Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Autism Awareness Week Philippines

<p>Ours is the generation that put words to almost everything: <strong>mental health, boundaries, identity, and neurodiversity</strong>. We’ve made “awareness” into an infinite loop of conversation starters. Now, we’re being asked to move beyond labels and actually walk the talk. </p><p>As the country marked the <strong>30th</strong> <strong>National Autism Consciousness</strong> <strong>Week</strong> last January 19 to 25, led by the <strong>National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)</strong>, support is expanding into community programs, workplaces, malls, and emergency response systems, mirroring a fuller picture of life on the spectrum.</p><p>Dubbed <strong><em>“Mula Kamalayan Tungo sa Gawa: Pag-unlad ng </em>Autism<em>-OK Philippines”</em></strong> (From Awareness to Action: Advancing an Autism-OK Philippines), this year’s theme calls to stop treating neurodivergence like a puzzle to be solved and start treating it like the unique “operating system” it actually is. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770088506792Autism 1.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>First, a reset: Autism is not a problem to fix</strong></div><p>Language matters. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or simply autism, is a neurodevelopmental difference that influences how a person processes information, communicates, and connects with the world around them. It’s called a spectrum as autistic experiences are incredibly diverse, such no two are exactly the same. </p><p>Some of them may be with heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures, while others with alternative communication styles, often with intense strengths and interests that can be absolute superpowers. None of these traits is a deficit; they’re variations in how the brain is wired.</p><p>When the world meets them halfway, with support in spaces and understanding systems in place, autistic individuals can thrive on their own terms. </p><p>Here is how the Philippine industry and government are leveling up the inclusivity game, and how you can be an active ally.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770088717657Autism 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The shift: From knowing to doing </strong></div><p>Multiple national agencies are in motion, aligning their efforts for the entire week-long observance. </p><p>The NCDA is moving the needle, rallying sectors to build systems that actually work for autistic Filipinos in schools, workplaces, public services, and communities. Executive Director Glenda Relova pressed on how autism isn’t a disease to be cured, but a lifelong condition that deserves a seat at every table. </p><p>Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YA8G7ryJ1/?mibextid=wwXIfr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)</a> has encouraged local government units nationwide to roll out inclusive programs, signaling that autism inclusion goes beyond national talking points as it’s a local responsibility, too. From barangay initiatives to city-level policies, the expectation is that communities make their spaces more welcoming and accessible.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770088948637Autism 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The <a href="https://www.dswd.gov.ph/dswd-enjoins-pinoys-to-support-national-autism-consciousness-week-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)</a> also reinforces the message that people on the spectrum deserve not only support, but respect, independence, and meaningful participation in society. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has been vocal about the fact that individuals on the spectrum possess talents that are, frankly, elite. Ergo, the aim is to make sure systems don’t block them from using those strengths.m</p><p>Well, the observance isn’t limited to the mainland. Philippine diplomatic posts overseas, like the Philippine Embassy in Canada and the Consulate General of the Philippines in Guam and in Hongkong respectively, have also expressed support for autism inclusion, reinforcing that this is part of a broader Filipino commitment to dignity and accessibility.</p><p>It’s a good prompt for inclusion travels with us. May it be at home or abroad, the values we choose to uplift shape how Filipino communities are experienced by everyone, including those on the spectrum.</p><p>This kind of cross-agency alignment might sound bureaucratic, but it matters as we’re talking about actual policies and programs that remove the “barriers to entry” for everyday life. </p><div><strong>On the lens of paradigm shift, there comes the retail revolution. Malls, cinemas, and public spaces get sensory smart.</strong></div><p>If you’ve ever felt the “mall fatigue” hit after an hour of neon lights and overlapping pop music, imagine that feeling turned up to 100. For the neurodivergent community, a trip to the mall can be a sensorial minefield.</p><p>One biggest steps forward this year is the <strong>SM Sensory Lab: Calming Corner.</strong> Launched at SM Mall of Asia in partnership with SM Cares and Autism Society Philippines (ASP), this is the first of its kind in a Philippine mall. It’s a literal sanctuary for kids and adults with ASD, anxiety, and those who need a break from the overstimulation of the world. A mall for all it is!</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTwtObTCdfs/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A5679217.200000003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1233" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Movie dates just got an upgrade. Through the “Lights Up, Sounds Down” initiative, SM Cinemas nationwide hosted sensory-friendly screenings to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the latest blockbuster without the nerves of a traditional theater setting. </p><p>Going to the movies used to be a gamble for families on the spectrum. Dark rooms and thunderous bass can be triggering. Well, this one serves as a judgment-free zone where the lights stayed dimmed (not pitch black), and the audio was kept at a comfortable level.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770090038210622355912_1341617001328433_992870988046519786_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">SM Malls&#x27; “Lights Up, Sounds Down” initiative</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Inclusion is entering emergency and disaster response </strong></div><p>We’re a country that faces a fair share of “main events” (hello, typhoons and quakes), the NCDA noticed a massive gap: How do we protect people who might process emergencies differently?</p><p>Realizing that the standard emergency protocols don’t always work for everyone, the <strong>Autism-Friendly Disaster Response Workshop (Train-the-Trainers) </strong>at the QCX Museum was a sea-change. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770090124975618878529_1334929125330554_58423532277149575_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>They gathered the heavy hitters—Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Coast Guard, Office of Civil Defense, Quezon City PDAO, partner agencies, members of the Autism Society Philippines, early childhood educators, and other stakeholders—to equip trainers and disaster responders on autism-responsive approaches. Ensuring that a first responder knows how to calm someone on the spectrum during a crisis is in fact a human right. </p><p>The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Autism Society Philippines, Quezon City Government, and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of Quezon City.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The creative flex</strong></div><p>If you think the neurodivergent community isn’t out here killing it in the creative economy, you haven’t been paying attention. Across the week, <strong>creative workshops and art-led activities are giving autistic individuals platforms to express themselves and connect with others. </strong>Community art events have invited participants on the spectrum to paint, design, and share their stories through visual work.</p><p>1. <strong>Tote Art for Autism</strong>: In Quezon City, 80 students on the spectrum flexed their design skills at the “Bags of Carrytivity” event. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770090202195619339500_1342608114562655_417518681850029673_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>2. <strong>A Color-Coaster of Stories</strong>: Participants worked with VICO’s Artism Gallery and Best Buddies Philippines to create hand-painted banig coasters and buri fans. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770090294475617046187_1337190368437763_8071528591888546810_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Conversations are expanding to autistic adulthood</strong></div><p>The “<strong>Adulting Kapag Autistic</strong>” livestream during the week tackles topics like navigating careers, routines, and social situations as an autistic adult. For a long time, autism conversations in the Philippines centered mostly on children. But autistic kids grow up, and they deserve support in employment, independent living, and community life as well.</p><p>Bringing these topics into public dialogue helps break the stereotype that autism only belongs in pediatric clinics or SPED classrooms. Autistic people are classmates, coworkers, creatives, leaders, and neighbors.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770092628440Autism 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The “1 PANGAKO” challenge is a linguistic cleanup</strong></div><p>Language evolves, and so should we. The <strong>&quot;1 PANGAKO&quot; (One Promise)</strong> campaign is a collective movement to stop the casual and harmful use of the word &quot;autistic&quot; as an insult, a joke, or a descriptor for something “weird.”</p><p>It’s also a call to be more intentional with our slang. By now, we should know that using disability-related terms as punchlines is a major red flag. Reserving “autistic” for its actual meaning shows respect and helps dismantle the stigma that has lingered for too long. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>So… where do we come in?</strong></div><p>Truth be told, it’s easy to read about government programs and corporate initiatives and wish them well. But inclusion doesn’t run on policies alone. It runs on people.</p><p>So, how do we keep the energy going once the week is over? It’s simpler than you think:</p><p><strong>Watch your language.</strong> It starts from within, and it starts from how we talk. If someone uses “autistic” in a derogatory way, call it out (nicely, but firmly). Redirect the conversation toward the 1 PANGAKO campaign.</p><p><strong>Support neurodivergent creators. </strong>Shop at galleries or businesses that hire inclusively. Your wallet is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. When brands or public places roll out sensory-friendly hours or inclusive programs, show up. Your participation tells companies that accessibility is something customers value and not just a niche extra.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770092814232Autism 5.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Respect sensory differences and be open to different communication styles. </strong>If someone covers their ears, avoids eye contact, or needs to step away from noise, that’s not “arte.” It could be sensory overload. Normalize giving people space to regulate without judgment. Not everyone communicates the same way.</p><p><strong>Be a buddy.</strong> Listen and learn from people on the spectrum themselves through talks, content, art, and advocacy. Organizations like Best Buddies Philippines are always looking for volunteers to build genuine friendships with people on the spectrum. Don’t think of it as some charity, rather it’s just being a good human.</p><p><strong>Check the tag. </strong>Keep following the National Council on Disability Affairs and Autism Society Philippines on social media to stay updated on how you can participate in “Autism-OK” initiatives year-round.</p><div><br/></div><p>Autism inclusion isn’t just about one sector or one week in January. The week-long campaign will come and go. But the real measure of progress is what stays. The spectrum is vast, vibrant, and full of potential. It’s time we move past the “ribbons and hashtags” phase of advocacy and start building a world that&#x27;s worthy of it.</p>

<p>The week-long campaign will come and go. But the real measure of progress is what stays. The spectrum is vast, vibrant, and full of potential. It’s time we move past the “ribbons and hashtags” phase of advocacy and start building a world that's worthy of it.</p>

The week-long campaign will come and go. But the real measure of progress is what stays. The spectrum is vast, vibrant, and full of potential. It’s time we move past the “ribbons and hashtags” phase of advocacy and start building a world that's worthy of it.

How the Philippines Is Showing Up For Autism Inclusion

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How the Philippines Is Showing Up For Autism Inclusion

Leigh Sofia Lazo

Published Jan 28, 2026 11:00 AM PHT

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Updated Feb 03, 2026 12:32 PM PHT

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