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Yilu is one of the most kind people you will meet. Spending time at the Panda sanctuary, before everyone left, she wanted to make sure she spent her allowance on others, buying souvenirs for them to remember their trip. Yilu is mature, kind, and very respectful, but it wasn’t an easy road to get to this point.
When Yilu was first diagnosed with autism, the news was devastating. Wang Haiyan, her mother, described the moment as if “the sky had truly collapsed.” Grief washed over the family. But in that moment of fear and uncertainty, Zhao Xiubing, Yilu’s father, gently held Haiyan and said something that would guide their path forward, “Let’s try our best to raise her well.”
That commitment changed everything.
Haiyan quit her job and became a full-time caregiver. “We never missed any classes,” she said. “This period changed my own psychology greatly.” Every day was dedicated to helping Yilu gain confidence, understand her environment, and slowly navigate the world around her.
Meanwhile, Xiubing took on more pressure at work to support them. “Life in Chengdu is pretty stressful,” he admitted, “but we approached it with high hopes. No complaints. Our mindset was to support each other and raise this kid well.”
That support system extended beyond the home.
When Yilu first entered school, the transition wasn’t easy. Her mother was understandably anxious, worried about how Yilu would adapt to the classroom and interact with other children. Yilu would scream, hit her head, bang against walls, and bite herself. But thanks to a supportive environment and a thoughtful, inclusive approach from the educators, Yilu began to find her footing.
Special Olympics Young Athletes Program was one of the first places Yilu started to blossom. With a blend of movement, coordination, and play, the program allowed her to engage with others in a structured yet joyful way. It wasn’t just about learning skills, it was about building trust. Through painting and group activities, she connected with Unified partners, and began to complete tasks cooperatively, following her teacher’s guidance.
As Bian Rong, her principal, described it, “When her mother saw Zhao Yilu adapting well through painting and the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program, especially how she gradually built trust with Unified partners and completed tasks together under the teacher's instruction, the mother gained real confidence as well.”
And then came sports.
Getting involved in Special Olympics activities opened up an entirely new chapter in Yilu’s life. What began as therapy and skill development became a source of pride, joy, and purpose. Through Unified Sports, she was not only active, she was included. She had teammates. She had goals. She had a community that saw her for everything she could do, not what she struggled with.
“At first, [the parent’s] focus was on compensating for her defects,” Wang Yong, Yilu’s swimming coach said. “But now, her parents feel that through everyday conversations, they reflect more on the potential she's unlocked and contemplate her future direction.”
Yilu’s transformation was not overnight but it was steady and undeniable. “You might not see progress in a day or a month,” Haiyan said. “But if you persist year after year, keep training consistently, gently yet firmly, the child will undoubtedly improve.”
Today, Yilu is thriving. And that strength comes from the foundation her family built.
“Family is the source of her security,” Yang Baixue, Yilu’s teacher explained. “Her parents are her strongest backbone.”
Her mom often reflects on the long journey, “With his support, our family truly pulled together in the same direction. And she kept improving.”
Yilu herself understands the depth of her family’s love. “I love my mom and dad and brother,” she said. “Because no matter what I do, they’re willing to support me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Yilu is an example not just of challenge but of resilience. It’s a story of a family who faced heartbreak with open hearts, of educators who believed in inclusion, and of sports that gave Yilu a place to shine.
“I truly hope more parents will get involved,” Haiyan said. “Supporting kids in Special Olympics and unified activities I believe it makes a difference for them.”
For Yilu, it’s made all the difference.
