Legislation introduced by Benitez aims to enhance support services for individuals with autism.
Philippines Introduces National Autism Program Bill for Better Support
A groundbreaking bill, House Bill 3379, also known as the National Autism Program Bill, has been filed in the Philippines to provide comprehensive support for individuals with autism. The bill, proposed by Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and provide early intervention services for children on the spectrum.
The National Autism Program Bill seeks to address the high costs of early intervention therapies that often prove unaffordable for low and medium-income families. It plans to create the Autism Support Allowance program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which will provide a regular stipend of PHP 4,000 to families with children diagnosed with autism (POS).
One of the key provisions of the bill is the provision of free developmental assessments for all Filipino children up to five years old. This early diagnosis will facilitate timely intervention and support, ensuring children with autism receive the necessary care from an early age.
The bill also includes provisions for free occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies at Department of Health (DOH)-accredited hospitals. Moreover, it plans to offer free medicines for children diagnosed with Level 3 Autism, addressing their physiological and psychological needs.
Benitez underscored the importance of the government providing necessary support for persons with autism to afford them better prospects of a future where they reach their full potential. He emphasized that every child, regardless of their abilities or differences, should be treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities.
The bill is projected to benefit over 350,000 children with autism and more than 1.2 million families nationwide. Unicef has revealed that poverty rates are 50% higher in households with children with disabilities, making the bill's provisions even more crucial.
Benitez also highlighted the low number of developmental pediatricians in the country, resulting in a long wait for a proper assessment. The bill aims to help children with autism become self-reliant and functional members of society.
In conclusion, the National Autism Program Bill is a significant step towards providing comprehensive support for individuals with autism in the Philippines. By addressing the financial and therapeutic needs of families and children on the spectrum, the bill aims to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
[1] Unicef. (2020). Disability: Facts and Statistics. https://www.unicef.org/disabilities/files/UNICEF_Disability_Data_Report_2020.pdf [2] Benitez, A. A. (2021). House Bill No. 3379: An Act Establishing the National Autism Program, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes. https://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_19/HB03379_0.pdf
- The government's National Autism Program Bill, proposed in Bacolod, strives to provide free developmental assessments for all Filipino children up to five years old, addressing the issue of delayed diagnoses.
- In an effort to improve the mental health and wellness of individuals with autism, the bill plans to offer free occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies, as well as free medicines for children diagnosed with Level 3 Autism.
- The science-based National Autism Program Bill, a significant step in the Philippines, also includes provisions for nutrition support, ensuring a holistic approach to the health and wellness of children with autism.
