"Family reunion" in Nanjing

During my weekend in Nanjing, I was able to get involved with one of The FIVE Project's monthly workshop/support group meetings for parents of people with autism and other disabilities. It was actually not so much a "support group" than a party or fun get-together for these families. Volunteers (Chinese and American students from the Nanjing-Hopkins University program) also attended to meet and get to know some families.

I attended two such workshops: one for children with autism and their parents, and the other for adults with disabilities and their parents. Both followed the same program schedule:

1. Introductions
2. Pairing up of volunteers and families
3. Talent show
4. Snacks
5. Goodbyes & thank-you's

I was very excited to meet some families and to listen to their stories. One mother of a six-year old son with autism told me that she didn't care if her son learned to read or write or even speak. She just wants him to be able to take care of himself (e.g. dress himself, bathe himself, cook and make food for himself, etc). This seems to be a very common theme among parents. All the parents seemed so happy to meet people who were interested in their family and wanted to get to know them and stay in touch.

The talent shows were my favorite! The kids loved to sing, to listen to music, and to clap along to the beat. The adults were not shy at all about singing, dancing, reciting poems, and even singing in sign language (absolutely beautiful).

I definitely noticed a difference between the parents of the little kids and the parents of the adults. There was a lot less "How can I cure this?" and "When will this go away?" and more of "This is what my child is like and I love him/her anyway", which was really nice to see. The second, older group seemed to have a more comfortable, relaxed, and accepting environment. The families seemed to be much closer to each other, and the workshop seemed like a big extended family reunion! It was especially comforting to know that these families have found a community in which they and their children are accepted and supported, since their society and government provide no support at all. I was so grateful to have been a part of the "reunion", and to connect with some individuals. I even have a couple pen pals from the weekend :)

Volunteers singing to the families a song about love and hope. It wasn't the only time I got teary-eyed that day!

Zhang Ge and a friend, performing during the talent show.

After we volunteers sang "You Are My Sunshine", the adults put on a show for us!

The snacks were a hit :)