Vattana never knew his parents.  He was a baby when he was abandoned on the street and left to live at a government-run orphanage in Cambodia.

Growing up, Vattana was very aggressive.  When something frustrated or angered him, his behaviour would become erratic and sometimes violent.  At the government center, Vattana had few opportunities to grow and develop.  His caregivers couldn't understand his needs.  They would call him a stupid, crazy and foolish boy.  Sometimes the caregivers and other children would curse at him. 

When Vattana became confused and angry, he would push people and throw things.  Many things scared him - the other children and other people especially.  If he didn't do what others told him, they treated him poorly, sometimes biting and hitting him.  He was slapped in the face a few times and not given food.   

When Vattana came to Hagar, he had marks and bruises on his back and hands.  He was very thin.  

Vattana was eventually diagnosed with Autism and referred to Hagar's House of Smiles program in 2000.  His Autism is severe - he is unable to speak, he has very limited physical mobility and understanding of what is happening in his environment.  He exhibits repetitious behaviors like rocking back and forth, head banging, and touching and twirling objects.  He has very a limited range of interests and activities and can become upset by even the smallest change in his environment or daily routine.

Though progress is slow and challenging, Vattana has grown and developed at House of Smiles.  He can say a few words at one time and, though the process is difficult, he is learning new concepts and informing staff of when he needs to use the toilet and other daily living needs.  He still has difficulty communicating with other children and adults.

House of Smile's emphasis on independence, community involvement, and integration in regular school activities, Vattana is growing.  The House of Smiles team set an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP) for Vattana to help him improve properly.  They ensure he keeps in good shape and that his plan and schedule are well organized. 

Kun has improved from day to day through the care of the House of Smiles team.  Vattana is becoming less aggressive.  He smiles more.  He is enjoying greater independence and mobility through regular quality care.  Life skills, communication skills and literacy training enable him to achieve greater independence and live with dignity in the community.

The House of Smiles team found a foster family for Vattana to live in.  Hagar's goal is the reintegration to community of all children in its care and the House of Smiles team found a family whose son has a disability that invited Vattana to be their son too.  Staff met with the local authorities and parents.  Everyone agreed to the arrangement and Hagar provided 2 weeks of training about autism to the family and has offered the family medical assistance for Vattana. 

Vattana is now 17 years old and in July, 2009, he went to live with his new family through Hagar's Community Based Care program.  Vattana is loved and cared for by his new foster family.  Every day he attends school at a special class supported by the Ministry of Education and HoS provides ongoing training and support to the family.