Painting beyond the spectrum

In many ways, 12-year-old Zhu Jingxiu is just like any other boy his age. He is skilled in drawing, enjoys playing the piano, loves to ride his bicycle, and likes to use his mobile phone to film videos of traffic and skyscrapers.

"To my understanding, he is a genius. He can do anything if he puts his mind to it," says Zhu Jingxiu's mother Chen Hongju, talking proudly of her son as her fingers gently touch an album of his paintings.

Zhu Jingxiu, also nicknamed "Xiaoxiu" by his family and friends, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 years old. From a young age, Zhu displayed a talent for painting, and remains highly focused on it. Despite facing challenges, he can express his inner world through rich depictions of colors and patterns.

Autism constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Statistics from 2022 show that the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population of China exceeded 10 million, with over 3 million of them under the age of 14. It has become one of the primary mental disorders for Chinese children.

People with autism experience difficulties in the way they communicate and interact socially. They lack typical social skills and prefer solitude. Xiaoxiu is no exception in this regard, and he often immerses himself in his own world and rarely communicates with others.

During the interview with his mother, Xiaoxiu suddenly started to cry out about the phone he was using running out of power. Xiaoxiu could articulate a couple of words – "no battery," "yes," and "car" – but like many individuals on the spectrum, he doesn't express a wide vocabulary. His mother then had to pause the interview to calm him down and show him how to charge the phone.

To express his needs, Xiaoxiu often points to things and grunts. Li Weiqiang is a teacher who works with autistic children at the Colorful Starlight Charity Center and has been working with Xiaoxiu for some time.

He says the most common challenge in autism is social impairment, whether the child talks or not. "Xiaoxiu usually uses simple language to express his needs, there's nothing more," says Li.

Although he seldomly talks, Xiaoxiu has found music to be a sanctuary where he can harbor his emotions. Xiaoxiu was musically inclined from a young age. "I saw him playing the piano once. He finds the right key based on singing tunes," his mother says, "He's naturally talented."

Through reading music books, Xiaoxiu taught himself how to read sheet music and numbered musical notation, and how to compose. The talented 12-year-old has written more than 80 songs. Wherever he goes, if he sees a piano, he will play a few notes.

Xiaoxiu is now one of the keyboardists and singers of the Not Alone Band. Made up of people with autism and teachers from the Colorful Starlight Charity Center, the band gathers individuals who share a love of music together, with the aim of offering hope and strength to them and those around them through their songs and music.

Li Weiqiang leads the band and choir at the Colorful Starlight Charity Center. "Through these activities, they can develop teamwork skills. And the music helps to soothe their emotions. I want Xiaoxiu to sense participation, to feel the vibe, and be a part of the band." Li says.

Children with autism in China have a rather romantic name: "Children from the Stars." Li Weiqiang says in the organization, regardless of age, whether they're in their thirties or forties, autistic people are all referred to as "children," because their intellectual state lies between 3 and 10 years old, as if they are suspended in the stages of childhood.

According to research, some 50 percent of autistic children exhibit moderate to severe levels of intellectual impairment. And for Xiaoxiu, he sometimes forgets the things he learned the previous day.

"Some kids show signs of regression," says Li Weiqiang, "Regressive autism is difficult. They might be fine when they're young. But as they grow older, they regress. They might forget how to use chopsticks, how to use the toilet, or even how to put on clothes."

Chen Hongju, Xiaoxiu's mother, says: "Honestly, I'm not sure what his future holds. What I can do for now is create an environment based on his interests and talents. That's what I believe I can contribute."

With developments in society in recent years, both the diagnosis and treatment of autistic people have greatly improved. Public awareness of autism has also grown. An increasing number of people are able to provide understanding and care for them, creating a more inclusive and supportive social environment.