From personal struggle to social impact: a mother's journey

Three teachers play with autistic children at the centre. — Photo ngocan.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — Đào Thanh Hoàn, a mother of an autistic child, has been tirelessly dedicated to educating and empowering hundreds of children with autism for the past four years.

She vividly recalls when she realised something was unusual with her firstborn child 18 years ago. He isolated himself, choosing to play with blocks rather than engage with others and never responded to his name.

Recognising his signs of autism, she committed herself to learning everything she could about the condition. She closely observed his behaviours and developed a tailored care plan to help him.

Her perseverance led to a gradual improvement in his mental well-being in the following years.

Having experienced firsthand the challenges of raising autistic children, she envisioned an education centre that would provide a nurturing environment for such children and reduce their dependence on their families.

"My goal is for every child with autism to have a supportive learning environment that can ease the pain experienced by mothers like me," said Hoàn.

Her vision turned into reality in 2020 with the establishment of Ngọc Ân Centre, which operates under the motto 'Creating a lifelong learning environment for autistic children.'

The centre offers a broad range of services, including early intervention, therapeutic care, social skills training and integration support. Hoàn believes this approach is essential to help children with developmental disorders achieve greater independence and adapt to society.

"My child was diagnosed with early-stage ADHD and autism. After only three months in Ngọc Hân, he was able to say 'grandma' and 'mom', which was a huge milestone for our family," said Đào Thị Kim Oanh, a mother who enrolled her child in the centre in 2021.

Hoàn has also established the Thiên Ngọc Vocational Traning Workshop in the centre, where autistic children are trained to make hand-made products when reaching working age.

Her efforts to connect the workshop to supermarkets have allowed the children to become financially self-sufficient and less dependent on their families.

Head of the centre's Professional Department, Tạ Thị Thủy, highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding when working with autistic children.

"These children often face significant challenges, including communication difficulties and social anxiety. It takes a special kind of person to connect with them on a deep level," she said.

"We're fortunate to have Hoàn as a mentor who has shown us the true meaning of compassion."

At Ngọc Ân, a beautiful cycle has emerged. Former students are now staff members and are giving back to the centre that nurtured them. They assist Hoàn and the teachers in supporting younger children. With the earnings from their work, they have gained independence and are able to contribute to the community.

"I really like coming to Ngọc Ân because I learn so many things here and I love all the teachers," said Lê Quang Huy, an autistic child from Hà Đông District.

Hoàn shared her vision of creating a free vocational training centre for people with disabilities. She believes that with the right support, they can reach their full potential and achieve great things.

"Parental support and the children’s own efforts are the most critical factors in overcoming challenges,” she shared. "I want mothers of autistic children to be as proud of their children as I am."

Hoàn was recognised as one of the ten outstanding citizens of the capital in 2024 for her tireless dedication to autistic children. — VNS