完善自闭症福利保障(wánshàn zìbìzhèng fúlì bǎozhàng): More welfare, social security for people with autism

In December, Lei Wenfeng, a 15-year-old boy with autism, died at a care center for vagrants in Xinfeng, Guangdong province, 45 days after he became lost and was held there.

The tragedy exposes the malpractice in the local care center for vagrants, which should be strictly dealt with according to the law. It also highlights the lack of care and support for people with autism and their families.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and restricted and repetitive behavior. Because those with autism lack the necessary capacities for social interaction and are unable to take care of themselves in their daily lives, they require special care even after they grow up. This puts a great burden on the families of those with autism, because of the costs of both rehabilitation treatment and daily nursing.

It is especially difficult for low-income families to care for family member with autism. In this tragedy Lei's father had to both work and take care of the boy on his own, because the boy's mother cares for their two daughters in their hometown.

More social support and welfare should be provided to people with autism and their families.