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Developing Nations And Hiding Autism

Vetta’s life started hard; he never knew his mother or father He was a baby when he was abandoned on the streets of Cambodia. He was subsequently taken to an orphanage where he grew up in a constrained environment. He became aggressive when something frustrated or angered him, erratic. He would spin and twirl objects, bang his head, and rock back and forth for comfort. Those caregivers in the orphanage, could not understand him, they would hit him, swear at him, call him crazy. Many things scared Vetta, other children, other people. He would push away from people, hide. To make matters worse, Vetta seemed unable, or unwilling to speak.

Vetta is not crazy, Vetta has autism. And in developing nations, developmental delays and neurological disorders such as autism are often significantly misunderstood. Those with such disabilities are some of the most marginalized and at-risk groups in Cambodia. Children such as Vetta, are often abandoned or, if not abandoned, hidden away in their homes without education, therapy or friends. Treated like animals.

But in a place like Cambodia, and in an environment of poverty, misunderstanding and such difficulty, there is nonetheless hope. This hope comes from a nonprofit institution called Hagar International which operates a facility called “House of Smiles.” Along with educational support, these children receive physical and occupational therapies, along with participating in cooperative programs designed to facilitate mainstreaming opportunities, such as the programs at the Takhmao School located just outside Phnom Penh where this school’s over 1500 students are “buddied up” with special needs peers.

For Vetta, the House of Smiles program and the therapy it provides him has taught him how to begin to speak, and he is becoming more independent and involved in the community. He smiles more, enjoys greater mobility, has learned to read and live with greater independence and dignity within the community.

Hagar’s House of Smiles program, demonstrates that in developing nations, and impoverished financial circumstances, people’s lives are being changed for the better. Those once hidden away are being helped, integrated into society, and taught the skills that allow them to seek their own happiness.

Brian Field is the co-founder of the Autism Support Network

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