Đồng Tháp, 26 August 2025 – Saigon Children’s Charity (saigonchildren) has officially launched the project “Raising Awareness and Enhancing Professional Capacity for Teachers on Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tien Giang Province, 2025–2028” (the project was approved prior to 1 July 2025, when Tien Giang was officially merged into Dong Thap). This marks a significant expansion of saigonchildren’s evidence-based early intervention model, which has been successfully implemented in Ho Chi Minh City for over a decade.
Why is early intervention important?
Neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, often face challenges with communication, social interaction, and learning. However, research across 23 countries has shown that early intervention can significantly improve children’s cognitive, behavioural, health, and academic outcomes – benefits that continue into adulthood. (Source: National Institute for Early Education Research, 2024. View study here.)
With the goal of creating sustainable change through Early Intervention Classes for children with autism, the project in Tiền Giang – Đồng Tháp will focus on three main areas:
Building on a successful model in Ho Chi Minh City
The Tiền Giang – Đồng Tháp project builds upon saigonchildren’s Early Intervention model, which has been operating for more than a decade in Ho Chi Minh City. This class was established at a time when there were few trusted facilities for neurodivergent children. It is offered completely free of charge, ensuring that children from disadvantaged families also have access to suitable education.
The model is built on four core principles:
This approach not only helps children grow but also empowers the parents and teachers who accompany them on their journey.
On 6 August, the official project launch ceremony took place at the Inclusive Education Support Centre of Tiền Giang Province (Đồng Tháp). At the event, Mr Damien Roberts, Executive Director of saigonchildren, stated:
“Over more than 30 years of operation, saigonchildren has implemented over 100 capacity-building projects in the field of special education, supporting thousands of children, parents, teachers, and specialists across Vietnam. Our Early Intervention programme in Hồ Chí Minh City has proven to be effective, and we are eager to replicate this success in more provinces to reach more children. We believe that timely support can change not only a child’s life but also transform families and communities. The Tiền Giang – Đồng Tháp project will help build a more inclusive society, where every child, regardless of neurological differences, has the opportunity to thrive.”