By Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary
News headlines across the autism community read today (March 30, 2012) “Autism now 1:88 in American children!” Last year, South Korea reported 2.64% of their nation’s school children or about 1:38 have autism. In Europe, North America and Asia, an estimated 1% reported prevalence.
With close to a million families dealing with autism in the Philippines, government agencies are starting to realize that there is hope despite the increase in numbers.
Quezon City is one of the first cities in Asia to have an Ordinance establishing a Sustainable Program for Special Children. This ordinance, known as Quezon City Ordinance No. 1915 was signed by then mayor and now House Speaker, Honorable Feliciano "Sonny" Racimo Belmonte, Jr. during the 3rd World Autism Awareness Day.
Another anticipated highlight for the 5th World Autism Awareness Day will be the launching of The Autism Early Detection and Early Intervention Project (EDEIP) in Quezon City. The project is a tri-party collaboration between AKBAYAN Party List, the Quezon City (QC) Government and Autism Society Philippines.
 |
| ASP conducts Early Detection and Intervention Programs for social workers, health workers and public school teachers all over the country. |
Currently, there are seven satellite ASP Chapters located in Quezon City - Commonwealth, Diliman, Lagro, Muñoz, Novaliches, Proj. 3 and Proj. 4 and Cubao. Beneficiaries of the project will be parents of children with autism, Barangay Health Workers, Day Care Teachers, and Social Workers from these areas.
According to Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon, children with autism need of assistance in terms of diagnosis, therapy and support services, as well as education and intervention programs that will increase their chances to develop into self-sufficient and productive individuals.
He also said that there is an urgent need to promote public awareness of autism and equip the concerned people, especially parents, who are the primary care givers.
As implementers of the project, ASP will provide resource speakers and facilitators for the seminars. Materials like posters and brochures on autism will be distributed to help generate more awareness to the citizens of Quezon City.
ASP QC Chapters will witness the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between parties on April 1, 2012 at SM City Fairview. ASP looks forward to more partnership and collaboration between government agencies in improving the plights of families dealing with autism.
Be an Autism Angel. Donate generously to ASP’s Early Detection and Early Intervention Project. Donations can be deposited to Metrobank Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496 for more information.
Posted in: 
0 comments:
Post a Comment