As part of the "You Have the Right to Be Special" community awareness program on autism spectrum disorder, an educational seminar organized by Embassy Education in collaboration with the Vietnam Foundation for Children with Disabilities and the International Behavior Analysis Organization received attention from many experts and artists, both domestically and internationally.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized in modern society. However, public perception remains prejudiced and lacks empathy towards autistic individuals and their families. Many "grey areas" in public understanding of autism have yet to be changed and clarified from both a scientific and humanitarian perspective.
In Vietnam, the identification of the crucial period for diagnosing, intervening, and supporting individuals with autism is still in its infancy, often neglected, and many emotions remain suppressed. The unique inner world of people with autism is not yet properly understood or supported.
Singer Thanh Bui shared: "My journey of learning about the autism spectrum began with my child, when I noticed that my child exhibited behaviors different from those of a typical child. From then on, I started researching the autism spectrum more and realized that it is not a disease."
Many talented people around the world are also on the autism spectrum, so he understands that his child is seeing the world differently, that his child has the right to be special. However, in reality, many parents still don't understand the autism spectrum accurately; they even hide their child's condition. And more importantly, many people still have prejudiced views towards people on the spectrum. Based on this reality, singer Thanh Bui has strived to help people gain more knowledge and a correct understanding of the autism spectrum.
Dr. Simona, Director of Professional Services at the Vietnam International Centre for Early Diagnosis and Intervention of Autism Spectrum Disorder (VICA), argues that autism spectrum disorder is not a disease, as it does not affect a person's development. Increasing research shows that it is a different level of brain and neurological development, and it often manifests very early. It can be identified from birth until the child is nearly two years old.
"Once again, I emphasize that this is not a pathological condition that we need to fix or correct. This is simply a different level of brain development and a unique way of perceiving the world, different from our own. We need to respect this development in children," said Dr. Simona.
Dr. Simona further explained that the manifestations of the autism spectrum are extremely diverse. Therefore, children with autism spectrum disorder need to be diagnosed early because early detection allows for timely support to help them develop comprehensively. The golden period is from birth until the child is 3 years old. In addition, the period from 3 to 6 years old is also considered a suitable time to teach children necessary skills and further develop their talents.
According to Michael M. Mueller, founder of the International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO), in addition to supporting the behavior of individuals within the spectrum, equipping those who support children within the spectrum with knowledge and skills is extremely important. Only those with practical skills and understanding can help children within the spectrum improve their language abilities, build life skills, adaptive skills, and many other functions so that when they grow up, they can live independently, not dependent on their parents or society.
“Schools play a crucial role in coordinating support for children on the autism spectrum. Therefore, we need to equip teachers with new knowledge about the autism spectrum to change their perspective on children on the spectrum. Just one person changing their perspective can change the lives of many,” said Michael M. Mueller.
Dr. Simona further shared that parents in Vietnam have great trust in doctors. Therefore, doctors need to have the knowledge and skills to detect autism spectrum disorder, examining children not only physically but also mentally in order to detect autism spectrum disorder early.
People with autism don't see the world the way typical people see it, hear it the way typical people hear it, or react the way typical people react. The inner world of people with autism operates like an infinite loop: light can resonate into sound, sound can contract into shapes, and emotions can condense into a spectrum of colors.
That richness is the spectrum of diversity in the perfection of humanity. A fleeting glance is not aloofness, but an unfolding inner journey. An expressionless face does not mean a lack of feeling, but rather existence in a different form, a different rhythm.
The special rights of people with autism do not lie in being given preferential treatment over others, but in the right to be seen, heard, and respected for their differences, recognized as advantages, abilities, and unique ways of perceiving the world.
Michael M. Mueller, founder of the International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO), said that the keyword that came to mind during the seminar was "hope." We need to be filled with hope that what we know and what we can apply will help improve the lives of many people around us.
On this occasion, the International Business Analytics Organization (IBAO) officially launched in Vietnam, bringing internationally recognized training, certification, and practice standards to professionals and organizations working in the field of Applied Behavior Analytics (ABA) nationwide.
IBAO is a global ABA certification organization with the mission of establishing, maintaining, and certifying best practice standards in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. With over 7,400 members, representatives in 120 countries, and training programs in 35 languages, IBAO is expanding its operations and bringing international quality standards to Vietnam from December 6, 2025.
Through IBAO, individuals and organizations in Vietnam can now access a comprehensive professional development pathway through training courses and certifications: the Introductory Course in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the International Behavioral Therapy Specialist (IBT) Candidate Certificate, and the IBT Certificate, the International Behavioral Analyst (IBA) Candidate Certificate, and the IBA Certificate.
In addition, IBAO also brings advanced Micro certification programs to Vietnam, including short-term intensive training courses in areas such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, school environment, mental health, organizational behavior management, child rearing, etc.
Also at the event, IBAO signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam Disability Foundation to promote community activities for people with autism in Vietnam.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/toa-dam-em-duoc-quyen-dac-biet-post928558.html
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