Press Release: Thursday August 4, 2005

Heartspring, Chinese autism school enter sister organization agreement

Wichita, Kan. – Heartspring announced that they have entered into a sister organization agreement with Stars and Rain Institute for Autism in Beijing, China.

Both Heartspring and Stars and Rain utilize similar Applied Behavior Analysis methodologies as well as other philosophies as they work to improve the lives of those living with autism.

This agreement will offer the opportunity for additional support through a cultural and informational exchange between Heartspring staff and the teachers at Stars and Rain.

Ten years ago Tian Huiping (Hope) founded the Stars and Rain Institute for Autism. This was the first school for children with autism in all of China. The program consists of an eleven-week training session for parents and children, so they can learn how to educate their child at home. “Even a child who is disabled has the right to a normal life,” said Hope. “But in China , the reality is that only a so called normal person can have a normal life.”

There are an estimated 2 million people in China with autism, yet only 20 doctors are qualified to diagnose the disorder; an increase from the three physicians qualified a decade ago. Stars and Rain has helped over 2,500 children with autism and there is a two and a half year waiting list for families who wish to receive services.

Hope, along with teachers from Stars and Rain, Bo Hongli (Holly) and Zang Yufeng (Jordon) recently visited Heartspring in Wichita as part of Heartspring’s World Reach program. They observed therapies and classes at the Growing Place at Heartspring and Heartspring School . The exchange between Stars and Rain and Heartspring has been extremely beneficial.

“And it is so wonderful to come to Heartspring and learn about how you serve children. I would love to have the advice and training from one of your (Heartspring) people for one year,” said Holly.

That help may come on a smaller scale thanks to a two to four week training opportunity provided by Heartspring board certified behavior analyst, Evelyn Horton.

Heartspring plans to implement Stars and Rain’s parent-based training model on an eight week trail basis in the future.

“You might conclude that the training and learning is a one-way street,” said Horton. “But I can’t believe how much that I have learned from the Chinese in their brief visit here. The parent-based training is one that we could apply here to help families who stuggle at home with their child. Wichita families will benefit from our interaction with the Stars and Rain program. And this doesn’t even address what we gain from their perspective and positive outlook that they have in spite of so many challenges that seem insurmountable.”