World Autism Awareness Day

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Autism Network in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, organized an event that sought to encourage and support people living with autism.

Tug of war, sack race, and other games were held for World Autism Awareness Day. With each movement of a child, their parents were close by rooting for them every step of the way.

Apart from activities such as singing and sports, one of the biggest issues the Vietnam Autism Network has pursued for the past 10 years is its push for better policies for autistic people.

It is estimated that 1% of the Vietnam's population is autistic. According to the United Nations, autism is a form of disability. However, until now, autism has not been mentioned in the law on disability in Vietnam.

“When autism is mentioned officially in the disability laws, there will be monthly allowance for them. Many primary and secondary school will have classes to help them integrate into the community. I hope there will be vocational activities and vocational schools for people living with autism”, the President of Vietnam Autism Network Hoang Ngoc Bich said.

While awaiting the change in policy, families themselves should improve their understanding.

World Autism Awareness Day has just one message for people, and that is, you must understand in order to love.