Statistics for Autism in China
According to the second China National Sample Survey on Disability, there are 100,000 autistic children in China—-but the real number is “much bigger,” as an official whose surname is Li with the Beijing Rehabilitation Association for Autistic Children (BRAAC) notes. He notes that Beijing alone has “800,000 autistic children,” while a report on China Central Television (CCTV) claims that China has 1.8 million autistic persons, 400,000 of which are children. These figures were reported in today’s China View (Xinhua online), which also notes that:
Autism patients are not covered by Chinese law on the Protection of the Handicapped.
Earlier reports suggest that China is making efforts to improve the situation of autistic patients. Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan called on the public to care more for children suffering from autism at a charity function to raise funds for the disabled on Dec. 1.
The BARAC’s “sole purpose” is, according to its website, “to help and show loving care for autistic children and their parents.” It currently provides these services: “Medical, psychological and educational consultations; Integrated audio-linguistic training; Rehabilitation training and instruction; and Teaching materials and teaching aid.”
Go here to read about a press conference on the second national survey on disability, which further notes that (according to the the survey), 82.96 million out of 1,309.48 million people in China are disabled (6.34 percent). Here are specific figures given for various disabilities:
visual disability, 12.33 million or 14.86 percent; hearing disability, 20.04 million or 24.16 percent; speech disability, 1.27 million or 1.53 percent; and physical disability, 24.12 million or 29.07 percent; mental retardation, 5.54 million or 6.68 percent; mental disability, 6.14 million or 7.40 percent; and multiple disabilities, 13.52 million or 16.30 percent.
I am curious to know under what type of disability autism is included in China. It seems that it may be considered a mental disability: Another report from the Chinese government notes that about 104,000 children under the age of 6 in China have a mental disability.
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POSTED IN: Asia, China, Statistics
5 opinions for Statistics for Autism in China
Claire Harris
Aug 19, 2007 at 1:10 am
Is there a correlation between the numbers of autistic children and lead levels in China
Chuck
Aug 19, 2007 at 8:21 am
The only way there would be any correlation to lead levels and autism in Chine would be if lead levels were part of the diagnosis criteria. What diagnosis criteria does China use?
Autism in China
Jan 12, 2008 at 5:17 pm
[…] Autism for highlighting this). Ma’s daughter, Yu Miao, was born in 2000 and has autism. The China Disabled Persons’ Federation estimates that 104,000 children in China have learning disabilities, mostly autism, but the number […]
Dave Orlebeke
Apr 4, 2008 at 11:30 pm
There are numerous medical and scientific studies denoting that residual pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are tied to neurological and physiological abnormalities in the developing fetus. Having been to one of China’s main manufacturing plants of these chemicals and watching them dump the wastewater to the local river - the problem is only going to get worse - China is not alone in not addressing the main issue - treating manufacturing wastewater.
Dave Orlebeke
Apr 4, 2008 at 11:35 pm
As another comment - it’s not Global warming that is the problem, that’s a distraction from the real problem of global pollution of rivers and streams. The manufacturers - including pharmaceutical manufacturers create very complex, biologically reduction resistent chemicals - which require advanced treatment to remove them from freshwater sources - otherwise, they invade ALL life forms - plant, animals, fish, birds, humans, etc. This impacts irrigation water as well as drinking water - as you are exposed to accumulations in your food source - vegetable or animal - so removing only the chemicals from your drinking water is only part of the solution - you have to stop the constant exposure to the aquifier, and surface water - while addressing what’s there already.
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