AkzoNobel Paints Vietnam utilises the power of colour to inspire autistic children

The programme, under the framework of the Human Cities initiative, aimed to inspire autistic children through the transformative power of colour, to help them to gain better awareness of the surrounding world.

The programme benefited two centres of the Khai Tri Specialised Education School at the Binh Thanh and Cu Chi districts. It included school repainting project, children playground activities and seminar in psychology for parents of autistic children. Focusing on the impact of colour on the mental and physical development of autistic children, the sharing sessions by doctor Huynh Tan Mam, founder of Khai Tri Specialised Education School and colour expert, Nguyen Huu Vinh revolved around the topic of guiding parents on how to effectively communicate with their children through the language of colour. The repainting project at Cu Chi centre also follows the purpose of bringing the autistic students a more energetic and inspiring studying space.

Research has shown that autistic children have sensory processing disorder that causes them to be easily agitated and overreact. Therefore, their living space should be designed to exude calm and safety.

“Colour has a positive impact on children in general and autistic children in particular. When designing rooms for autistic children, we should prioritise using tranquil hues such as blue, green or violet because their brains are able to catch these soothing effects and it really helps to improve children’s behaviour. Also, using natural materials such as wood instead of industry-liked materials like plastic and iron, with a touch of green colour and making the most of daylight will help the children to gain better intuitive awareness of their surroundings” said colour expert Nguyen Huu Vinh.

“Care is in the DNA of our people and our company. We have a long history of giving back to the communities in which we operate to create everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring. In Vietnam, the number of autistic children is growing significantly (according to the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs), but there is no adequate awareness about the syndrome. By combining our sense of care with our people, products and colour expertise, we hope to raise the awareness about autism and create better environments for people,” said David Teng, general director of AkzoNobel Paints Vietnam.

Established in 2010, Khai Tri is one of the few prestigious and credible specialised education schools in Ho Chi Minh City, and there are currently 250 students studying at both centres. “Autistic children have a very different worldview compared with other children, but it does not mean that they are unable to further develop. Research shows that colour is an effective tool to communicate with autistic children, and it helps stimulate their awareness of their surroundings. Therefore, a proper and scientific treatment can help autistic children to maximise their potentials in various fields. An initiative such as this is the very practical and important to enhance awareness of community towards autism,” said doctor Huynh Tan Mam, PhD., founder of Khai Tri Specialised Education School.

The “Colour and the development of autistic children” programme is part of the AkzoNobel Human Cities initiative – the company’s commitment to improving, energising and regenerating urban communities across the world by using the company’s three key strengths – essential ingredients, essential protection, essential colour. Sustainable cities are more than just a vast assortment of structures, but should be built based on innovation, and innovation can only be fostered by a stable education. Therefore, AkzoNobel has long been supporting and investing in the education of young people all over the world to help them unlock their potentials.

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