Overcoming autism through art

Exhibiting autistic children's artwork, raising money from an exhibition and charity gala dinner, and then allocating the money to the children, is also an annual event for Beijing Stars and Rain, a grassroots NGO providing rehabilitation education to autistic children.

"It is not about how much money those autistic children can make. It is about the hope and joy parents get from their children's paintings," says Jia Meixiang, an autism specialist with Peking University Sixth Hospital and one of the organizers of the exhibition.

"Drawing calms autistic children, and reduces the incidence of mood swings and destructive behavior."

Xiao Jingkang, the 16-year-old autistic boy, now leads a full life.

He goes to school one day a week, and enjoys being with his classmates and teachers. For the rest of each week, he paints, plays tennis, goes to the gym, and swims with the help of a private coach. He is also learning to play musical instruments.

"Whether if it is drawing or something else, as long as the child loves it, I'm happy to let him do it," Zou says. "I just want him to enjoy life."