Signage at an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

A symposium focused on advancing the enactment and implementation of autism-related laws and regulations was held in Beijing on Friday. The China Legal Exchange Foundation (CLEF) and Beijing Highking Law Firm hosted the event, gathering experts from the legislative, judicial, education and social service sectors to discuss building a more inclusive society for people with autism.

Zhang Mingqi, vice president and secretary-general of the China Law Society, highlighted the urgency of this initiative. He referenced the decision from the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to improve the social security and service systems for people with disabilities.

"China has over 13 million individuals with autism," Zhang said. "The challenges they face are multifaceted, spanning access to education, health care and employment, as well as long-term structural issues like social integration and support. This makes the creation of autism-specific laws and regulations both critical and urgent."

He advocated for an inclusive judicial system with protective measures for individuals with autism in legal proceedings, calling for increased policy support across multiple sectors.

CLEF Chairwoman Zhang Suofei emphasized the symposium's role in facilitating professional exchange. She expressed hope that it would advance autism-related legislation and create a friendlier, more inclusive social environment where individuals with autism can live with equality and dignity.

Zhang Qinghua, director of Beijing Highking Law Firm, discussed the firm's two decades of public welfare work and its commitment to supporting the autism community through legal advocacy and public interest initiatives.

Participants attend an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Zhang Junru, founder of the Golden Wings Rehabilitation Center, shared the organization's achievements in empowering autistic youth through art and physical rehabilitation over 14 years. Since its founding in 2010, Golden Wings has developed a unique teaching system that combines art and sports to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment among its participants.

The center provides instruction in painting, music, calligraphy, fitness, basketball and climbing. Participants' artwork has been converted into postcards, calendars, stickers and silk scarves, generating 1.34 million yuan ($183,649.68) in supplemental income for families.

Golden Wings has helped 1,425 young people with autism develop their artistic abilities, with 523 winning awards at home and abroad. The center has mounted exhibitions in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan and seven Chinese cities, displaying 11,888 paintings to over 100,000 visitors.

Experts from Peking University, Beijing Normal University and the Beijing Financial and Tax Law Society joined an Australian autism behavior therapist to offer recommendations for protecting the rights of people with autism.

The symposium marked the official launch of the Starlight Rights and Interests Fund under the CLEF. The fund, initiated by Beijing Highking Law Firm, will support autism research, public welfare activities and legislative efforts while raising public awareness.

Golden Wings students' artwork is displayed at a charity auction during an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

The event concluded with a charity auction of paintings by Golden Wings students. Proceeds will support the center's rehabilitation programs.

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