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Accordingly, a total of VND 512 billion sourced from the State budget will be added to support autistic children and people with mental disorders.

Earlier, the Vietnamese Government designed a program on social support and functional rehabilitation for people with mental disorders and children on the autism spectrum until 2030. 

The program covers a string of solutions to give autistic children better access to health care, education, vocational guidance, occupational therapy, and cultural and sports activities. 

A network of support centers to provide care and functional rehabilitation for autistic children will also be built.

The program targets to give 80 percent of children on the autism spectrum improved access to health care services by 2025, 70 percent of children under six years of age a screening for early detection of autism, and 80 percent of autistic children access to kindergarten and primary education.

Autism is a complex disorder of brain development. People with autism may experience difficulties in life, learning, communication, and daily activities, sometimes affecting others as well. So, what is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? What are the causes and symptoms of autism? Let's explore these questions in the following article.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Symptoms typically begin in early childhood and may progressively develop over time if not addressed promptly.

Autism is categorized into two types:

• Congenital Autism: This type develops from birth up to around three years old. A key characteristic is delayed development in children.
• Atypical Autism: In this case, the child develops normally between 12 and 30 months old but then suddenly stops progressing or loses previously acquired skills.

Is Autism a Disease?

No, autism is not a disease. It simply means that your brain functions differently from those around you, and this is something inherent from birth. Autism is not a medical condition that can be treated or cured, which is why individuals with autism require both emotional and physical support.

Levels of Autism

1. Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is a neurodevelopmental and psychological disorder that affects communication and social interaction. Children with Asperger’s may have average or even superior intelligence and do not experience language impairment.

Early signs of Asperger’s syndrome appear in childhood. Affected children avoid eye contact when speaking and struggle to communicate even with close family members, including their parents. In social situations, they may feel confused, unsure how to respond, or react inappropriately when approached by others.

If diagnosed early, with proper therapeutic intervention, children with Asperger’s syndrome can improve their emotional regulation and social skills.

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition affecting cognition, language, and sensory perception, often accompanied by behavioral impairments. It is believed to result from genetic abnormalities that alter brain structures, particularly in regions such as the frontal lobe, cerebellum, and temporal lobe.

While the exact cause of autism remains unclear, research suggests that genetic factors contribute to about 25% of cases. Additionally, environmental influences such as family-related psychological stress, neurological conditions like epilepsy, or improper childcare practices may also play a role in the development of autism.

3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

PDD-NOS is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs brain growth and function. Among various autism spectrum disorders, doctors classify PDD-NOS as atypical autism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with PDD-NOS, and approximately 6 out of every 1,000 adults worldwide have this condition.

Treatment for PDD-NOS includes both physical and psychological therapy to help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Autism

1. Autism Symptoms in Children

Children with autism often exhibit the following signs:

• Emotional and Social Interaction: From an early age, they may struggle to communicate with their parents, avoid eye contact, and have difficulty distinguishing between familiar and unfamiliar people. In school, they tend to isolate themselves, avoiding interactions with teachers and peers.
• Behavioral Patterns: Autistic children may fixate on a single toy, enjoy making repetitive noises, and ignore verbal communication from parents. Some may even engage in self-harming behaviors like hitting their heads or scratching themselves.
• Language and Speech: They may experience delayed speech development, use monotonous or meaningless phrases, and frequently mutter to themselves without clear intent.

2. Autism Symptoms in Adults

Adults with autism often exhibit the following signs:

2.1 Social Relationships:

• Difficulty in social communication, awkward posture, and use of irrelevant speech.
• Lack of empathy and a tendency to believe they are always right.
• Difficulty forming friendships and maintaining close relationships.
• Limited interest in social interactions or sharing experiences with others.

2.2 Daily Work and Activities:

• Slow learning pace and reduced work efficiency.
• Difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations.
• Rigid and repetitive behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases.
• Struggling to understand figurative speech or implied meanings.

2.3 Behavioral Characteristics:

• Fixation on specific details rather than seeing the bigger picture (e.g., focusing on a car’s wheel rather than the entire car).
• Repetitive and mechanical behavior patterns with little flexibility.
• An intense interest in specific topics, often disregarding conversations around them.

Causes and Risk Factors of Autism

The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but some common contributing factors include:

• Genetic Factors: Autism has a hereditary component, with about 20% of cases linked to family history.
• Prenatal Factors: Maternal stress, alcohol and tobacco exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk.
• Environmental and Biological Factors: Psychological stress, epilepsy, premature birth, and inadequate childcare may also contribute to autism.

Risk factors for autism include:

• Parents conceiving after the age of 35.
• Premature birth or complications during delivery.
• Low birth weight.