(VOVworld) – Taking care of autistic children is challenging work. But with great sympathy and love for children, teacher Huynh Thi Hoa Hong from Tran Quoc Toan primary school in Ho Chi Minh City has helped many autistic children improve their situation and integrate more into the community.

Ms. Huynh Thi Hoa Hong is teaching (Photo: Lan Anh/ VOV)

Hong’s class is always lively with the children playing and teasing one another. Hong said this is the only class for autistic children with 28 pupils aged 6 to 12. Each pupil has a health problem: autism, hyperactivity, language disorder, or lisp. Because the problems vary, she has to use varied teaching methods to suit the pupil. The teacher needs to be patient in dealing with these children. Despite working under the pressure, the innocence of the pupils and the trust of the parents have encouraged Hong to overcome all difficulties and continue her work: “I do this work with all my heart. I show the children the little things, how to behave and how to think. I feel happy seeing the children make gradual progress”.

Though never trained in teaching autistic children, Hong has done her work for more than 10 years. Hong is consistent, patient, and creative, seeking the most interesting way to teach autistic pupils not just facts, but how to look after themselves. The little bit of progress the children make day by day is a great source of encouragement and happiness to her. Many pupils taught by Hong are now able to integrate into normal life. Nguyen Dang Thuy Tien is Hong’s colleague at Tran Quoc Toan primary school: “Ms. Hong is an active and enthusiastic teacher. She does the work with all her heart and ability. We respect her so much for her enthusiasm and devotion”.

Pavilions showcase souvenirs made by autistic children on the occasion of Vietnam Autism Awareness Day, April 2 (Photo: Duy Phuong/ VOV)

At the age of 30, never having been a mother, Hong considers the pupils her children. She knows the backgrounds and medical history of each pupil. Despite all the hard work, Hong is determined to continue her work with autistic children. Le Thai Minh Hau, the principle of Tran Quoc Toan primary school, said: “Ms. Hong is a responsible and devoted teacher despite her own difficult family conditions. Teaching autistic children is hard work but Ms. Hong is wholehearted about her work. With her understanding and love of the children, many pupils have made great progress and love her very much. We highly appreciate Hong’s ability”.

Hong said she hopes more places will start teaching and caring for autistic children, so they will be able to integrate further into society.