Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library is honored to co-host the DKU Library Open Day and “Guarding the Stars Among Us with Vibrant Suzhou Metro Line 11” special exhibition, featuring painting works by children with autism. The exhibition, located in the Library Lobby, will run through Monday, August 19.
The DKU Library Open Day and the special exhibition unveiled on August 5, 2024. The event was co-sponsored by Duke Kunshan University and Suzhou Rail Transit, and co-organized by Suzhou Autism Research Association and Suzhou European and American Alumni Association. A total of 50 local high school students and 50 parents attended the Open Day.
Speakers including John Quelch, Executive Vice Chancellor at DKU, and Scott MacEachern, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at DKU, delivered speeches to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of DKU’s philosophy of education, as well as caring and support for children with autism. Scholars from DKU also shared with the audience their latest research on the use of artificial intelligence to intervene in autism.
Dr. (Helen) Hong Xu, University Librarian of DKU, explained to the audience the history, functions, resources, and staff qualities of a university library. Dr. Xu addressed the important and unique role the Library plays in the university, including being a venue hosting such special exhibitions and displays, and welcomed the guests on a library tour guided by professional librarians.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or autism for short, is a developmental brain disorder with core symptoms that include social impairments, communication difficulties, and repetitive stereotyped behaviors, and is classified as a mental disability. The global prevalence rate is about 1/160 children, and there are more than 10 million patients in China, including about 2 million children aged 0-14 years old. The World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2 every year.
View selected paintings from the exhibition below.
