Representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong - Vice Rector of the university, and lecturers from the Department of Sociology and the Department of Psychology.
The workshop also attracted interest from researchers and students from the University of Education, Hanoi Metropolitan University, Hanoi Pedagogical University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Labour and Social Affairs, and the Lumiere Institute for Psychological Research and Practice.
Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thanh Truong emphasized: "It is necessary to have a correct understanding of children with autism spectrum disorder, that they are children just like any other normal children."
In his opening remarks at the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong - Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, shared: As a leading institution for training and research in social sciences and humanities nationwide, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has successfully conducted numerous research projects, scientific conferences, evaluation reports, and provided many recommendations and policy advice on social welfare and social work. In particular, the Sociology Department of the university is focusing on enhancing the capacity of its lecturers, aiming to support the community and train high-quality human resources for the care and rehabilitation of autistic children.
Currently, in Vietnam as well as around the world, intervention and support for children with autism face many difficulties, not only for the children's families but also for intervention staff, instructors, and vocational trainers. Furthermore, modern society has not yet fully and comprehensively recognized the urgency of the issue, and prejudices and limitations in support services for children with autism still persist.
Social services are considered to be the response to the needs of the community and individuals for social development. For children with autism, specialized social services are essential to help them receive intervention, care, and support to integrate into life. Currently, there is a lack of specialized educational facilities with appropriate infrastructure and teachers with in-depth expertise in special education.
Within the framework of cooperation and support activities in training and scientific research of the Department of Social Protection, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the School of Social Sciences and Humanities organized the scientific conference "Developing Human Resources in Social Work in the Care and Rehabilitation of Autistic Children". The conference aimed at two important objectives:
(1) Assessing the results of the current situation of training human resources for care and rehabilitation of autistic children (training program, curriculum, training methods, practice, supervision, educational and training principles...)
(2) Propose solutions to develop human resources with professional qualifications to care for and rehabilitate children with autism.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan - Lumiere Institute for Research and Practice in Psychology presented a report on "Training and professional development of social workers in the care, intervention, and therapy of autism spectrum disorder in children".
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Van Cong - University of Education presented a report titled "Raising awareness and providing information to parents of autistic children in inclusive education through mobile applications".
Dr. Do Nghiem Thanh Phuong from Hanoi Metropolitan University presented a report titled "Interdisciplinary Approach in Assisting Children with Autism".
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thu Huong, Deputy Head of the Psychology Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, presented a report titled "Stress Levels, Main Sources of Stress, and the Impact of Social Stigma on Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Applying the Ecosystem Theory Model".
Dr. Dao Thi Thu Thuy from Hanoi Metropolitan University presented a report titled "The Role of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Supporting Their Children During Adolescence."
Dr. Nguyen Minh Tuan from the University of Labour and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City presented a report on "Training Human Resources to Support the Rehabilitation of Autistic Children."
Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly - Head of the Sociology Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, summarized and closed the workshop.
Concluding the scientific conference "Developing Human Resources in Social Work for the Care and Rehabilitation of Autistic Children," Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly expressed her gratitude to all the speakers, researchers, and students who participated. In addition to sharing support models and teaching programs for autistic children, the conference identified and raised issues regarding support for parents and guardians. Furthermore, it highlighted the need to eliminate negative stereotypes and biases related to autism media, changing mindsets and promoting a more positive outlook.
In the near future, the Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, will collaborate with the Department of Social Protection to open certificate training courses and provide in-depth support and guidance for autistic children, aiming to serve the development of the community and society.
The Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, was established in 1991 and is one of the first and largest faculties in the country to offer Sociology programs. Its goal is to train highly skilled sociological professionals capable of applying their knowledge to interpreting, analyzing, and solving social problems, possessing strong moral character, firm political convictions, and professional ethics. Students will receive comprehensive training in foundational and advanced skills and knowledge to develop research, teaching, and problem-solving abilities, as well as advising on the development of social policies to meet the country's development needs..
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