Where to find special education needs schools and centres in Hong Kong

Not every child fits the mould or learns at the same rate as others. Although most international schools cater to students with special needs, here are a few suggestions if you’re looking for extra developmental support.

Read more: Where to find home tutors in Hong Kong

Autism Partnership Foundation

The APF uses the renowned Applied Behaviour Analysis approach to encourage the potential of children with autism to bloom. It runs private primary school Aoi Pui, the only school in Hong Kong to cater specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Aoi Pui School, 16 Station Lane, Hung Hom, Kowloon, 2526 3061

Child Development Centre

The CDC provides support to children with a wide spectrum of individual abilities and Special Educational Needs (SEN). Educational programmes are based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage. The curriculum is backed up by various learning tools, methodologies, assessments and therapies to develop each child’s maximum potential.

4/F, Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, 2849 6138

Watchdog Early Education Centre

Watchdog offers support for newborns to six-year old. The centre provides support for those who have ASD, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other physical, learning and developmental issues. It provides intensive early intervention services, psychological assessment, specialist teaching and various therapies.

Central Centre, G/F, 12 Borrett Road, Central, 2521 7364; Jordan Centre, 4 Jordan Road, Kowloon, 2377 9666

ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School

Each ESF school has a learning support centre and accepts children with learning disabilities into mainstream classes. If your child requires more intensive teaching, the ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School is a through-school for children aged five to 19 with special needs including Down Syndrome and ASD. There is an emphasis on teaching independence and vocational training in addition to literacy and numeracy programmes.

2B Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin, 2761 9893

SPOT

With three centres around Hong Kong, SPOT are able to offer a variety of services and facilities, from sensory-motor therapy gyms and speech therapy sessions to dyslexia assistance and in-school support.  With both individual and group classes available, they provide invaluable advice on all areas of a child’s development.

SPOT Central, 19/F, 50 Stanley Street, Central, 2544 5835; SPOT South Island, 1021-1025 One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2807 2992

Sprout in Motion

Working with those with suspected ADHD, dyslexia, ASD and other developmental disabilities, Sprout in Motion is a specialist centre for child and adolescent clinical psychology. Offering services in English, Cantonese or Mandarin, they have centres in Central and Wong Chuk Hang.

Central Centre, G/F, 5A Chancery Lane, Central, 2563 4138; Wong Chuk Hang Centre, Suite 1006, Global Trade Square, 21 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2563 4800

Pathways

For this wanting a focus on dyslexia, Pathways is the place for you. They run regular parent evenings where they share their knowledge on the latest insights into reading difficulties, and guidance on the teaching and learning of children with dyslexia.

Pathways Foundation Learning Centre, Unit 1-3, 1/F, Island Centre, 470 Reclamation Street, Mong Kok, 2870 1377; G/F, Hin Fu House, Hin Keng Estate, Shatin, 3105 2311

Feature image courtesy of Shutterstock.