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As Hong Kong tackles SEN, technology set for a bigger role in assessment, intervention

Improved awareness and early detection have seen a rise in special education needs diagnoses, and while the stigma is fading, challenges remain

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The Autism Partnership Foundation uses a retired MTR train to teach children how to ride on public transport. Photo: Dickson Lee
Andrea Lo

Hong Kong has seen a striking rise in the number of students identified with special educational needs (SEN) over the past decade.

There are nearly 60,000 SEN primary and secondary students in Hong Kong, more than double the number a decade ago, according to The Social and Emotional Support for SEN Children Adapting to Primary School Survey, a 2023 report by Hong Kong Christian Service. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) alone among Hong Kong children aged six to 17 is now estimated at 2.57 per cent, according to a 2025 study published by the US National Library of Medicine. For comparison, a 2007 study analysing data from 1986 to 2005 found around 0.16 per cent of Hong Kong children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with ASD.

Experts say, however, that the numbers may not reflect a sudden surge in developmental disorders. Instead, improved awareness, early detection and a gradual shift in public attitudes are helping more families seek the help they need.

While the stigma surrounding special educational needs has eased, it hasn’t disappeared. Photo: Shutterstock
While the stigma surrounding special educational needs has eased, it hasn’t disappeared. Photo: Shutterstock

According to Natalie Tsui Yuen-ting, an educational psychologist at Heep Hong Society, a non-profit that provides support to children and youth with developmental and learning difficulties, the number of children referred for assessment has remained steadily high in recent years, reflecting not necessarily a rise in the prevalence of SEN, but rather a shift in attitudes and earlier detection.

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