What We Do

Many parents are always anxious about their children’s learning progress. Six-year-old Andy has ASD. Andy’s mother was a “strict mother” with high expectations for Andy and often urged him to learn. She had accompanied Andy to receive different training programmes and started to understand that what kind of parenting style would be the best for Andy. Now she has decided to become a “buddy” of her son.

When Andy was diagnosed with ASD, the mother had mixed feelings. She immediately did some research on ASD and found that the problems of each child with ASD is different. Andy had some behavioural problems, like not sitting nicely in class, touching things around and avoiding negative emotions. After he had received a month of one on one intensive Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) treatment, his behavioural problems improved a lot. “He didn’t want to mention that he got lost in a park before, but he’s finally willing to talk about it. He’s now able to face his negative emotions bravely. I was surprised to see him make progress which made me feel relaxed. I also saw him working hard and his pure innocence.”

Andy’s mother has learnt to appreciate her son’s hard work and use rewards to encourage him. She realised that the most important thing for her son is to grow up happily. “Taking care of Andy was very discouraging in the past, but he now has his own thoughts and becomes more self-disciplined. Besides, the elders were used to be very strict in parenting and criticised a lot. As society changes, I think it would be better for parents to be their children’s ‘buddies’. I have gradually adjusted my expectations for my son”

Andy’s mother also hoped that the public would appreciate children with ASD. “They are ordinary children and work hard in their training. Their hard work and dedication are worthy to be seen. I hope that the public would pay more attention to their needs and treat them as ordinary people.”

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