Media

Release of research findings on “A large-scale and comprehensive local study on support needs of students with ASD in mainstream schools”

05 Jul 2016

The number of children identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is rising globally and Hong Kong has aligned with this trend.  Subsequent to the launch of “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network” (JC A-Connect) in June 2015, the HKU School Support Team has conducted a large-scale and comprehensive local study on the support needs of students with ASD and caregivers.  The study has collected data from 407 school personnel and 2,232 parents, which helps to understand the adjustment of 2,608 students in mainstream primary and secondary schools, through the assistance of more than 300 schools and six NGO partners.

The preliminary findings show a significant variation in the adjustment of students with ASD at different levels under the inclusive setting.  In order to assist these students to overcome their behaviour and emotional difficulties and to learn effectively, training focuses should be adjusted in accordance with individual needs. The findings also identify the concerns and difficulties encountered by teachers and parents who support students with ASD.  Corresponding professional support should also be provided to enhance their knowledge, skills and confidence.

The data collected from three perspectives – student performance, teacher efficacy and parent efficacy, enable a multi-angle examination on the support needs of students with ASD at school. The results will inform improvements in support strategies and foster the continuous development of relevant policies.

The study findings and the latest progress of the JC A-Connect Programmes will be shared at the Press Conference.  Personnel from a JC A-Connect participating school and an NGO partner will share the challenges faced by the students, their parents, and teachers as well as experiences in delivering training programmes in school.

Details are as follows:
Date: July 6, 2016 (Wednesday)
Time: 2:30pm
Venue: Social Sciences Function Room, 11/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU

Speakers:

• Mr. Leong Cheung, Executive Director, Charities and Community, The Hong Kong Jockey Club
• Dr. Irene Ho, Project Director (School Support) and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU
• Ms. Ho Tsz Kwan, Vice-Principal, G.C.C.I.T.K.D. Cheong Wong Wai Primary School
• Ms. Chan Hiu Ngai, Teacher, G.C.C.I.T.K.D. Cheong Wong Wai Primary School
• Ms. Iris Tse, JC A-Connect Project Officer, Rehabilitation Service, Caritas-Hong   Kong

Hong Kong ASD Conference 2016
To create a platform for knowledge sharing, the Hong Kong ASD Conference 2016: Supporting Learning and Development will be held on July 8, 2016 (Friday) at HKU.  The Conference aims at enhancing support for children with ASD, their schools and families.  The keynote lectures will be delivered by Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, consultant of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) and Dr. Florence Lee, Consultant Paediatrician of Child Assessment Service of Department of Health, HKSAR. Experienced practitioners from the Education Bureau and NGO partners will be also invited to share their practical experiences in serving the children with ASD and their families. Over 900 experts, professionals, educators and caregivers will join to share their works and insights on effective support for children and adolescents with ASD. Media are welcome to register via telephone. For details, please visit the Conference website: http://www.socsc.hku.hk/JCA-Connect/hkasd2016/.

For media enquiries, please contact
Miss Wing Tsang, Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU (Tel: 3917 1207/ 9123 1925; About “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network”

About “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network”
“JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network” (JC A-Connect) is initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$167 million commencing in 2015/16 academic year.  In collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, the Education Bureau and six NGO partners – Caritas-Hong Kong, Heep Hong Society, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, SAHK, The Salvation Army and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the three-year Programme aims at providing better support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families and schools. Over 300 mainstream primary and secondary schools are involved, which cover more than 50% of the estimated population of students with ASD in public mainstream schools in Hong Kong. Community-based parent support and training sessions are also delivered by six NGO partners across the territory. Details of JC A-Connect are available at www.JCA-Connect.hk.Email: wingts@hku.hk)