Special teachers of autistic children

On Vietnamese Teachers' Day, I would like to express my gratitude to the teachers who are quietly dedicating themselves to the field of special education: Teaching autistic children.

An early intervention class for autistic children in District 10 (HCMC) - Photo: HOANG THI

On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20, reader Phuong Phuong sent Tuoi Tre Online an article to share about a special class that she participated in as an insider: Teaching autistic children.

Lessons from the heart

Having experienced painful losses since the COVID-19 pandemic, I signed up for a short course on Early Intervention - Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders in the hope of understanding more and being able to help someone.

The course not only taught me systematic knowledge but also deepened my valuable emotions.

From theory to practice, from hours of direct contact with "special" children, I realized that: Patience, delicacy and love are the keys to open their world.

After the course, I tried my hand at a private center for autistic children.

The job is not as easy as teaching other subjects. Each child is a world of their own, with their own language and rules that I have to learn to listen to.

There are days when I see them screaming and protesting out of fear, but there are also moments of joy when they progress little by little.

I still remember the four-year-old boy N., who often hid in the corner of the room and never responded to anyone.

Every day, I patiently sat beside him, told him stories and waited. Then one day, N. held my hand and said, "I want to play." Just three short words, but they were a great victory in the work of intervening and teaching autistic children.

I also remember my colleague Ms. Ngan, who often talked about T., who had autism but had a special talent for music. Ms. Ngan patiently taught T. how to recognize musical notes through her eyes and gestures.

On that day, T. was able to play "Happy Birthday" for his mother. The mother's happy tears motivated the teacher to be more confident and see that all the efforts were worth it.

Every little progress is a big happiness

In the classroom, reminder cards, timetables and calendars are placed everywhere like powerful tools. They are the "secret weapons" that help me communicate and connect with the children, children with autism and their own special stories.

Sometimes I see that their "strange" behaviors are just a way to attract attention or express needs that they do not know how to express. At those times, I often step closer, gently give them a hug, as a gentle comfort for their sensitive souls.

And then little by little, patiently guide them to learn how to express their feelings and desires.

Once, we taught the kids how to fold a towel into four to wipe the table, a seemingly simple task that needed to be broken down into steps, from folding the towel in half, then folding it into four.

Every day, the children progress a little bit and I also learn to appreciate every moment.

Another colleague of mine, Lan, often uses music therapy to help children with autism spectrum disorders communicate. She composes short songs and incorporates learning goals into each melody.

After a month, a boy who once refused to communicate began to greet her by singing: "Hello Ms. Lan, hello Ms. Lan", which was a gift more precious than any compliment.

There are days when I work 10-12 hours with many classes, although I am tired, but seeing the children progress, I feel happy. Teaching them basic lessons, and step by step guiding them how to take care of themselves and feel the beauty of the world.

With the initial intention of learning just out of curiosity, then trying my hand as an insider, I have had more than a year of meaningful experience.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20, I share my experience with the sole purpose of letting everyone see that society also recognizes teachers who are quietly working in the field of special education.

Thank you to the silent companions

They are the ones who work hard to teach children how to live, how to be human, and open doors to help them connect with the world.

Although the road ahead is long, I believe that patience, love and dedication will be the fire that keeps this journey burning bright.

Children with autism need more than a teacher, they need a companion who is willing to enter their world, little by little, with a strong belief that anything is possible if they are patient enough.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-thay-co-dac-biet-cua-tre-tu-ky-20241119153346703.htm