"People with autistic spectrum disorders require life-long assistance and training. The help should not be reduced at the age of 18," Guo said.

Xiao Yang, researcher at the Women's Research Institute of the All-China Women's Federation, said that at present, care services for adults with autism are hampered by lagging understanding of disability, unbalanced development of care services, lack of training in care services, insufficient allocation of resources, and rigid, single-mode care services.

She said that taking into account people with autism disorders is an integral part of improving the social welfare system for the disabled.

Xiao suggested prioritizing the development of care services for people with severe autistic symptoms, supporting the development of private nursing service institutions, training more professionals and promoting community-based support networks for adults with autism.

It is also necessary for society to accept different kinds of people, including ones with autism, said He Xin, an associate professor at the School of Sociology and Population at Renmin University of China.

"We need to work together to build a more inclusive and integrated society," she said.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn