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Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder affecting one's social interaction, communication, routine, etc. The disorder is observed across the globe. Autism in China is known as 自闭症 or 孤独症 in Chinese. It is also common for autistic individuals to be called metaphorically as 来自星星的孩子.
Autism has a prevalence rate of around 1% among the Chinese population. Since 2006, when autism was first recognized as a neurological disability, China has passed a number of laws to ensure the state service and inclusion of autistic individuals.
The diagnosis of autism in China adapts several international assessment tools and a procedure carried out by the psychiatrist. However, there are shortfalls related to under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Public schools, special education schools are two possible paths for autistic children to receive education. However, due to the lack of professional training in autism intervention in those institutions and frequent rejections, most parents send their children to private treatment centres, which are costly.