We at beijingkids did not just want to write about special needs kids in Beijing. We had a vision to make pictures of these children, simply showing us their hobby or living out their wildest dreams. We spent a long Sunday at Dave’s magical photo studio to make these visions come true. The coordination of this day was a long and challenging journey, but we couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome. You might think that these kids are the lucky ones to be photographed by one of the best photographers in the city, but we walked away feeling even more lucky. We got to spend beautiful one-on-one time with the six kids that make these pictures shine, and we were inspired by their loving and energetic parents. These families are the ones that gifted us with something we had never anticipated; a window into the lives of these fearless children who are constantly pushing themselves to overcome their unique challenges. Though we are different, we are also the same.

Dian Dian (Age 14)

Along with being a big brother to his loving sister, Dian (14) attends Xinyuan Xili Primary School in Beijing. He was one of the most patient models we have ever worked with. Without speaking, we could see he adores and loves his mother, drawing comfort from her touch. Dian is a lover of literature and reads anything he can get his hands on. No magazine or book is safe with him around. His parents are also passionate about reading so this a hobby that’s shared by the entire family. Dian has autism and loves to draw and play basketball; so for his photo spread, we had him relaxing under a tree with two of his favorite things, books and a basketball.

David Wang (Age 7)

David (7) is a first-year student at Olive International School in Beijing. David is a lover of Chinese poems, playing cards, horseback riding, swimming, and bicycling. David can’t walk on his own but that does not stop him from going around with a smile on his face, and his energy and eagerness to learn are tangible. He was a natural during the photoshoot, and we watched with amazement as he rode off without using training wheels for the first time. David was born prematurely and has cerebral palsy. After the photoshoot, he continued with homework reading English, and we were amazed by his knowledge, and willingness to keep studying even on a Sunday.

Photo: Dave’s Studio

This article appeared on p46-51 of beijingkids March 2018 issue.

Hu Yi Fan has been working hard at his therapy sessions at Beijing United Hospital since we last reported on him.

An eight-year-old boy with disabilities consistent with Cerebral palsy, a motor-skills defect caused by permanent brain damage, Fan Fan (what his family call him) is also referred to in China as a ‘migrant child’.

Migrant workers seek work far from their hometown and as a consequence are often denied basic rights afforded to local workers due to China’s tight regulatory control of its huge working population. The move to a new city usually negatively impacts the migrant child, especially if they have a disability.

“The problem with migrant parents having a disabled child is that they have no knowledge or information how to deal with the situation and what they can do to improve the life of their child,” said Helen Boyle, founder of the UK-registered charity Migrant Children’s Foundation, MCF, that is currently working with Fan Fan and supporting his therapy at Beijing United.

“Yesterday I went to the hospital with Fan Fan. He had a two-hours therapy session. I spoke with the therapist. She recommended that he has 3 to 4 sessions a week now as he is showing a great improvement. He is trying to walk and his steps are more in time than before. He is also trying to say things. The therapist said that his muscles are stronger and the fact his mother does the regular exercises with him at home is also helping. I bought him a couple of games to help him exercise his finger movements as well as his hand,” she said.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common disorders of childhood. It is congenital which means it is present at birth or before during pregnancy. Exact causes of most cases of CP are unknown. Premature babies have a higher risk of CP. There is no cure but various therapies and treatments are available, some in China.

China is estimated to have over 1 million children with CP.

Daragh Moller is a teacher.  He has had a career in journalism, the voluntary sector, the Internet, education and creative writing. He is from Ireland and lives in west Beijing.

Photos courtesy of MCF