Helping your child overcome autism.

April 2nd each year is designated by the United Nations as " World Autism Awareness Day" with the aim of raising awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder, helping children with autism to be diagnosed, treated, and integrated into society more easily.

The Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital is currently providing intervention for over 40 children with autism, accounting for one-third of the total number of patients treated at the hospital. The children receive intervention using a multi-method approach, including speech therapy, physical therapy, movement therapy, occupational therapy, or traditional medicine therapies (acupuncture, massage, acupressure). Doctors also apply other methods such as sensory therapy and music therapy to maximize the effectiveness of the intervention for the children.

Ms. Nguyen Thi H. (Cam Duong commune, Lao Cai city), who has been supporting her child with autism for two years, shared: "Initially, when my child showed signs of slowness, dislike of communication, and talking to himself, I just thought it was because he had few friends to play with. However, after a medical examination, the doctor said that my child showed signs of autism and needed early intervention. I was very shocked and worried about my child's life. After that, my husband and I encouraged each other to support our child."

However, not all parents recognize the abnormal signs in their children early enough to seek early intervention. There have been cases where parents, due to a lack of understanding, missed the golden period for intervention. There are also cases where parents know about their child's condition but refuse to accept the reality or are too ashamed to acknowledge the illness, leading to delayed intervention, worsening the child's condition, and hindering their integration into society.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh said: When parents bring their children for examination, they will also receive counseling to help them overcome emotional stages such as: shock, sadness, anger, and denial of their child's illness; blaming each other or blaming themselves; comparing their child to other children; or feeling lonely because they haven't connected with others in similar situations to share their feelings or haven't accessed medical services during their child's treatment.

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. The intensified communication activities on this day have contributed to disseminating knowledge about autism, raising community awareness, helping parents of autistic children better understand the condition, and increasing the number of children receiving intervention at hospitals or centers at an earlier age.

On World Autism Awareness Day, the Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital will organize free early screening and counseling for children under 36 months old showing signs of autism, as well as online consultations via the hospital's Facebook page. During the outpatient health check-up campaign in April and May, the Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital plans to conduct health check-ups for children at preschools, thereby helping to screen for autism, explain the condition, and provide psychological support to parents to guide their children towards the best path forward.

Many parents of children with autism have achieved positive results by seeking early intervention. Children with autism have improved their communication skills and are able to enter first grade; some children with severe autism may learn to read, count, shop, or become self-sufficient. Early parental intervention can give children with autism a brighter future.

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