.

Fran, vendor at the event

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After being made aware of perfume-related behaviors or reactions, I created a blend of essential oils that could help to sooth and calm down people affected by autism if they have an adverse reaction from typical strong artificial perfumes... The event was a blast! Kids gave me a lot interesting descriptions of the blend they were smelling, but none of them had an adverse reaction, which made me very happy.

Junhui, performer, saxophonist with autism

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The participants were warm, cheerful, and friendly. The experience at each part of the event was quite good.  The acapella program was very good. I performed for some attendees when I was warming up and they were all very supportive. This helped me feel more comfortable before I went on stage and performed for everyone. I also really loved the cake that I received after my performance!

Tianyuan, volunteer, parent of neurotypical attendee

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My daughter has been with me since we were preparing for the event. She enjoyed the process. When she sees me preparing with the other volunteers, she can also feel the power of compassion and love for others. At the event, I actually didn't really notice which participants had autism and which ones were neurotypical, because we were making art side by side and in our communication and interactions, we were able to find mutual understanding, be kind to each other, and be happy and enjoy our time together.

Yuke, volunteer

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It was clear that everyone felt very safe and engaged all day. Having volunteered at autism events in China in the past, I thought the event would be more formal and instructional in the traditional sense. I was pleasantly surprised to see that people came to play and to experience, and gleaned their own insights through play and their own experiences. This kind of environment is hard to find not only for kids with special needs, but for all families!

What was your favorite moment from the event?

Emma, High School Volunteer from Dulwich College Beijing

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We were amazed by the number of people who signed up for the event to celebrate neurodiversity and it made me feel warm. A moment that made a lasting impression on me was with a young boy named Joseph. Joseph came to our station and engaged in an art activity using tactile mediums. He created a kangaroo with great enthusiasm, using his sense of touch to explore and express himself. As he worked on his kangaroo, I could sense his initial shyness and hesitation to open up. However, as we interacted with him and showed genuine interest in his artwork, Joseph gradually began to share more about himself. He opened up about his artistic choices, with the colors being inspired by Minecraft. This moment made me feel the power of art as a medium for self-expression and connection. It also reinforces the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals with autism can express themselves freely and be celebrated for their unique talents and perspectives.

Lexi, high school volunteer

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My favorite moment is the saxophone performance. When everyone began to listen to the music quietly, I was especially moved by this kind of humanity.

How was the event able to change the perspective of attendees around autism or inclusivity?

Stacy, organizer, learning interventionist at Beacon Learning

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As one of the organizers, it was heart-warming to see the community and supporters rally around the cause. Vendors referring other vendors, sponsors referring other sponsors, this was an event that would not have been possible without the advocacy and generosity of the community! The willingness of individuals with autism to share their experience with others and the willingness of others to immerse themselves and listen made it all worth it!

Elinna, volunteer, educator

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Through such activities, I have a deeper understanding of autistic groups and an inclusive society. Before attending this event, I had only heard about autism. Through this event, I slowly realized that we don’t need to be so clinical in understanding autism, but we can slowly improve our awareness. If society can give this group more understanding, awareness, and tolerance, it will also relieve some pressure on individuals with autism and their families. I think we need to let go of prejudices and try to understand, and only after understanding can we improve our society.

Gloria, organizer, administrator at a learning center

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I think everyone benefitted from the event to different extents. I heard some volunteers say that they’d always wanted to be involved in raising awareness but hadn’t known very much about autism before. In preparation for the event, they did their own research to be better informed for the event. I am glad that the event was free and open to the public. Some people just stumbled upon the event and because the space was so welcoming and the activities so interactive, they joined in the fun. This was a comfortable and relaxing environment, so families were excited to visit all of the booths and learn more about autism!

Tianyuan, volunteer, parent of a neurotypical attendee

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When an event is carried out in such an open way, it creates a great opportunity for inclusivity. Everyone who participated in it is infected by this very relaxed and free atmosphere. I could appreciate that everyone is so different and sparkels in their own way. I experienced an atmosphere of respect for everyone's differences, and that makes a big difference for me.

The inaugural SENIA Autism Awareness event was an enormous success thanks to the generosity of these incredible individuals. To continue the conversation begun at the event, SENIA is hosting a month-long awareness campaign to provide additional expertise and insight into supporting individuals with autism. Scan the codes below to register for the talks this month, along with recorded videos of the talks for those that have already occurred.

The Beijing community has sprung into action to increase awareness—Auesome Place organized a movie screening of the Chinese film about two brothers one of whom has autism, BuErXiongD i不二兄弟. Autism Partnership has launched a number of trainings across China to disseminate information around behavioral interventions for autistic individuals.

The International Medical Center of Beijing hosted free online consultations for families interested in understanding how parents can support individuals with autism. The Student Support Team at BIBA have put together newsletter resources (https://www.smore.com/svj8u) for those who want to better understand autism and support organizations working towards a more neurodiverse future.  

Autism Awareness does not stop with the events on Apr 2, nor the month of April, but continues throughout the year for incremental but systemic change.  The proceeds of the SENIA Autism Awareness Event have gone to support the programming of inclusive peer programming organized by WoNiuWoXing 蜗牛我行.  We look forward to more online and offline activities that foster greater mutual understanding and allow kids to develop deeper connections in Beijing.

SENIA is also committed to greater inclusivity and will continue to work with community partners to create opportunities to celebrate diversity. Join our community to find out more by reaching out to us at: beijingchapter@seniainternational.org.

A special shout out must be given to our generous event and raffle sponsors: Beacon Learning, Jing Kids, Venture Education, Acalab, Asian Tiger, Kingnature, Health Orgins Education, Bright Eye Hospital, Beijing Zhaode Hospital, Raffles Hospital, Naked Nut Butter, Waitex, LIH Olivia’s Place, Oasis International Hospital, F45, Zoyo Gym, Basil, Tribe Nutrition, Miss Green, HooAh Gym, Chen Zhong Taekwondo, Taozi Tree Yoga, TRB Group, Small Batch Cookie Company, Autism Partnership, the Swiss Embassy, and Fly Solo.

We were also very pleased to have Miss Green, Bread of Life, Yeyo Yogurt, the Sacramento Wellness Incorporated, Martha’s Sip and Dip, and Plan B join us in providing food, refreshments, products, and their knowledge on the day of the event. Finally, a massive thank you to all of the volunteers and participants that came together to celebrate neurodiversity on a truly memorable afternoon! Until next year!

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Images courtesy of SENIA Beijing