Many children with autism spectrum disorder receive early intervention and treatment at the Ban Mai Xanh Center for Applied Psychological and Educational Research.
Early identification - the first step in the journey of companionship.
Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects children's communication, social interaction, and behavior. Many parents in Lai Chau are beginning to notice unusual signs in their children, such as delayed speech, limited eye contact, unresponsiveness to name calls, or repetitive behaviors. However, due to a lack of information and limited access to specialized services, many families miss the "golden period" for intervention. Many parents have to take their children to Hanoi for examination. Upon receiving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, many are shocked and deny the truth. The feelings of confusion, anxiety, and even helplessness make the journey of supporting their children even more difficult.
We visited the Ban Mai Xanh Center for Applied Psychological and Educational Research, affiliated with the Vietnam Association of Psychological and Educational Sciences (Tan Phong Ward), the first place to instill confidence and hope in families in the province with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. At the center, many intervention, teaching, and play activities with autistic children are carried out skillfully and enthusiastically by qualified teachers.
Currently, the center is receiving and intervening with dozens of children with autism spectrum disorder in the area, mainly aged 2 to 6 – the "golden" period of brain development. Each year, the center welcomes approximately 100 children for learning and intervention, helping to reduce the burden on families who have to send their children far away. Under the leadership of Ms. Ta Thi Hop, M.Sc. in Psychology and Director of the center, along with a team of experienced experts, intervention programs are designed to be personalized and suitable for each child. In addition to focusing on language, cognitive, and behavioral development, the center also emphasizes the formation of social skills, a crucial foundation for children's integration into society.
Ms. Hop shared: Early detection and intervention are crucial for the integration of autistic children. With timely support, children can develop communication, interaction, and self-care skills. Conversely, if this stage is missed, children will face many long-lasting barriers throughout their development.
Family - The decisive factor in reaping the rewards.
In the process of intervening with autistic children, while the center provides professional guidance, the family is a particularly important factor in achieving the desired results. This is because children don't spend much time in class; most of their skill development takes place within the family environment.
Teachers at the Ban Mai Xanh Center for Applied Psychological and Educational Research guide children with autism spectrum disorder in receiving intervention and treatment.
At the Ban Mai Xanh Center for Applied Psychology and Education Research, from the moment a child is admitted, parents receive specific counseling about their child's condition, develop a personalized intervention plan, and are meticulously guided on how to support their child at home. From naming the child, making eye contact, playing with the child, to handling difficult behaviors… all require patience, repetition, and consistency between the center and the family.
Beyond theory, parents also participate in training sessions and share practical experiences on language development, behavior management, and creating a positive learning environment for children. Regular communication between teachers and families helps monitor children's progress weekly and monthly, allowing for adjustments to teaching methods. Experiential activities such as group learning, shopping trips, festival participation, and community interaction also involve parents, helping children gradually become familiar with the world around them in a safe and supportive environment.
And it is the persistent and unwavering support of the family that has brought about significant changes in the children. In the case of Luong Minh Tri (born in 2022, Binh Lu commune), when he arrived at the center (March 2025), he was almost non-communicative, rarely responded to calls, and did not participate in group activities. Tri's mother not only brought him to class regularly but also proactively learned methods from the teachers, spent time playing with him, and practiced the skills at home.
Ms. Do Thi Kim Thoa (Tri's mother) shared: "After the intervention, my son learned to call family members, his attention span improved, and he began to interact and participate in activities with his friends. For many people, these might be small steps forward, but for me, it was a whole journey of overcoming anxiety and pressure to reach hope."
The journey of autism intervention is not a miracle, but the "sweet fruits" will come from the perseverance of the family, the dedication of teachers, and the right methods. However, the cooperation of the community is still very much needed in raising awareness, eliminating prejudice, and creating opportunities for children to participate in social activities.
Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/dong-hanh-cung-tre-tu-ky-823514
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