Autism is a lifelong disability that is detected in the first 3 years of a child's life. Autism is a disorder of the nervous system that affects brain function, manifested by deficits in social interaction, difficulties in language communication, behavior, and narrow, repetitive interests.

In Vietnam, the number of children with autism has been increasing continuously over the years. Autism has no cause, so there is no way to prevent it. Each autistic child is different, showing symptoms at different levels, making care, intervention and treatment difficult and costly.

Although autism is quite complicated, reality shows that if children are detected early and intervened early and appropriately, they will make significant progress, from improving their self-care ability, many children can go to school, work and live independently.

Ms. Pham Thi Kim Tam, Vice President of the Vietnam Autism Network, said that in addition to studying, autistic children also need and like to play sports like normal children. Children can absolutely learn how to play if given clear instructions.

This year, for the first time, the Vietnam Autism Network and specialized schools in the city such as Khai Tri, Uoc Mo, Tuoi Ngoc, Bim Bim, Tung Buoc Nho, Hong Phuc, Ngon Nen Xanh... organized a friendly sports festival for autistic children with the hope that children can freely express their abilities and differences, and at the same time, the community will have the right perception of autistic children, avoid discrimination and create opportunities for children to live, study and integrate into the community.

Some pictures of the sports festival for autistic children: