Autism Consciousness Week kicks off today

CEBU, Philippines - The Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) celebrates starting today the Autism Consciousness Week to remind the public of its responsibilities to help Children with Autism (CWA).

The theme for this week’s celebration is “Giant Leaps: Transcending Boundaries,” which aimed at developing awareness on the problems of autistic persons.

Through this way the society would be promoting supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity, function independently and contribute productively.

Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It has already affected nearly 500,000 Filipinos according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Autism Consciousness Week is declared under Presidential Decree No. 711, which specifies that CWA must 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.

The proclamation is the government’s response to the increasing number of CWA cases.

The launching of the weeklong celebration will be held at SM City Cebu Entertainment Plaza at 10 a.m. today. There will also be an Autism Walk tomorrow.

On January 13, doctors and therapists will interact with teachers, parents, medical affiliates, students and other partner organizations during the Autism Chat.

Participants hope to learn ways on dealing with children with autism. ASP also organized an orientation with SM staffs, guards and merchants on how they could deliver services to children with autism.

To entertain CWAs, there will be a children’s party at SM Story Land on January 15 which is the culmination of the celebration.

DSWD is currently reviewing programs and plans for persons with disabilities, including the CWAs, especially those with less access to education, health, employment and other opportunities.

It hopes to formulate concrete actions to correct and improve their status at the same time ensure their fullest protection. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM  (THE FREEMAN)