What We Do

Children with autism have different types of behavioural problems. Numerous parents are helpless and longing for professionals’ aid in handling these problems. Three-year-old Chun Ho has autism. His mother believed that professional treatment is important, but effective parenting is also vital to the growth of children.

Chun Ho’s mother had challenge to bring her son out, so she did not take him out very often. As Chun Ho keened to watch, open and shut the elevator door, his mother worried that Chun Ho would be injured in any case if she overlooked, and therefore put Chun Ho into a baby stroller. “Whenever Chun Ho was out, he would request watching elevator doors. He would lose his temper when I didn’t fulfil him,” says Chun Ho’s mother. Apart from the repetitive behaviours of opening and closing doors, Chun Ho was also a picky eater. He refused to eat vegetables and fruits, which led to constipation.

The mother used to scold her son whenever these behavioural problems occurred. However, Chun Ho remained unchanged. Besides, she perceived that the speech and occupational therapies provided by the government were unavailing to cope with Chun Ho’s behavioural problems. “Advices from the therapists were vague that I had no idea on how to execute.” A friend of Chun Ho’s mother recommended her APF’s Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) treatment service which had a good feedback regarding the professionalism and effectiveness, so she decided to apply for her son.

During the treatment, the therapist invited Chun Ho’s mother to join the treatment together, training Chun Ho to walk with her closely. After a period of practices, Chun Ho’s mother was delighted to witness her son to be able to stay aside her even when he saw a door opened or closed. “The therapist’s demonstration was helpful. I tried to use a token board which can effectively improve his behaviours. I no longer grasp his hands tightly whenever we go to the supermarket.” Chun Ho’s comprehensive ability has improved as well. He has started using long sentences to express his will and has more eye contact with people spontaneously. The mother was overjoyed by the changes of her son. “I have learnt that only to reward him when he looks into my eyes which is helpful for him to understand the importance of eye contact, and he has improved drastically.”

Chun Ho’s mother understood that the training will end one day. Therefore, she wanted to acquire effective parenting skills to apply in daily life. “ABA therapy is very systematic and concisely against children’s behavioural problems. Not to mention, the therapist has precise analysis to implement appropriate programmes in accordance to Chun Ho’s condition. As thus, I have a better cognition about my son’s situation and needs. The therapist also taught me some ABA skills which made me become confident to grow up with him.”

Chun Ho’s mother was invited to share her perspective on ASD and ABA services with Autism Partnership Foundation (operating in Hong Kong) (APF, HK). Chun Ho is a past beneficiary of APF, HK.