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. Taken to a government-run orphanage, he grew up lacking fundamental support. When he became frustrated, he would turn aggressive. 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 hide away, or push away from people. To make matters worse, Vetta seemed unable, or unwilling to speak.

Vetta is not crazy, Vetta has autism. And in developing nations, neurological disorders and developmental delays 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 therapy, education 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.” The program provides therapy, education and an opportunity to integrate into society.

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.
For all those benefiting from this small nonprofit organization program, the goal is reintegration into society. Now 17 years old, Vetta continues his education and support with House of Smiles and has even found a foster family.

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