On World Autism Awareness Day (April 2): ​​Raising awareness about autism

Teachers at Thien Truong Center for Supporting the Development of Inclusive Education (Nam Dinh City) teach autistic children.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the rate of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated at about 1% of the global population, equivalent to 1 in 100 children. According to data from the General Statistics Office in 2019, Vietnam has about 1 million people with ASD, with the rate of children affected estimated at about 1% of children born. In Nam Dinh province, there are no comprehensive statistics yet, but clinical psychologists say the number of children being examined and intervened is increasing every year.

Based on that reality, in recent years, Nam Dinh province has always paid attention to the care and support of children with ASD. On February 25, 2021, the Provincial People's Committee issued Plan No. 23/KH-UBND on implementing the Social Assistance and Rehabilitation Program for mentally ill people, autistic children and people with mental disorders based on the community in the period of 2021-2030. Entering 2025, the contents of the plan will continue to be specified by departments, branches and localities with many practical and synchronous solutions. On that basis, communication work and raising public awareness are focused. In districts and cities, the health sector and the education and training sector closely coordinate to screen children with abnormal signs early from preschool and primary school. Training programs are organized regularly, helping teachers master the skills to identify and support autistic children in the school environment.

At Nam Dinh Mental Hospital, every year, doctors receive many cases of children showing signs of poor interaction, irritability or unconscious repetition of words. After clinical assessment, the hospital will advise and provide an intervention plan, combining behavioral and language therapy with medication support if necessary. Comrade Pham Duy Kieu, Acting Director of Nam Dinh Provincial Mental Hospital, said: “Autism spectrum is often evident very early, especially before the age of three, but each child has different manifestations, some children hardly interact with eye contact, some children repeat meaningless words, or have prolonged abnormal behavior. Because of the diversity in manifestations, many parents are easily subjective, confusing it with their child's normal slow development. In fact, the earlier the diagnosis and intervention, the higher the effectiveness. If a child passes the "golden period" without being detected and supported in time, their ability to integrate into society later will be greatly limited."

In addition to the efforts of the health sector, specialized education units in the province play an important role in the journey to support autistic children. Giao Thuy District School for Disabled Children is responsible for teaching culture combined with rehabilitation, life skills training and vocational guidance for disabled students. Among them, there are many children in the ASD group or with multiple disabilities that need specialized support. With the unique characteristics of each student, each teacher in the school must develop a personal lesson plan, apply flexible teaching methods, suitable for the receptive capacity of each student. To improve the quality of education, the school always focuses on close coordination with families in behavioral intervention, rehabilitation and development orientation appropriate to each subject. Propaganda and mobilization work for disabled children to attend class is also promoted through coordination with unions, social organizations and the Parents' Representative Board. Right from the beginning of the school year, the school conducts disability classification, creates personalized support plans, and closely follows each period. Along with that, extracurricular educational activities, entertainment, and group activities are organized regularly, contributing to creating a friendly environment, helping children gradually integrate into life.

In recent times, along with schools and specialized centers for the care of disabled and autistic children, many dedicated organizations and individuals have organized many practical activities to help autistic children integrate into the community. In Lieu De town (Nghia Hung), Hoa Mi Kindergarten and Integration Support Center has received the trust of many parents. The classes are maintained in small scale, with one teacher teaching a few children, ensuring that each child receives the necessary attention. Every day, teachers spend many hours guiding children in pronunciation, practicing how to express their needs, and practicing sitting posture. After about 7 years of operation, the facility has received hundreds of children for examination and intervention. In Nam Dinh city, Thien Truong Center for Supporting the Development of Inclusive Education has long been a familiar address for many families with autistic children. Psychological experts design individual intervention programs to help children practice appropriate communication, behavior, and movement skills. Lessons are designed in the form of physical games, puzzles, and color recognition to stimulate imagination. The classroom atmosphere is friendly, limiting loud noises so that children are not agitated. Over time, many children have become capable of attending regular kindergartens or primary schools. This success shows that, if accompanied closely, autistic children can still develop their potential and integrate with friends.

In addition to support from specialized educational institutions, the cooperation of parents also creates a solid support network for autistic children. Many clubs for families with autistic children have been formed and are operating actively, becoming a spiritual support and a place to share valuable experiences. At the clubs, many people who were once confused have now become steadfast, clearly understand their children's characteristics and are determined not to miss the "golden period" of intervention. They share ways to play with their children, encourage them to participate in housework, and do handicrafts to practice dexterity. There are parents who form groups to take their children to school, go on picnics, helping children confidently interact with the surrounding environment.

In the journey of raising awareness and accompanying autistic children, Nam Dinh province has gradually built a synchronous and increasingly effective support network. From the policy orientation of the Provincial People's Committee, the close coordination between the health, education and training sectors, to the silent but persistent efforts of specialized facilities, intervention centers and parent clubs. For each autistic child to be able to develop to their full potential and live happily in the community, it requires the continuation of love, perseverance and responsibility from the family, school and the whole society. More importantly, understanding and acceptance are needed, so that each child has the opportunity to develop and no one is left behind.

Article and photos: Viet Du

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/xa-hoi/202504/nhan-ngay-the-gioi-nhan-thuc-ve-chung-tu-ky-24-nang-cao-nhan-thuc-ve-chung-tu-ky-71500a2/