Special teachers for children with autism

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 children with autism.

An early intervention class for autistic children in District 10 (Ho Chi Minh City) - Photo: HOANG THI

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

Lessons from the heart

Having experienced the devastating losses following the COVID-19 pandemic, I enrolled in a short course on Early Intervention - Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders , hoping to gain a better understanding and be able to help others.

The course not only taught me fundamental knowledge but also instilled in me precious emotions.

From theory to practice, from hours of direct interaction with "special" children, I realized that patience, sensitivity, and love are the keys to unlocking their world .

After the course, I tried my hand at a private center specifically for children with autism.

The job isn't as easy as teaching other subjects. Each student is a world unto themselves, with their own language and rules that I have to learn to listen to.

There were days when I witnessed the children screaming and resisting out of fear, but there were also moments of joy as they made progress little by little.

I will always remember N., a four-year-old boy who would often curl up in the corner of the room and never respond to anyone.

Every day, I patiently sat beside him, told stories, and waited. Then one day, N. took my hand and said, "I want to play." Just three short words, but it was a huge victory for my work in intervening and teaching autistic children.

I also remember my colleague, Ms. Ngan, who often talked about T., a child with autism but with a special talent for music . Ms. Ngan patiently taught T. how to recognize musical notes using eye contact and gestures.

On that day, T. played the song "Happy Birthday" for his mother. The mother's tears of happiness gave the teacher more motivation and confidence, making him feel that all his efforts were worthwhile.

Every small step forward is a great joy.

In the classroom, reminder cards, timetables, and calendars are placed everywhere as powerful tools. They are my "secret weapons" that help me communicate and connect with the children, autistic children who carry within them unique stories.

Sometimes I see children's "strange" behaviors, which are simply ways to attract attention or express needs they don't yet know how to articulate. At those times, I usually approach them, gently give them a hug, as a tender 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 children how to fold a napkin into four to wipe the table. It seemed like a simple task, but it needed to be broken down into smaller steps, starting with folding the napkin in half, then folding it back into four.

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

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

After a month, a boy who had previously refused to communicate began greeting her with a song: "Hello, Ms. Lan, I greet you," which was a gift more precious than any compliment.

There are days when I work 10-12 hours with many classes. Although I'm tired, seeing the children progress makes me happy. I teach them basic lessons, and also guide them step by step on how to take care of themselves and appreciate the beauty of the world.

Initially intending to learn out of curiosity, and then trying it out as an insider, I've had over a year of meaningful experience.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20th, I share my experience with the sole purpose of showing everyone that society still cherishes teachers who are silently dedicating themselves to the field of special education.

Thank you to our silent companions.

They are the ones who diligently teach children how to live, how to be good people, and open doors that help them connect with the world.

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

Children with autism need more than just a teacher; they need a companion who is willing to enter their world, little by little, with the unwavering 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