At 18 years old, Lê Trọng Nguyên—known as Austin—lives with autism in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The only child in his family, Austin has always been surrounded by love at home, but school life was often a different story.
Before joining Special Olympics, Austin faced the quiet but painful reality of bullying. Classmates would hide his school supplies, shove him in the hallway, or tease him. Each small act left its mark, reminding him that the world didn’t always accept him as he was.
Everything began to change in July 2020 when Austin joined the Autism Friendly Sport Fun Shop, a collaboration between the Vietnam Autism Network, Ton Duc Thang University, and Special Olympics Vietnam. For the first time, he found a supportive space to explore sports, connect with others, and build confidence.
Since then, Austin has grown into a leader. He has represented Special Olympics Vietnam at regional and local youth summits, including the 2024 Youth for Inclusion: Expanding Unified Champion Schools summit in Singapore, his first trip abroad. There, surrounded by athletes from 14 countries, Austin embraced teamwork, independence, and cultural exchange, while also finding the courage to speak in public and inspire others.
At home, his days are filled with school, family dinners, games, and his favorite music. He practices yoga and meditation at night and works as a teaching assistant at a special needs center, a role that fills him with pride. There, he helps design learning materials for students with intellectual disabilities using tools like Canva, Word, and PowerPoint, and also serves as a yoga assistant, supporting students with relaxation and emotional regulation activities. “I feel more confident and courageous now,” Austin said. “I can guide and connect with others, and inspire them too.”
His accomplishments include becoming a teaching assistant at the Tam An Training Skills Center for children with autism, and contributing as an athlete leader to the Heart to Heart project, teaching first aid skills to young people with autism.
Austin’s family has witnessed his transformation and grown happier and healthier alongside him. His mother, Loan Nguyễn, says, “Accompany your child and let them shine in their own light. Never give up.”
