Autistic children "redraw" their faith in life

(Dan Tri) - A free drawing class launched in late 2022 is becoming a special place, helping autistic children regain confidence and be recognized by society through their own works.

In a small, peaceful corner at 14 Tran Ngoc Dien, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, My Corner Art Studio (MCAS) has become a "warm home" for many autistic children. In a room filled with colors, the children quietly sit in front of a white paper frame, then tilt their heads slightly, putting their paintbrushes on the palette. At MCAS, their silence is replaced by a vibrant world of lines, shapes and emotions.

Sharing with Dan Tri , Ms. Tam Trang said that the idea of ​​establishing MCAS came to her after more than 13 years of accompanying her son Dorjee - a boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was less than two years old. As a single mother, she had been thinking about a place where Dorjee could both study and have fun, and have his efforts recognized by society. From there, MCAS was born.

The unique point of MCAS is that each completed painting is not only displayed, but also has the opportunity to become a source of income for the children. The children's original paintings are periodically exhibited by Ms. Trang and her team and printed on products such as T-shirts, bags, etc. They are then sold via social networks and directly at exhibitions.

For each product sold, the children will receive between 50,000 and 100,000 VND in royalties. The remaining profits will be used to buy new art materials and maintain free classes. To date, thousands of products have been sold, not only generating revenue, but also spreading the message of love from autistic children to the community.

The class operates regularly every day from Monday to Friday, starting from 13:00 to 16:00. Currently, the class has a total of 18 students, each class will have 6 students. The space is designed to be friendly, with lots of light, tables and chairs suitable for the children's size.

Under the guidance of teacher Pham Ngoc Thao Uyen (34 years old), a freelance architect, the lessons begin with simple activities to help children practice concentration and develop their brains.

"I mainly apply the method of "teaching with love", patiently being friends, praising promptly and adjusting the way of teaching according to each child's ability to absorb," Thao Uyen shared.

Going beyond basic painting, the class incorporates modern art therapy, encouraging children to use color to express emotions, from joy to fear, helping to reduce repetitive behavior and improve social communication.

At the back of the classroom, the children’s paintbrushes and palettes are neatly arranged on shelves. Each brush bears traces of paint, as if witnessing the moment when children gradually find their own creative rhythm. They are not just tools, but also “bridges” that help them convey their emotions to the outside world.

Little Cat Tuong was attentively coloring the picture. She was happy to be able to freely explore her own world of colors. Behind those strokes was a whole emotional story that could only be fully felt when she calmed down.

"After letting my child join the drawing class, I saw that he changed a lot, in a positive way. He loved the drawing class more, really liked to go to drawing class on schedule, developed many things, he gradually learned to wait, and share colors with his friends. In addition, when I showed my child the royalties, he was very happy," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh (50 years old), Cat Tuong's parent.

The painting of a child kissing his mother’s cheek, with innocent strokes and warm colors, is the work of an autistic child at MCAS, inspired by family love. Behind each line is a story of suppressed emotions now released through painting.

On the white wall, the paintings are neatly arranged. Each work has its own "voice" and is a valuable "asset" that the children can introduce, sell and receive royalties.

MCAS is not simply an art class. It is a home, a small but warm art corner. The journey of Ms. Tam Trang and the parents does not stop at teaching art, but it is a journey to create a loving and understanding community, where each child can be themselves and shine in their own way.

Performed by: Dai Nghia

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/tre-tu-ky-ve-lai-niem-tin-vao-cuoc-song-20250912155246138.htm