It’s time for a law addressing needs of autism community, advocates say

MANILA, Philippines – For advocates who represent people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a law that truly empowers people in the spectrum, provides care, and promotes genuine inclusion is long overdue.

On Friday, April 10, representatives of the nonprofit organization Autism Society Philippines (ASP) outlined the struggles of people with ASD and how policies made for them can help support their future, in time for Autism Awareness Month.

“In a society that is not necessarily built for us, sometimes we just try to manage — it’s hard,” said Pia Cabañero, advocate and part of the autism spectrum.

“But we can’t just bullet through the hardships…and [so] we try to seek what can be done for us to live fruitful lives,” she added.

Autism or ASD encompasses a diverse range of conditions related to brain development, affecting one in 100 Filipinos.

ASP national spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz, also known as content creator Mighty Magulang, is calling for a wide-ranging plan.

“We need a government with a plan to address the needs of our growing and aging community, from the national government to the LGUs (local government units),” said Veluz, mother to a child with ASD.

The Senate recently approved on third and final reading the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act or Senate Bill No. 1822, which seeks to create a national action plan that would ensure early detection and screening, quality healthcare, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and social support for those with ASD and their families.

The action plan also aims to build a wider network of doctors and educators skilled in ASD.

“It doesn’t include the [full] details…. Instead, it provides a framework so that we can have a long-term, detailed, responsive, and flexible plan to address the needs of our community…. We feel that it is open enough to create a good IRR (implementing rules and regulations), and it will also be a good basis [for] various agencies to develop their policies and procedures,” Veluz explained.

Cabañero said those with ASD like her can live very meaningful lives once society genuinely accepts them and their capabilities.

“Kaya naman natin to be (We can be) our own selves, to thrive within our own selves, as long as we get the opportunities like employment, community-building, and education in order to live the best of our lives, considering [that] decades ago we didn’t have the resources to understand that people in the autism spectrum could live fruitful lives as they go into adulthood,” she said.

Michelle Dee, beauty queen and ASP goodwill ambassador, added that persons within the spectrum can be truly independent through systems that trust their skills.

“Responsive autism policy strengthens families by reducing everyday barriers. It shifts the narrative from dependence to empowerment — equipping families with the tools, opportunities, and dignity,” said Dee, who has two brothers who are on the autism spectrum.

She added, “Inclusion means making sure they are seen, supported, and not left to do this alone.”

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Annual walk for autism

ASP is set to hold its long-running Angels Walk for Autism on April 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where it expects to welcome thousands of attendees. The event will feature a community parade, performances by talents on the spectrum, and awards.

Simultaneous events will also be launched in 12 other cities throughout the country.

“Since it began in 2000, the ASP Angels Walk for Autism has always carried hope,” said ASP chair emerita Dang Koe. “But hope must evolve into not just awareness or acceptance but action.”

Cabañero emphasized the need for support systems like ASP for people with autism to feel that they are acknowledged.

“When you have the support systems that we have to thrive, we can contribute meaningfully to society. Whether it be through our work, our creative expression, or even just interacting and generating long-term friendships and relationships with other people,” she said.

Dee encouraged everyone who supports the cause to attend. “Change will never happen at once, but it will always begin with people who choose to show up.” – Rappler.com