Some children spend all day watching television, while others prefer to play alone with a specific toy… That child may have a condition known as autism spectrum disorder.
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| Caring for Autistic Children at the Central Children’s Hospital |
Some children only watch “commercials” on television, showing little interest in anything else. Others prefer solitary play, examining an object as if they were a scientific researcher, even at just three years old.
Some children only produce sounds without forming coherent Vietnamese words. Others play with just one type of toy and never think to play differently. There are children who never share their joys or sorrows with their parents and relatives, and their hands and feet often fidget unconsciously…
All of these behaviors are signs that the child may have “autism spectrum disorder.” This condition has emerged in Vietnam over the past decade and is increasingly prevalent.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Developmental Disorder
According to Dr. Tran Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Head of the Rehabilitation Department at the Central Children’s Hospital, there are currently no studies on autism in children in Vietnam, as this is still a new issue for us.
Since 2000, the number of autistic children has increased significantly, with rates doubling or tripling each year. This does not mean that the actual number of autistic children in Vietnam has increased by that much; rather, it indicates a significant change in the model of disability.
In the United States, studies in California have shown that the number of autistic children can increase by 240 times year-on-year, a rate considered alarming.
Some refer to it as autism disease, but it is more accurately termed “autism spectrum disorder.” This disorder is classified as one of the developmental disorders in children.
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| Dr. Tran Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Head of the Rehabilitation Department at the Central Children’s Hospital: “If detected and intervened early, 30% of autistic children have a chance to recover completely. The remaining 70% can still develop well.” |
Previously, the World Health Organization classified it as a mental illness, but today it is recognized as a developmental disorder.
– Autism spectrum disorder in children manifests through three types of behaviors:
Social Relationship Deficits:
Autistic children have significant limitations in social communication. For instance, they do not make eye contact and lack non-verbal communication through body gestures. Their emotional expression is very restricted, even towards parents and family members. They do not share feelings or show interest in activities around them.
Language Communication Deficits:
They may have delayed speech development, or speak in unclear sounds. Some children can say a few words like “grandma,” “mom,” but remain mostly silent, unable to express their desires verbally.
Imaginative Play:
Autistic children often do not enjoy playing with peers and prefer solitary activities. They show little variety in their choice of games and tend to follow a repetitive pattern. Their play skills are limited, often repeating the same actions. They may play with unusual objects like toothpicks, chopsticks, or remote controls. Nearly 100% of autistic children watch too many commercials on television and may fidget or walk in circles without purpose.
If an autistic child is detected and intervened early, 30% have a chance to fully recover, while the remaining 70% generally develop well, with some able to communicate verbally or at least recognize their behavior and lead an independent life.
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Currently, researchers worldwide are still investigating the causes of autism. However, three primary causes have been identified: Organic Brain Damage: This may occur before birth due to the mother contracting a virus in the first trimester or other illnesses during pregnancy. It can also happen during childbirth, such as premature birth, asphyxia, or jaundice. Postnatally, issues like respiratory distress requiring ventilatory support can also contribute. This cause accounts for a significant percentage. Genetics: Studies of treated patients have shown that genetic factors are also a cause of autism spectrum disorder. In fact, there have been cases where two children with autism came from the same family. In some families, grandparents or aunts have committed suicide, and their grandchildren have autism. In other families, six men in the household do not communicate with each other and live like shadows, with one child exhibiting autism… Environmental Factors: This is also a contributing cause of autism. It may be due to environmental pollution from chemicals, dust, and smoke. Some families live in an overly modern lifestyle, lacking parental attention and leaving children with caregivers for most of the day, restricting them to indoor activities and excessive television watching—this is a form of lifestyle pollution. |
Children with autism who are not detected early, or whose families do not accept early intervention and fall into severe cases, along with intellectual developmental delays, may later face mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization’s classification of diseases, it is very likely that autistic children will become mental health patients in the future.
Autism: There Are Treatment Options
To address autism spectrum disorder in children, specialists must employ “early intervention” measures. It is called “early intervention” rather than “treatment” to avoid misconceptions that children will be given medication to resolve autism symptoms. In reality, specialists will combine various methods, including medical and educational approaches, to intervene and influence the child’s psychology.
In Vietnam, the Rehabilitation Department at the Central Children’s Hospital has developed a comprehensive early intervention model that incorporates special education and personal therapy.
In personal therapy, the American behavioral intervention program (ABA) is utilized. This program is specifically designed for children with atypical behaviors, such as those with autism.
Professionals will provide therapy for children focusing on language issues and daily living skills. They may also use certain medications known as cognitive enhancers to stimulate concentration, language, and communication skills.
Currently, the Rehabilitation Department at the Central Children’s Hospital treats many autistic children as well as other disabled children.
Additionally, the Children’s Relief Association of Hanoi has established the Hope Center No. 1 (35, Alley 84 Tran Quang Dieu, Dong Da, Hanoi) and the ABCD Pediatric Clinic (29 Giang Van Minh, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi).
The above are three locations in Vietnam that utilize the most modern treatment protocols from the United States. These centers operate almost as charitable organizations, with very low consultation and treatment fees.
Vietnam Tung
