Hong Kong could take ‘lead in supporting Greater Bay Area children with autism’
Former medical school dean says research team plans for comprehensive care platform to start operating within a year
The academic said that a research team from the university’s medical school and its spin-off company, MicroSigX, would develop a platform offering integrated services – from advising parents on screening their children for autism to supporting their learning and development.
In an interview earlier this week, Chan announced plans for the team to attract interest from the bay area, which refers to Beijing’s initiative to integrate Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland Chinese cities into an economic powerhouse.
Earlier this month, the university said it would launch a pilot project to screen young children for autism using a newly developed tool that tested stool samples.
Chan said the innovation offered a foundation for the one-stop platform, envisioning the creation of a “centre of excellence” that could attract investors.