Each year, in order to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April), saigonchildren make efforts to collaborate with many partners to carry out meaningful activities for children with autism, especially for those who benefit from our Special Needs Education programme.
On 8th April, a mini art exhibition organised by saigonchildren in partnership with UOB Vietnam and Special Em’s Education Center took place in District 3, featuring paintings created by the “artists” of our Early Intervention project. The event also had different sensory sections to give participants more insights about the world of autism.


In addition to showcasing their unique talents, it had been a while since the children had gathered to share their artwork with each other. These young “honoured guests”, accompanied by their parents, arrived early and eagerly came around to enjoy eachothers drawings, whilst having some treats during the tea break.
The hall on the day was filled with easels and pictures boasting a diverse palette. Each artwork contained a unique story about the artist’s hobbies, reasons for drawing, and even their dreams, illustrated with interesting colour combinations. Attendees gazed at the paintings admiringly and one exclaimed, “I’m not sure that I could express myself in such a creative way as these children did.”


Furthermore, saigonchildren set up seven experience stations representing seven sensory feelings that children with autism might experience, as well as a booth providing general information about neurodiversity and autism spectrum disorder in particular. During the event, everyone was excited about the auction activity, which not only gave them an opportunity to take their favourite paintings home, but also gave them the chance to benefit from free early intervention for many other children on the spectrum.
“This will be the first of many events and opportunities to move past ‘autism awareness’ and into autism understanding and autism assistance. Saigonchildren already provides early intervention therapy in several cities in Vietnam, but I want to expand support away from a few centres, and into the homes of thousands of families with autistic children by providing them with the knowledge and support they need to help their children as much as possible – because no matter what their family’s income, every child deserves the best possible life.” said Damien Roberts, Executive Director of saigonchildren.
The exhibition was surely a “playground” for our special kids, letting them show the world that we are indeed all special in our own way.

