A child with autism is awarded a medal at the event. [Photo/Baotou news network]

With April 2 designated as World Autism Day, the previous day the Baotou Disabled Persons' Federation organized for 50 families with autistic children to carry out a walking activity at Saikhantal Grassland – located in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Children and their parents played games to receive medals and gifts, having a ball.

The moms and dads said their kids were delighted.

"My kid was on cloud nine last night when he heard there was going to be an event today," said one proud and elated parent.

The lively scene attracted many visitors to join in, said Chen Jing, head of the special kindergarten of the city's rehabilitation center for the disabled.

"This is the largest number of people we've organized in nearly three years," Chen said.

"This time the theme is 'attention and support'. I hope that we gain more understanding and respect, care and help for autistic children and their families, so they can integrate into society more smoothly," she added.

On that day, one resident surnamed Pang took her child with autism to have some fun.

"My child rarely has the opportunity to participate in large group activities," she said. "We hope the municipal federation can hold such activities more often".