Giant Leaps for the 14th Nat'l Autism Consciousness Week Celeb ~ Autism Society Philippines

Considered the fastest rising developmental disability in the world, autism prevalence in children rose from 1:150 last year to 1:110. This is the latest information released by Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in 2009.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how an 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 is treatable. When a child is diagnosed and receives intervention early in life; given the appropriate education and therapy; they can become self-reliant and productive members of society.

More will be diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined in the coming years. Recognizing the gravity and urgency of this situation, United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2008.

In the Philippines, at least 600,000 Filipino families are estimated to be affected with autism. Autism Society Philippines has grown from the 11 mothers who bonded together for the causes of their children in 1989, to more than 7,000 members, with 42 chapters all over the country. And ASP has been in the forefront of providing services to families affected with autism.

Mandated in 1996 by former President Fidel V. Ramos, Presidential Proclamation No. 711 or Autism Consciousness Week aims to promote awareness on autism and the provision of appropriate social services to persons with autism. Every third week of January, ASP spearheads the celebration.

The theme for this year, “Giant Leaps….Transcending Boundaries,” reflects ASP’s unprecedented growth for the past 21 years and renews its commitment to continue expanding programs and services to reach the far flung areas of the country where services are badly needed.

The event is in partnership with SM Committee on Disability Affairs, SM Supermalls, SM Prime, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Buhay Party List, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and Liliane Foundation.

The Honorary Chair for this year’s celebration is no other than one of our greatest Guardian Angels – Engineer Bien C. Mateo, Chair of SM Committee on Disability Affairs.

(R) Engr. Bien Mateo, (L) Mr. Dennis and Ms. Annie Garcia (2nd from left last row)
with the CWAs and their teachers during the Angels Walk 2009 at SM Mall of Asia

Start a new decade by being an Angel for Autism. Support the 14th National Autism Consciousness Week. Take a giant leap and transcend boundaries for autism!