THE National Autism Consciousness Week is celebrated all over the Philippines every 3rd week of January by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 711 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The theme for this year's celebration as announced by the Autism Society Philippines is Autism Challenge: Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life as a result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. It is a lifelong disability that affects a person's communication skills, social interaction and adaptation to environment.
Autism spectrum disorder affects an individual differently and at varying degrees. This is the reason why early detection of autism is very important because a child should undergo specialized intervention programs at the earliest possible time. Some of the early manifestations of autism in children are: no pointing by 1 year; no babbling by 1 year; no single word by 16 months; no 2-word phrases by 24 months; any loss of language skills at any time; little or no eye contact; no response when called by name and indifference to others.
The common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in older kids are: (1) difficulty mixing with other children; (2) acts as deaf; (3) resists learning; (4) no fear of real dangers; (5) resists change in routine ; (6) Uses people as tools; (7) inappropriate laughing and giggling; (8) not cuddly; (9) marked physical over-activity; (10) no eye contact; (11) spins objects, sustained odd play; (12) destructive and aggressive at times; (13) aloof, standoffish manner.
Experts suggest that if a child manifests at least seven of these signs, the child should be brought to a developmental pediatrician for diagnosis.
In Davao City, the Rainbow Intervention Center for Autism Foundation Inc. (RICAFI), the first autism school in Davao City, has lined up activities focused on creating awareness and better understanding of autism for the general public such as:
(1) radio advocacy on Mom's Radio at 3:00 pm on January 15, 2007; (2) Free Lecture and Forum on Autism at RICAFI (2:00-5:00 pm) on January 16, 2007; (3) ASP motorcade (7:30 a.m.) January 17, 2006 starting at Magsaysay Park; (4) booth display (1:00-5:00 pm) at SM Entertainment Plaza on January 17, 2007; (5) radio guesting during the Parenting Segment of Mom's Radio at 4:00 pm on January 17, 2007; (6) Open House at RICAFI on January 18, 2007; and (7) Culmination Program and Family Day at RICAFI at 9:00 a.m. on January 19, 2007.
The RICAFI is inviting everyone to join these activities as a sign of support for persons with autism.
RICAFI advocates for early detection and intervention of autism. There are no medicines that will cure autism but children and adults affected with it can be taught to become productive and self-reliant individuals. All they need is a good autism program as well as inclusion in society through better understanding and acceptance of the people around them.
(For more information about autism, please visit RICAFI at 132 Fatima Street, Davao City or call telephone 3054265.)
