Asian Studies Seminar: Autism and Education in the People's Republic of China

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Several years ago Helen McCabe was studying in China when she met Zhang Ge, an 8-year-old autistic girl who couldn't carry on a conversation and had limited self-care skills. McCabe worked with her to develop life skills, and with the child's parents to help them cope with her challenges.

Today Zhang has a job in a local library, and her parents work in the community helping and supporting other parents with autistic children.

McCabe, assistant professor of education at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, went on to co-found and direct The Five Project, which creates and supports educational, vocational and community participation opportunities for individuals with disabilities in China.

The project also presents workshops in China to educate professionals, teachers and parents in sensory integration, inclusion and early intervention.

On April 9, the University at Buffalo Asian Studies Program will present a free public seminar by McCabe, "Autism and Education in the People's Republic Of China," at 7 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst, 6320 Main St., Williamsville, across from the ECC North Campus.

McCabe will discuss autism and related educational services developed in China since the disorder was first diagnosed there in 1982. She will focus on educational opportunities for autistic children of all ages, and the need for further attention to adult services. She will also examine the relationship over the years between organizations and individuals working in this field in China and abroad, and opportunities for future collaboration.

The seminar is sponsored by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, with funding from the Henry Luce Foundation and the Starr Foundation.

For more information contact Bruce Acker, assistant director of the UB Asian Studies Program, at backer@buffalo.edu or (716) 645-0763.