Living with autism spectrum disorder in Ha Noi, Vietnam

Vu, Ha Song, Whittaker, Andrea, Whittaker, Maxine, and Rodgers, Sylvia (2014) Living with autism spectrum disorder in Ha Noi, Vietnam. Social Science and Medicine, 120. pp. 278-285.

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Abstract

There is limited understanding of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Vietnam. This ethnographic study aimed to explore how ASD is represented and managed in the cultural, social and economic contexts of Vietnam, and describe the experiences of families with children with ASD in Hanoi, Vietnam. This study was conducted from 2011 to 2012 in Hanoi and employed a range of methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews with 27 parents of children with ASD and 17 key informants, and online survey. This study found that within Hanoi, Vietnam, ASD has been culturally and socially constructed as a 'disease', 'karmic demerit' and 'family problem' rather than a life-long developmental disorder that needs support from government. Children with ASD and their families experience various forms of stigma and discrimination. There are limitations in assessment and diagnosis of ASD. Parents of children with ASD have little access to services for their children, and the limited political and economic supports exacerbate their difficulties. This study highlights some of the ways in which the understandings and management of ASD vary cross culturally. It also suggests further attention is required to the provision of appropriate public education, low cost interventions and support for family advocacy groups.

Item ID: 43857
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0277-9536
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; stigma; assessment; children; Vietnam
Funders: International Postgraduate Research Scholarships, University of Queensland (UQ), Organization for Autism Research
Date Deposited: 23 Aug 2016 23:51
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine > 111499 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine not elsewhere classified @ 40%
16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1601 Anthropology > 160199 Anthropology not elsewhere classified @ 60%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970111 Expanding Knowledge in the Medical and Health Sciences @ 100%
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