Kunming's cafe percolates a difference

She opened the Chuxing Cafe in 2021, not only starting her own business but also lending a helping hand to those with autism.

Since 2021, the cafe has trained 50 apprentices ranging in age from 18 to 37, the majority of whom have autism. Currently, 13 have completed training and moved on to other branches of the cafe to make coffee, bake, and do other chores.

Fu says the majority of customers are regulars. Besides enjoying the coffee, they also teach the staff skills in their spare time like painting, English and basketball.

Duoduo has a busy schedule — making coffee in the morning and learning new skills in the afternoon. "Although he is not articulate, he is action-oriented," Fu says.

Seeing the changes in Duoduo, other parents have become hopeful and have started exploring their own children's talents.

The cafe is also a haven for parents of children with autism.

"Parents also need social interaction. When we do things with our children and other parents, we can communicate and support one another," says the mother of one of the other employees, Ziyao.

Cafes specifically designed for people with autism are appearing in other cities.

More people in charge of communities and special schools are visiting Chuxing Cafe, hoping to apply its model in other locations and expand it to more fields, thereby helping more children with special needs integrate into society.

A growing number of support organizations are also being set up by parents of children with autism. These organizations offer information and counseling, as well as training and job-seeking services for parents. They also provide support for people with autism in terms of schooling and employment, helping them integrate more effectively into society with dignity.

The national rehabilitation training system for people with autism is improving. A system of early autism screening has been established in Guizhou province, for example, and the number of institutions providing rehabilitation for people with autism in the province is increasing.

In July, the China Disabled Persons' Federation, the Ministry of Education and five other authorities released a five-year implementation plan for the care of children with autism. The plan proposes measures such as strengthening medical insurance, to improve the environment for the growth and development of children with autism.

"To be with the 'children of the stars' is a journey of knowing about one another. The themes of the journey are understanding, respect and love," Fu says.