SOCIAL WORK SERVICES FOR AUTISM CHILDREN IN VIETNAM: STATUS QUO AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Objectives. The study was designed to explore the current State of social service provision for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children and their families, analyze the existing problems in the process of providing services to children and their families from the perspective of facility managers and service providers. The research results serve as a basis for reviewing and providing recommendations to promote the effectiveness of social work services in this field. Material and methods. This study applied both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. It employed the quantitative method with surveying of 133 front line social service providers from 15 public and private institutions, and qualitative with desk review and 30 in-depth interviews. Participants were voluntary participating in the study with informed consent. Results. Vietnamese children with ASD and their families have faced many problems and risks, including the lack of opportunities and resources to access support and care services. However, social work services for children with ASD and their families in Vietnam were under-developed compared to special education field and faced many limitations, including a shortage of in-depth intervention and outreach programs, inequality of supportive policies between the public and private service providers. Conclusions. Developing a holistic social work support services to meet the ADS children and families is key to address their current problems and contributing to improving the parents'/ caregivers' care and education for children with ASD. In addition, the Government plays an essential role in issuing guaranteed policies and social security programs. Keywords: children with autism spectrum disorders, families, social work services, service providers.