latrobe.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00115M Use of Chinese traditional cultural classics for ASD intervention in China Yuan Gao PhD Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia /otarc

2La Trobe University Chinese co-authors Li Zhu Li Liu Lixia Meng Lirong Li

3La Trobe University This is a narrative report

4La Trobe University Michael’s past  My son, Michael, was diagnosed in both China and Australia as a classical case of autism.  When he was 7 years old, several developmental assessments showed that his overall development and abilities were at middle to low level, with poor motor skills and poor language. (videos: at 4.5 years old in kindergarten, A, B; learning how to play pingpong at 7 years old)ABlearning how to play pingpong

5La Trobe University Michael’s present  Now he is 14 years old and studying happily at year 7 in a middle school in Beijing without needing any assistance, and he interacts with his teachers and classmates well.  Sings Peking opera and other Chinese ethnic operas (video: Singing Peking Opera while playing the Fiddle on stage).Singing Peking Opera while playing the Fiddle on stage  Plays 10 musical instruments (video: playing piano).playing piano  Composes songs.  Teaches junior students how to play musical instruments individually, in small group (video: perform together on stage) and large group.smallperform together on stagelarge

6La Trobe University Our methods  (1) Acquiring wisdoms: parents and children study and recite traditional Chinese classics of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism everyday, starting with the Standards for Students years ago), which makes children become a better person morally in the future. Because parents are the most influential role model that the children follow, this method focuses more on the parents than their child.

7La Trobe University Our methods  (2) Parents identify and foster the child’s unique abilities and skills everyday, which enable the child to be able to compete better in the society in the future.

8La Trobe University Focus in order of priority 1.Children’s emotional instability should be soothed at all times; 2.Children’s improper behaviours should be regulated gently; 3.Children’s abilities or skills should be increased at a easy pace without any hurry. (Usually, Chinese parents focus on the third one)

9La Trobe University Educating the parents  Some parents see what Michael has been able to become, they would like to use the two methods.  With or without help of my Chinese colleagues, I have conducted over 20 workshops for parents and professionals for the last 18 months (recent 3 workshops were surveyed but the analyzed results are not available yet).

10La Trobe University Educating the parents  I established a discussion group on a Chinese social media (called QQ) for parents to study further, and share their experience and lessons learnt in raising and intervening with their children. The number of the members of the group has reached over 350 and is still growing.

11La Trobe University Educating the parents  The members of the group are encouraged to participate in studying the Standards for Students in detail by viewing a series of video programs and then sharing their deep understanding by posting their weekly related assignments on the social media. So far, there have been over 500 submitted assignments.  Active members often share their experience and lesson learnt by posting video clips and stories on the social media.

12La Trobe University Some resent reports  Parents report noticeable progress of their children almost everyday on the social media, and some of them have even reported small breakthroughs of their children.

13La Trobe University Some recent reports by parents  On child A of 6 years old: Video 1Video 1: He was rejecting his had being held; Video 2Video 2: He was interested in holding his classmate’s hand.  On child B of 11 years old: VideoVideo: Playing Hu Lu Si on stage at a Chinese Spring Festival party 2006

14La Trobe University Some recent reports by parents  On child C of 6 years old: This morning, my husband was sending my son to his kindergarten and said : “It is quite cold, today.” I hugged my son and said: “Have nice day!” Just before they got into the lift, my son turned to me and said: “Mum, today is cold. You should put on a warm clothe.” At the moment when the door of the lift was closed, my eyes were filled with tears – I was so moved and happy!

15La Trobe University Some recent reports by parents  On child D of 7 years old: After having studied and practiced the Standard for Students for only two months, my son has made a wonderful progress. Now at home, he voluntarily cleans the table and floor. Last week when we had dinner in a restaurant, he had even picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks and given it to me before he started to eat. I was very moved.

16La Trobe University Some recent reports by parents  On child E of 6 years old: Just now, I took my son to play in the playground, where he met our neighbour’s daughter. He likes her. He saw that she was roller skating very fast, and called out to her: “Little sister, be careful and don’t fall. ” Once, when he saw that the little girl had difficulty to climb onto the step, he said to her: “Don’t worry. I will help you.” It’s amazing to see that he now shows his care for others!

17La Trobe University Summary Wisdoms are the fundamental; attitudes guide the direction; and intervention methods are tools. With wisdoms, our children can achieve a great deal and can expect a bright future.

Thank you latrobe.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00115M Thank you! Q & A