Brief Report: Emerging Services for Children with AutismSpectrum Disorders in Hong Kong (1960-2004)

摘要

Early identification of autistic features in anychild is important because there is potential for improvementby means of interventional, educational, or rehabilitativeprograms. Appropriate diagnosis of autism requires a dual-level approach—routine developmental surveillance andscreening, and diagnosis and evaluation of autism. Thehistorical emergence of a model of services for children withautism in Hong Kong arose because of increasing awareness,increasing prevalence, and pressure from parents and sup-port groups. The university-based Autism Research Programat the University of Hong Kong serves as an example of anintegrated center for research, teaching, and training inautism. The period from 1960 to 2004 is reviewed.