By Alicia Moore | Project Leader
Children struggling with developmental disabilities such as autism often face discrimination and a lack of resources in developing countries such as Vietnam. A global lack of understanding regarding autism has traditionally lead to many doctors and specialists in the past labeling children with disabilities as "stupid", unable to learn, and not worthy of education. A fatalistic cultural mindset leads many parents to fear that disabilities are the result of a lack of spirit or ancestor worship, rather than genetic or environmental factors that are currently presumed to contribute to the rise of autism.
Global mindsets are rapidly changing as opportunities for research and education in developing countries increase. At National Pediatric Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, MEDRIX has been partnering with doctors, nurses, psychologists, and community activists for an ongoing autism research workshop since 2011. Doctors and nurses at National Pediatric Hospital undergo extensive training with MEDRIX and renowned American special needs educators regarding the latest information on diagnosis and therapeutic techniques. From there, Vietnamese doctors and nurses reach out to rural provincial doctors and train them on how to recognize the potential markers for autism spectrum disorders, how to properly diagnose children, and what intervention and therapies are most effective.
This process directly affects an exponential amount of children who are struggling with developmental disabilities in the northern provinces of Vietnam. Now, children who previously have lacked testing and health resources will able to go to their family doctor and receive some information or a diagnosis. Parents and community activists are encouraged to participate in the training aspects of the workshop, bringing new information and education back to their own communities. Training is constantly ongoing since new information and techniques regarding autism are constantly emerging worldwide. MEDRIX's goal is to bring experienced and trusthworthy educators into Vietnam to share their knowledge with the passionate and dedicated Vietnamese healthcare teams.
Please help support MEDRIX in providing children with a chance for a hopeful and healthy future, regardless of their disabilities! All children are worthy of love, attention, and a chance for an education.
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