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MANILA, Philippines – In the Philippines, how many people actually understand that autism is a physiological – not a psychological – condition?
Early detection, intervention, and treatment are crucial in ensuring that all people struggling with autism maximize their potentials.
In order to increase awareness on autism, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will include the supplemental topic of detection and prevention of autism to the Family Development Sessions (FDS) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (PPP) program beneficiaries for the month of April.
In celebration of the World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Autism Hearts Foundation (AHF) and DSWD are set to finalize the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for this initiative.
For social welfare and development secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, this will adequately educate poor families on autism, enabling them to prevent and detect the disability as soon as possible.
To provide the resource persons enough knowledge on the topic of autism awareness and detection, the AHF will orient DSWD officials and city and municipal officials involved in the PPP program.
In order to continue receiving cash grants, PPP beneficiaries are required to regularly attend FDS, where topics aimed at enhancing and strengthening parental roles are discussed.
Aside from the family forum, DSWD also provides protective and rehabilitative services for children with autism.
As of December 2013, there are 28 children with autism being served by DSWD’s residential care facilities.
DSWD will also participate in the “Light It Up Blue” campaign on April 2 at SM Mall of Asia.
Light it Up Blue is the culminating activity of WAAD where nations around the world will be illuminating landmarks, public offices, schools, places of worship, and residences to increase awareness on autism.
In the Philippines, the WAAD celebration is mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 711 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996 to generate awareness, acceptance and understanding of people with autism and to provide them equal rights, access to education, services and facilities enjoyed by abled individuals. – Rappler.com
Also happening on April 2:
Photo from Shutterstock
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