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One hour without parents – A big step forward for kids from early intervention project

date_range2026-04-14

Saigonchildren’s Special Needs Education Programme (SNEP) has successfully organised its first-ever day camp for the Early Intervention (EI) class, an activity thoughtfully planned and prepared over a long period.

The camp brought together 24 kids and their caregivers, alongside more than 40 volunteers and the team staff. More than just a day of fun, the event served as an important milestone in supporting children to build independence and adaptability.

When “one hour apart” becomes a meaningful challenge

In the past, alongside weekly individual or small-group intervention sessions, SNEP has regularly organised outdoor activities and large group play sessions. These activities were always attended by parents, helping them to:

  • Learn how to play and interact with their children
  • Gain ideas to continue practice at home
  • Receive direct support from specialists

This camp, however, introduced a new challenge: one hour during which parents and children participated in separate activities.

For many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this is far from easy. They often prefer routines, may find it difficult to cope with change, and can feel especially anxious when separated from their caregivers in a new environment.

The preparation behind a “seemingly simple” hour

To help the children get ready for this challenge, the SNEP team made careful and thoughtful preparations:

  • Establishing structured routines through daily schedules during intervention sessions
  • Using the “social stories” approach: a few days before the camp, parents and children read short, illustrated stories prepared by SNEP to help them become familiar with the schedule and situations
  • Setting up a quiet corner at the camp, giving children a safe space to regulate their emotions when needed

Proud moments of progress

Thanks to this thorough preparation, most children were able to separate from their parents and actively take part in their own activities.

During this time, the children explored the life cycle of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly through engaging play-based activities. Meanwhile, parents joined a sharing session on the theme of “The Language of Love”, equipping them with supportive communication approaches.

One key takeaway from the session was the simple yet effective “3G model” (Name – Support – Acknowledge):

  • Name what is happening
  • Give reassurance, companionship, and belief
  • Acknowledge the child’s efforts and emotions

This practical tool can be easily applied in everyday situations. The day camp not only offered new experiences for the children, but also created valuable opportunities for parents to connect, learn from one another, and grow in confidence on their journey alongside their children.

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