Christmas brings anticipation, surprises, and a spirit of love and joy. It's a time to gather with family, friends, and loved ones, a season of sharing and giving back.
In October 2023, a chance discovery on the YouTube channel of Taiwanese YouTuber TKstory led SC&T to the Autistic Children Family Care Association located in eastern Taiwan.
In a touching video, YouTuber Alex spent an entire day with one of the association's care recipients, Bo Rui, who, due to meningitis at six months old and a car accident at the age of three, has an intellectual capacity frozen at the age of four. Bo Rui is primarily cared for by his aunt and has received training and assistance from the association.
Bo Rui's aunt shared the challenges she faces in caring for him, as well as the genuine innocence that moves her. Alex concludes in the video, saying, "He (Bo Rui) has no mask, very pure, doesn't suppress emotions. Spending time with him feels like taking a day off from the adult world."
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with multifaceted causes, including genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of autism include lower language communication abilities, social difficulties, fixed and specific behaviors that may be hard for others to understand or accept, potential cognitive impairments, including intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties, and exceptional talents in specific areas.
((Illustration from: KAWASAKI AUTISM SOCIETY)
The Autistic Children Family Care Association in Taiwan was established to care for individuals with disabilities. Located in eastern Taiwan, the organization was founded by a father, who, having two children with special needs, recognized the impermanence of caregivers. To empower these individuals to be self-reliant and help each other, he used his savings and retirement funds to establish the association.
"We teach children to do what they can within their capabilities. Through selling various agricultural products, they earn funds for the 'Companion Home Hope Project,' supporting the home's financial needs. By earning their own money, they create a future for themselves, hire staff, and provide a place where parents can confidently leave their children. That's the reason behind the project." - Excerpt from the Autistic Children Family Care Association website.
The founder hopes that these individuals, known as 'children of the stars,' can, through learning work skills, manufacture various products using local agricultural resources and, through their efforts, accumulate savings for the association. Ultimately, they aim to create a 'Companion Home' that can provide care for individuals with disabilities in the future, offering peace of mind to their families.
We were deeply moved after learning Bo Rui's story and understanding the association's mission. While we may not be able to bring pivotal changes to the lives of these 'children of the stars,' we can extend a small act of kindness by giving back and supporting these individuals striving to lead fulfilling lives. In communication with the association, we gave each star a special Christmas gift they most desired. We at SC&T collaborated in packaging the gifts with blessing cards, hoping to bring a little warmth to these individuals with disabilities.
The 'Children of the Stars' from Taitung expressed their thoughts to us through handmade cards. For them, the ability to write and convey their feelings is an encouraging accomplishment. The simple words on their cards carry profound emotions. We discovered in them an unmasked, straightforward nature and an extraordinary effort to live a good life, making for a wonderful Christmas gift.
We believe that only goodwill can perpetuate more goodwill, putting an end to discrimination and prejudice. Wishing all our partners a Merry Christmas!
Individuals with cognitive impairments often face challenges in learning, employment, and social interactions. When interacting with these individuals, consider trying the following practices, as you may discover a different perspective:
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