Autism affects 1M-plus Filipino families

Have you noticed that some of the children you know are autistic? That you now see more of them among your relatives’ and friends’ families?

This is because globally more children will be diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined perhaps within the decade?

The World Health Organization and the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network say autism is considered the fastest rising developmental disability in the world. In 2009 the figures mentioned for autism prevalence in children were lower. It rose from 1:150 years before to 1:110. In 2011 the ADDM says the figure is now 1:100—there is 1 autistic child in every 100.

Here in the Philippines, out of our population of more than 90 million the estimate is that more than 1 million families are afflicted by autism.

This is the reason why we Filipinos should do something to prevent it, diagnose it early and help autistic children and their families.

What is it?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how the afflicted individual interprets what he sees, hears, and touches, thereby impairing his understanding and use of language and his adaptation to his environment. Autism is not curable but it is treatable.

Known technically as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autism manifests itself during the first three years of life. It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, mostly affecting children in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The afflicted child’s impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communications and restricted, repetitive behavior, interests and activities reduce his or her ability to be constantly functional.

Children diagnosed to be autistic who receive intervention early in life and are given the appropriate education and therapy can become self-reliant and productive members of society.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has been in the forefront of providing services to families affected with autism. The society began in 1989 with only 11 mothers who bonded together to form a mutual support group for the best way to treat their children. There are now about 8,000 members and 50 chapters throughout our country.

In 1996 then president Fidel V. Ramos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 711 to establish the celebration of Autism Consciousness Week every third week of January. The ASP takes charge of the celebration, which involves many activities to help Filipinos become aware of the illness and how to contribute time and money to help treat autistic children.

April 2 World Autism Awareness Day

Eleven years later, the seriousness of the problem globally drove the United Nations General Assembly to pass Resolution 62/139 on December 18, 2007 declaring April 2 of every year, starting in 2008, as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). The declaration invites UN member states, international and local relevant organizations, civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

The aim of the celebration is to raise public awareness of autism throughout society. The celebration of WAAD brings to the world’s attention the need to work for the promotion of autism treatment and understanding and kindness toward autistic persons.

In our country, the annual celebration of WAAD is led by the government’s National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). 2012 is the 5th year WAAD is being celebrated here in solidarity with the UN and other countries. Of course, the Autism Society of the Philippines is a major collaborator with NCDA. So is another NGO, the Autism Hearts Philippines, Inc. (AHPI).

Pre-celebration activities

Before April 2, there are WAAD pre-celebration activities. The ASP held a Family Support Group Meeting last Saturday, March 24 at its office in ML Building, No. 47 Kamias Road, QC.

Tomorrow, Saturday March 31, ASP will sponsor a “Seminar –Workshop on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)” from 9:30am to 330pm at the Asian Social Institute, 1518 Leon Guinto corner Escoda Streets, City of Manila.

On April 1, Sunday, the ASP is the organizer of the “AutiSMusical Advocacy Concert for Persons with Autism” at 4pm-630pm in the Atrium, SM City Fairview, Quezon City.

Another ASP project is the “Colors of Autism Exhibit” featuring Photographs of and by Persons with Autism on April 1- 8 also at the Atrium, SM City Fairview.

Actual WAAD activities April 2

Organized by the Social Welfare Dept is the “Art, Photo and Product Exhibits of Persons with Autism” from 10:00am to 11pm at SM City Fairview, Quezon City.

Then the “Forum on the Supportive Environment for Persons with Autism” will be held from 12 noon to 5pm at the DENR building on Visayas Avenue, QC. The organizers of this forum are the DSWD, the ASP and the NCDA.

In the evening of April 2 will be the “Light It Up Blue” ceremony, from 6pm-7pm at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The organizers of this ceremony are the AHPI, SM, NCDA

There is a major post-WAAD activity on April 28 and 29. This will be the “12th National Conference on Autism and the 2nd Southeast Asian Conference on Autism” (Theme: Living with Autism: Hope@Home). It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Avenue, corner ADB Avenue, Quezon City

We call on readers to attend some of these events and learn how they can help treat and support autistic children belonging to at least one million Filipino families.