Youngsters often face long waits for treatment

Parents of autistic children in Hong Kong face long waits for government-funded rehabilitation therapy. The waiting time for preschool services is usually one year, but it can be as long as three in extreme cases. Parents find themselves in line after line as they try to arrange training for their children.

Mainstream therapy for autism includes applied behavioral analysis, speech and occupational therapy, and social skills classes, according the website of the Hong Kong Education Bureau.

While private institutions offer treatment for children with autism, the fees are too high for many families.