To further raise public awareness of children with autism and enhance the professional competence of autism practitioners, the "3rd Canadian CBI Inclusive Education Pyramid Symposium," supported by Wan Qian, the Caring Ambassador of the APEPCY, was successfully held in Beijing from December 14 to 15, 2024. The two-day symposium was organized by the CFD Autism Special Fund under the Beijing Changier Education Foundation, with support from CFD Learning, China Alliance Appraisal Co., Ltd., and C&C Joint Printing Co, (Beiing) Ltd.

According to incomplete statistics, the prevalence of autism has reached 1 in 36, with more than 10 million children diagnosed with autism in China. These staggering numbers represent the hopes and struggles of countless families. Research and practice have demonstrated that inclusive education provides a vital pathway for children with autism to attend school and become integrated members of society.

The CFD Autism Project of Beijing Changier Education Foundation is dedicated to promoting inclusive education in China. Through charitable initiatives such as "Star Packages," it raises funds and spreads awareness of autism spectrum disorders and intervention approaches, helping children and adolescents with developmental disabilities in their learning and daily lives.

Expert from the Canada CBI Autism Consultant Team

Nelson Tao, Director of CFD Autism Special Fund, Beijing Changier Education Foundation

The CBI Pyramid Model for Inclusive Education is a training curriculum designed for early childhood educators, shadow teachers, and parents in China, providing an evidence-based approach to support social and emotional development in infants and young children. The symposium was conducted by Nelson Tao, an expert from the Canada CBI Autism Consultants Team and director of the CFD Autism Special Fund, Beijing Changier Education Foundation.

Attendees enthusiastically shared their takeaways

Ages 2 to 7 represent the crucial intervention window for children with autism. While inclusive education in China remains in its infancy and faces significant challenges compared to international standards, we need more people to join this cause and work together strategically to build a more inclusive society that can illuminate the path of hope for children with autism.