The Autism Society Philippines Dumaguete Chapter and GPRehab will celebrate the National Autism Consciousness Week under Presidential Proclamation No. 711 on Jan. 16 to 22.
The celebration generally aims at generating the awareness in the community about autism, empowering the parents of children with autism and children themselves, and including the larger community in the advocacy for the rights of children with autism.
Several activities have been organized. There will be radio and TV guestings about autism with the occupational therapists and parents as speakers. Things to be discussed include signs of autism and managing children who have the disability.
An assessment for children with autism has also been organized. This aims at assisting the parents in detecting if their children manifest some signs of autism.
To encourage the participation of students from elementary and college in the advocacy for autism, a Bulletin Making Contest and Inter-School Collaborative Poster Making Contest will also be held.
There will also be “Angels Walk for Autism” on Jan. 21 from Quezon Park to Robinsons Place. This will be participated by children with autism, parents, regular and Special Education teachers, SpEd and Psychology students from the different universities in Dumaguete, and government officials. A short program follows after the walk.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Autismo Paghandaan: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakatuparan which focuses on the importance of early intervention, and the opportunities available to make the kids independent and productive in the community.