Since COVID-19 began to limit the ability for in-person collaboration and training in China, FIVE began providing online training to multiple partner organizations that serve children with autism and their families. In 2021, we began with a focus group with 10 organizations that we have collaborated with to share and discuss a new model of online training—a short course series aimed at teachers of different backgrounds and levels. We agreed upon a small group model where teachers of similar backgrounds would meet to learn about theory and teaching strategies, apply them in practice, and return for feedback and discussion.

As a result, FIVE's co-founder, Helen McCabe, designed three short courses targeted towards different groups of teachers. In the first, three-week short course, educational leaders or head teachers from 12 organizations that we have partnered with for many years participated. We discussed ongoing challenges, training needs, and strategies for promoting progress in all children. This was followed by two four-week short courses for the teachers from these organizations, ranging across China from Guangzhou in the south, to Changchun in the northeast, and Xi’an in the northwest, and more. One class was for new teachers (Implementing Instruction Individually and in Group Settings) and one for advanced teachers (Organizing an Effective Program: Systematic Instruction and Structured Environments). 

Teachers reported high levels of satisfaction with these short courses. In their comments on the final evaluation, teachers praised both the content and the small-group model with discussion. A teacher wrote, “After this month of training, I am grateful for the clear training, and the experiences shared by fellow students. I really learned a lot.” These benefits were echoed by many, such as another teacher who wrote, “I learned a lot of new knowledge, and the sharing by teachers from other organizations was really very useful.” Some asked for more opportunities for discussion, both to extend the length of the short course, and within each individual session. Overall, teachers were very satisfied, and hope for more training, such as one teacher who wrote, “This learning model was great, and I hope that we can have more learning opportunities like this in the future.” 

Recognizing the expertise and unique experiences embodied in the work that FIVE does, in April 2021, the University at Buffalo Confucius Institute and Great Lakes Chinese Consortium invited co-founder Helen McCabe to share about the work that she does with FIVE to support children with autism in China. Helen gave an online talk entitled, Collaborating to Provide Educational Opportunities for Children with Autism in China. Well-attended and well-received by all, one of the participants began the post-talk discussion/Q and A by saying that she was originally from China and was attending on behalf of many families in China who have known Helen and her work for years, and was thrilled to share their appreciation and best wishes with her. Helen has also been invited to serve as a keynote speaker, examining the work of The Five Project in partnership with educators and families in China, at a conference in April 2022.

FIVE’s support group in Nanjing, which provides ongoing support for approximately 25 young adults with developmental disabilities and mental health issues and their parents, has continued to be a group of families who care about each other, support each other, and check in on each other, even when they are not in person. Small groups of families have gotten together throughout the past year for various outings or events, though large-scale activities are still on hold. Meanwhile, all of the families continue to communicate regularly via our WeChat group. Zhang Ge (FIVE’s inspiration) checks in daily, sending a text to wish everyone a good day!

We hope that you will consider supporting FIVE's work. Donate online through PAYPAL (click here) or send a donation to 33 Fitch Terrace, Randolph, MA 02368 USA.