However, while seeking medical help, Chen also discovered another harsh reality – traditional schools did not meet the unique educational needs of autistic children, and there were no specialised schools in her area.
Chen left her job in the medical industry and after starting a telecommunications business, she began the school for special needs children. Photo: Weibo
“Children have the right to go to school. If no existing opportunities are provided, I will have to create them,” said Chen.
In 2004, she quit her job in the medical industry, and after initially co-founding a telecommunications company with friends to secure capital, she established a school for children with special needs in 2007, according to Anqing Daily.
It took time for the school to become established, and at one point, she had to sell property she owned for the school to survive.
“Many people didn’t understand, and some even thought I was wasting money, but I knew that many autistic children, including my son, could not receive a timely and science-based education.
“The best age for autistic children to start learning is two to five years old. Any delay could last a lifetime,” said Chen.
Running the school has given her a sense of accomplishment.
“A child came to us at the age of two and could say ‘mum’ for the first time around the age of four. At that moment, everyone on-site, whether parents or teachers, wept,” she recalled.
In its 16 years of operation, the school has helped 811 students, with 82 autistic children going on to regular schools. Photo: Weibo
The school has grown from just 60 square metres with three teachers and five students to now encompassing two campuses of more than 3,000 square metres with 73 staff and 200 students, the youngest of whom is two years old and the oldest 24.
In its 16 years, the school has taught 811 students and helped 82 autistic children successfully transition to regular schools.
“It feels rewarding but also incredibly challenging even though we are not able to see the flowers blooming and that we don’t have peaches and plums everywhere,” said Chen.
The Chinese phrase, “Full of peaches and plums” means a teacher has taught a great number of pupils over a long period of time.
“I aim to engage more with supervision and volunteer work and let young people grow. This industry needs more people to join it.”
Chen’s story has resonated deeply with many on social media.
“An incredible mother, truly admirable!” said one person.
Another said: “It’s not easy at all! I hope relevant organisations can also establish more schools for children with special circumstances.”
“This is absolutely the best teacher! They may not have pupils everywhere, but their love surely reaches countless families,” said a third.
Chen’s story echoes that of Wang Xinan, another mother in China who founded a special school for her severely deaf son.
Not only did Wang manage to guide her son to university, she also provided free guidance to more than 3,000 families.