KIDS with special needs deserve special attention and care. Health and wellness is at the core of any child’s development. That’s why wellness centers for children are fast-growing in the city to address the demand parents have for their kids.
One of the newest additions to that roster is Kidstopia Wellness Center located at second floor, FTC tower, Mt. Apo road, Davao City.
Arnold Q. Barillo, Kidstopia Wellness Center proprietor and general manager, said though there are a lot of similar wellness centers in the city, Kidstopia Wellness Center also has something unique to offer.
“Pero kani siya ang kalahian niini kay mura siyag one-stop shop (But the difference of this is that it’s like a one-stop shop). We get to offer the behavioral, speech, and occupational services. So kumbaga depende sa diagnosis for example nung developmental pediatrician nung kid kung unsa ang treatment nga kinahanglan agi-an (So it depends on the diagnosis for example of the developmental pediatrician of the kid on what treatment they should undergo),” Barillo said.
Barillo added in this way, parents won’t have to find another wellness center offering another health treatment for their kids.
“Actually, tabang kini sa parents kay ang hassle ug ang anxiety ba na basin magbalhin balhin pa ug centers ang bata, so mao na siya ang goal pud sa amoang center (Actually this is a way to help parents from all the hassle and anxiety of finding centers for theirs kids, and this has been the goal of our center),” Barillo said.
Barillo said they are not only catering to kids with special needs.
“Kaya din siya wellness center kay dili lang pud gyud muhatag ug assistance sa naay special needs. Pwede pud nato i-enhance ang learning capacity sa bata even if wala siya medical diagnosis (That’s why it is also a wellness center because it does not only assist those with special needs. We can also enhance learning capacity of kids even those without medical diagnosis),” Barillo added.
He said establishments like Kidstopia are important in addressing the gap of wellness centers to those kids who are in need in meeting their special needs.
“In terms of autism, kokonti pa rin lang ang naadress dahil hindi medically recorded o hindi na-assist through centers. At kahit ang pag-offer ng occupational therapy as a course, limited lang rin ng schools na nag-offer (In terms of autism, less are still addressed because these are not medically recorded or not assisted through centers. And even offering occupational therapy as a course is only limited to some schools),” Barillo added.
Barillo said total wellness will always be at the top of any parents’ priority, that’s why kids for special needs must also have the special and best services.