Lacson: Why I love sunflowers

THIS last week of January, the 26th Philippines National Autism Consciousness Week is observed in accordance with President Fidel Ramos' Proclamation 711 of 1996 to hold the yearly observance "in inspiring genuine and organic acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons on the autism spectrum in our society and our global community."

According to the Autism Society of the Philippines, the theme of this year's observance is "Nurturing Public-Private Alliances towards an Autism-OK Philippines" and it seeks to nurture partnerships between the government and the private sector to help Filipinos on the autism spectrum and those who care for them, rise above the challenges of the condition and the current economic and health situation; grow a community of allies within the country, the region and the rest of the world, supportive of programs towards genuine inclusion; and cultivate individual self-awareness, self-expression and feeling of belonging to a compassionate society.

It is significant that both the public and private sectors work together to foster autism acceptance to afford people with autism the equal opportunities in the society and not be subjected to unfair judgment and discrimination. The shift from autism awareness to autism acceptance is key to establish inclusivity for PWAs and espouse genuine acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of their unique abilities and characteristics.

For this year, the Autism Society of the Philippines clarifies that it has made a "deliberate" effort to exclude the puzzle imagery in the materials as it "does not support the use of the puzzle icon to represent autism, as persons on the spectrum should neither be illustrated as 'mind-boggling' nor 'incomplete.' In contrast, the sunflower that lives by facing the light, is a fitting representation of a community that finds strength and hope amid life’s challenges."

Furthermore, the ASP shares that this decision to use the sunflower based on the fact that the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for hidden or non-apparent disabilities -- such as autism. Just like my son Lance, who has mild autism, may look okay physically, but has some behavioral oddities associated with his autism. Oftentimes, we feel judged, discriminated, and frowned upon by other people, and this is what we need to fight off. The next time you see the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, it is our non-verbal message to signify our need for support, understanding, and patience.