The number of autistic children in Vietnam has increased significantly over the past 15 years.

There is currently no cure for autism. Children who are detected early and receive early and proper intervention can improve their quality of life and reduce the burden on their families and society.

According to data released by the General Statistics Office in early 2019, Vietnam currently has about 6.2 million people with disabilities aged 2 and over, of which about 1 million are autistic. It is estimated that for every 100 children born, one has autism spectrum disorder. Over the past 15 years, the number of autistic children in Vietnam has increased significantly and has become a very noteworthy social issue.

The picture is even more alarmingly dark when the rate of children with this disorder is estimated to be up to 1% of all children born. The number of children with autism is increasing rapidly, multiplying 50 times between 2000 and 2007. According to statistics, autism accounts for 30% of children with learning disabilities.

The above information was given at the discussion "What future for autistic children?" organized by Nhan Dan Newspaper on the afternoon of March 28.

Parents have higher awareness of autistic children

Mr. Phan Van Hung - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper said that the discussion was organized to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day (April 2). In Vietnam, the number of children with autism is increasing. This is not only a concern for parents but also an issue that requires the cooperation of the whole society.

“Every child born has the right to be loved, to learn and to develop. Autistic children are no exception. They are not a burden, but a part of our society, people with potential, capable of contributing if given the right opportunities. However, reality shows that many autistic children and their families still face countless difficulties, from social awareness, specialeducation to support policies," Mr. Phan Van Hung emphasized.

Dr. Nguyen Mai Huong - Department of Psychiatry (National Children's Hospital) said that the National Children's Hospital is the leading unit to carry out the first activity to determine whether or not a child has autism spectrum disorder. In the report at the end of 2024, the Department of Psychiatry received over 45,000 children for general mental health examination, of which approximately 20% were examined for signs of suspected autism. Thus, each year there are about 10,000 children examined for autism. This is a very large number.

Experts speak at the seminar. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

According to Dr. Huong, before autistic children go to the intervention center, they need an initial assessment and diagnosis. In recent years, the age at which parents bring their children to see a doctor for autism has been getting lower, before the age of 2. Many parents have a higher awareness of autism when the signs are only vague or just stop suspecting whether their child is at risk of autism or not. When children come to see a doctor at a young age, they have more opportunities to participate in early intervention activities, the intervention is more effective, the intervention costs and negative impacts on children, families and society will be reduced.

Currently, there is no cure for children with autism. Children who are detected early, intervened early, properly, and with enough time, with the cooperation of parents and specialists, the effects of autism on the child's life and function will be reduced, helping children increase their quality of life, reducing the burden on their family and society. For children with autism, the golden intervention period is before the age of 4, especially before the age of 3 because this is the best period for specialists to carry out intervention activities to promote brain development.

Proposing many policies to support autistic children

Statistics also show that abnormalities of autism spectrum disorder have lifelong effects on individual functions, causing a decline in quality of life, a decline in labor resources, and a long-term economic burden for both families and society.

Experts estimate that more than 1 million autistic children will directly affect 8 million people. Not only that, every year a large number of autistic children will enter adulthood. In particular, when they reach puberty, their parents face many difficult problems. Most of them face an uncertain future as their relatives grow older, the cost of care increases, and they are less able to work to support themselves. What their future will be like when their parents are no longer around is also a pressing social security issue.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong, a psychologist from the Department of Mothers and Children (Ministry of Health), said that recently, together with related units, the Department of Mothers and Children has consulted with the Government to issue many documents for children with disabilities, including autistic children. The Law on Persons with Disabilities specifically stipulates the rights and obligations of persons with disabilities, as well as policies on education, vocational training, employment, culture, sports, entertainment, and social protection. Next, in the Law on Children, it is stipulated that children with disabilities are one of 14 groups of children in special circumstances. Along with that are guiding decrees and decisions of the Prime Minister on children with disabilities and autistic children.

To further support autistic children, the health sector continues to improve and advise on laws and policies on children with disabilities, including autistic children. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

According to Ms. Hong, regarding the support for autistic children, it is necessary to ensure the privacy of children when many autistic children have their images exposed on social networks. In addition, it is necessary to prevent abuse during the treatment intervention process, especially for girls, and to avoid autistic children having their images exploited, participating in illegal activities, pornography, etc.

To further support autistic children, the health sector continues to improve and advise on laws and policies on children with disabilities, including autistic children; improve communication activities and social awareness, especially for parents in early detection and intervention, and organize training courses to improve skills for parents and health workers.

Regarding career guidance for autistic children, Ms. Hong said that it is currently very difficult to build an effective model for replication. In addition, families with economic difficulties do not have many options to support their children.

In 2025, the Department of Mothers and Children hopes to receive comments from experts and parents to summarize and propose policies and projects in the coming time to better support autistic children.

At the seminar, experts discussed the content to share the current situation - challenges and provide solutions and recommendations with the desire to brighten the future for autistic children. Guests will share perspectives, experiences and effective solutions to help autistic children integrate better, towards a brighter future.

On the sidelines of the discussion, in the hall, there were paintings of Ta Duc Bao Nam, born in 2011, who has suffered from autism spectrum disorder since he was 17 months old.

Being cared for, guided, discovered and nurtured in his painting talent, in just 2 months (from October 1, 2024 to December 2, 2024), Ta Duc Bao Nam enthusiastically painted 82 paintings, of which 60 were about bridges.

In addition, products made by autistic children are also displayed, convincingly demonstrating that if given proper attention and career guidance, they can work, be creative, take care of themselves and build their own future.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/so-luong-tre-tu-ky-tai-viet-nam-da-tang-dang-ke-trong-15-nam-qua-post1023394.vnp