Zhao plunged into autism research and found that the biggest problem for autistic children is social communication. Over a six-month period in 2005, she obtained rehabilitation training for her son in Beijing.

When they returned to Yinchuan, Zhao thought of establishing a training center there. It would be the first such facility in the region and would be based at a kindergarten in the city.

Currently, more than 1,500 children with autism, intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome have received professional training at the center.

Since 2007, Zhao's son has been attending school and is now able to live on his own.

Nie Linjiao contributed to the story.