Manila: As the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to push for inclusive development for persons with disabilities, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian enjoined the public to support and uphold the rights of individuals on the autism spectrum.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD fully supports the observance of the National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW). Gatchalian emphasized that people on the autism spectrum experience the world in a different way due to their neurodevelopmental condition, but they also possess strengths, talents, and abilities that are comparable to able-bodied citizens.
The observance this year, slated from Jan. 19 to 25, carries the theme 'Mula Kamalayan Tungo sa Gawa: Pag-unlad ng Autism-OK Philippines' (From Awareness to Action: Advancing an Autism-OK Philippines). The DSWD chief stated that the theme serves as a call to action to move beyond disability awareness by creating concrete, sustained, and inclusive actions to ensure individuals on the autism spectrum can fully participate in society and live dignified lives.
Gatchalian added that at the DSWD, the goal is to ensure individuals on the autism spectrum, along with other persons with disabilities, are treated with dignity, given respect, provided equal opportunities, and supported to live independently and meaningfully. He highlighted that this has always been one of the priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration. He stressed the need for action, policies, and programs that truly improve lives and allow persons on the autism spectrum to fully take part in communities.
In support of NACW, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the DSWD, will hold a week-long series of activities nationwide with the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) and other partner organizations. A highlight was the official launching of the SM Sensory Lab: Calming Corner on Jan. 19 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the first-ever sensory lab in the country catering to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or other sensory sensitivities.
On Jan. 23, the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office will organize the 'Bags of Camunity: Tote Art for Autism,' at the Tropical Garden, Quezon City Memorial Circle. A sensory-friendly movie screening titled, 'Lights Up, Sounds Down' will be held by SM Cinema on Jan. 24 in selected theatres from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. On the same day, the NCDA and ASP will stream an online session titled 'Adulting Kapag Autistic' focusing on navigating social situations and managing routines of adults with ASD.
