In view of the increasing number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Hong Kong’s mainstream primary and secondary schools, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has earmarked HK$411 million to pioneer “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network” (JC A-Connect). The first of its kind in the city, the six-year programme was launched in 2015 with an aim to provide holistic support for children with ASD at the school, family, community and public levels. JC A-Connect offers school-based support for students with ASD in over 500 primary and secondary schools, provides support to parents and families through 18 satellite centres, as well as organises public education programmes to raise public awareness and understanding about ASD.

The Trust is collaborating in the programme with Faculty of Social Sciences of The University of Hong Kong, the Education Bureau and eight non-governmental organisations, including Caritas – Hong Kong, Heep Hong Society, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, SAHK, The Salvation Army, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council and Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association.

Building on the success of this programme, the Government announced in its Policy Address 2019 to regularise the support for students with ASD in mainstream schools and adopt the JC A-Connect school-based support programme starting in the 2021/22 school year.

To learn more about the programme, please visit: http://www.jca-connect.hk.