#MeetTheTeacherAtSEEC | Meet the educator who hears what children can’t yet put into words

In special education, there are times when a child’s screaming, strong reactions, or refusal to participate in an activity may lead adults to think that they are being “stubborn” or “uncooperative.” But to a teacher, every behavior can be a child’s way of expressing a need, an emotion, or a difficulty they may not yet be able to communicate with words.

To truly support a child, teachers need to learn how to look beyond the behavior, patiently understand what the child is trying to communicate, and create a safe environment where they can learn more appropriate ways to express themselves.

With nearly four years of experience in special education, Ms. Dao Thi Anh Suong is currently a Special Education Teacher at Special Em’s Education Center (SEEC). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Van Lang University, as well as a Certificate in Special Education from the National College of Education. She has experience working with children aged 2–8, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), language delays, intellectual disabilities, and difficulties with behavior and communication.

Ms. Suong’s areas of expertise include behavioral observation and analysis, language development, learning skills, and adaptive skills. She has experience conducting assessments, setting individualized intervention goals, and developing support plans tailored to each child’s needs. She is also particularly interested in behavior management, language development, and strengthening children’s independence—key foundations that help children become more active and confident in their learning and everyday lives.

For Ms. Suong, the most important part of supporting a child is patience, understanding, and building a relationship grounded in trust. She believes that when children feel safe, respected, and given opportunities to express themselves, they become more motivated to learn and grow. Rather than focusing solely on how to make a child “stop” a certain behavior, she takes time to understand what lies behind it and helps the child gradually develop a more appropriate way to communicate.

At Special Em’s, Ms. Suong continues to build on her strengths in behavioral observation, communication, and adaptive skills, while working closely with families to create consistency throughout the child’s development journey. With a strong sense of responsibility, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning, she hopes to help every child become more independent, confident, and actively engaged in their own development.

Because for Ms. Suong, every child develops at their own pace. And sometimes, helping a child find their voice begins with listening to what they are trying to say through their behavior.