Around 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who are all clients of the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC), along with their parents, joined the National Autism Consciousness Week activity at People’s Park on Friday.
The highlight of the event was the “Ausome” walk, where the children and their parents walked around the park. They also participated in Zumba, inspirational talks, and the distribution of educational materials about autism from private partners and autism awareness advocates.
DCSNICC Center Overseer Dr. Melody Pardillo, in an interview with Madayaw, said that the activity is important to show everyone the potential of children with ASD.
“Mahinungdanon kaayo nga i-celebrate ang Autism Consciousness para ma-advocate and ma-aware ang mga ginikanan nga naa sa in-denial, na makita nato nga kahit naa sila’y special needs, able sila nga maka-participate sa mga activities ug makighalubilo pud sa uban nga mga bata. Sa ingon ana, ma-develop pud ang ilang socio-emotional domain (It is very important to celebrate Autism Awareness to advocate for and raise the consciousness of parents who are in denial, so they can see that even children with special needs are able to participate in activities and interact with other children. This, in turn, helps develop their socio-emotional domain),” she said.
Davao City Councilor Antoinette Principe, in a speech during the event, said parents who are conscious and knowledgeable about autism know what to do and how to give proper attention to their children.
She added that ASD awareness can also lead to inclusive and child-friendly communities.
Principe said that in Davao City, children with special needs receive special attention, which is why she encouraged parents not to give up and to avail of services offered by the LGU.
“Kita nga mga nanay ug tatay, kita dili mawad-an og paglaum kay anaa ang atoang gobyerno para maghatag og assistance sa atong mga anak. Diri sa siyudad sa Davao, no child should be left behind (Fellow mothers and fathers, we should not lose hope because our government is here to provide assistance to our children. Here in the city of Davao, no child should be left behind).” she said.
Pardillo assured that parents only need to present a Certificate of Indigency and a Certificate of Residency for their children to be catered to at DCSNICC. They accept eligible children below seven years old for diagnosis and proper intervention.
Dr. Ferriza Maria Isaguirre, DCSNICC developmental physician, said that intervention for children with ASD is most effective when started before the age of seven.
Written by: K.Cañedo
Edited by: A.Nawal
