Public urged: Focus on autistic children

CEBU - The Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) appealed to the public to focus on children with autism (CWA) as the nation observes the 13th Autism Consciousness Week from January 18 to 25.

With this year’s theme, “ASP@20: Sharing Hopes... Building Dreams,” the observance aims to give CWA special attention.

The National Autism Consciousness Week, which was created under Presidential Decree No. 711 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos, aims to cater to the nearly 500,000 Filipinos with autism.

PD No. 711 specifies that autistic children should be provided with appropriate education, health and social services as well as equal opportunities and adequate protection to prepare them for their role in community development.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, PD 711 was created in response to the continuous increase in the number of CWA cases.

These autistic children, DSWD said, are subjected to unexpected circumstances which often put them in a disadvantaged situation.

DSWD is currently focusing on reviewing programs and plans for persons with disability cases, especially on education, health, employment and other opportunities.

The department is also directed to develop concrete actions to improve the status of persons with disabilities to ensure their protection.

DSWD calls on its partner agencies like the National Council on Disability Affairs, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation and Communication and Philippine Information Agency to join the celebration.

It also called on the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and Council for the Welfare of Children to participate.

These agencies are requested to come up with activities that benefit children with autism.

Activities include exhibits, lectures on autism, educational trip, therapy visit, forum on disability, on the spot contest, tree planting, talent show, support group parent’s meeting, among others. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)