Supporting ASD Students in Mainstream Schools: EdUHK organises Symposium and Presents Research Findings
Co-organised by the Department of Special Education and Counselling (SEC) and Project Aspire of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), The “Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Schools: A Longitudinal Perspective Across Different School Stages” autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symposium was held on 2 April.
The symposium served as a platform to assist educators and organisations in delivering the most appropriate support for autistic students and assist them in adapting and thriving in mainstream schools, as well as enhancing awareness and understanding of autism. The event drew an audience of over 200 people, comprising representatives from the education sector, government, social welfare service organisations and parents.
During the symposium, Dr Julia Lo Wing-ka presented findings from a recent study on the needs of secondary and tertiary students in Hong Kong with ASD and their caregivers. In March 2025, the research team conducted focus group interviews with 16 participants, including parents, tertiary students and secondary students. The research found that students with ASD in mainstream secondary and tertiary schools faced challenges, such as adapting to a change of learning environment, social interaction and career development. To better help the learning and growth of these students, Dr Lo suggested strengthening communication between home and school, promoting inclusive education policies, and enhancing professional development for teachers. ( Please refer to the appendix. )
The symposium also featured a keynote speech by Professor Dawn Adams, Director of the Autism Centre of Excellence at Griffith University in Australia. She discussed the relationship between autism, anxiety and school attendance, as well as proposed evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety and enhance students' adaptability in learning.
Other experts from the Education Bureau (EDB) of the HKSAR Government, and industry specialists also delivered presentations on various topics. Dr Dorothy Li Wing-yee, Senior Specialist at EDB, introduced resources available for students with ASD across different school stages and future support directions. Mr Li Kin-man, Principal of Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School and Ms Chiu Yuen-han, Former Vice-Principal of ELCHK Hung Hom Lutheran Primary School, shared frontline experiences and insights into supporting students with ASD and their parents, to help them fit in at school. Dr Rachel Poon Mak Sui-man, Clinical psychologist, analysed the challenges parents face during their children's growth and shared family support strategies through case studies from different educational stages.
At the event, Professor Bill Yeung Chi-ho, EdUHK Dean of Students said, "EdUHK is committed to providing social training for students with ASD, enabling them to fully unleash their potential and enjoy school life. Let us work together today, on World Autism Awareness Day, to ensure that every student may thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face."
Ms Grace Lai Shing-yan, Executive Director of Project Aspire, highlighted the inclusive nature of the symposium, noting that graduates of Project Aspire and other students with ASD were invited to assist in the event, taking on roles that matched their individual strengths and personalities. Project Aspire will expand its services to include more diverse activities and extend its support to secondary school graduates, helping them prepare for employment and integrate into society. The project welcomes collaborations with stakeholders from education, government, and community sectors, to co-create a supportive environment for students with ASD.
Established in 2004, Project Aspire is dedicated to support students with ASD attending mainstream schools by providing social skills training, parent education, individual follow-up services and more, enabling them to fully realise their potential and connect with others. In recent years, the project has introduced the "Embracing Differences – Anti-Bullying and Autism Awareness Programme," as part of its school service. This programme trains EdUHK students as facilitators, who then visit various secondary schools to conduct inclusive experiential activities. These activities help secondary school students understand autism, eliminate misunderstandings, reduce bullying, and foster a caring and inclusive school environment.
Appendix: Assessing the needs of Hong Kong secondary and post-secondary students with ASD and their caregivers
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