The Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) recently released a study that found 46.7% of parents of children with special educational needs (SEN) said their children’s behaviour had led to unfriendly reactions from the public. The finding was based on a survey of 520 parents of children with SEN conducted between September and October 2024. Common reactions included uncomfortable stares (43.1%), mocking (31.7%), and verbal abuse (28.7%).

In the same study, the YWCA also surveyed 619 people from the general public. While the majority of the respondents expressed willingness to accept children with SEN, around 86% also noted that societal acceptance of children with SEN remains challenging. Based on the study’s findings, the YWCA called for greater public understanding and acceptance of children with SEN.

• Read the press release from YWCA