In addition to the five baristas, the cafe has a manager supervising daily operations, and a parent representative visits once or twice a week to help.

"The employees listen to the manager, but communication can be challenging. The parents understand them better, and their involvement at the cafe helps things run smoothly," says Xu Yuhang, Shangmeng's human resources manager, who is overseeing the cafe.

When faced with challenges, parents often have the best understanding of solutions. For example, if an employee is not being diligent, their parents know that they are probably tired or anxious, and encourage them to take a break in a quiet room. They also communicate solutions to the manager.

"For individuals with autism, parents are the best providers of intervention and support. The federation amplifies parental involvement to support the young individuals, and also offers care to the families. This provides the young adults with the most effective assistance for work and skill development," Chen says.

The federation is also planning a series of training sessions for parents, to help them assist their children when it comes to employment, including ways to become more independent and socially involved.

Over the past six months, the five employees have gradually become familiar with the manager and other members involved in the project, including Xu, who says that they now communicate with him more often, and are able to understand one another more easily.