MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday passed on third and final reading a bill that would integrate autism detection and screening into primary health care, as well as maternal and child health programs.
Senators approved Senate Bill (SB) 1822, or the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which seeks to promote the welfare of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education showed that there are about 5.1 million children with special needs in the country.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the bill recognizes people with ASD as persons with disabilities (PWDs), making them entitled to the benefits accorded to them under existing laws.
The measure also institutionalizes a national framework to strengthen health care, education, and social services for persons with autism, while recognizing the vital role of parents and caregivers.
Zubiri, the bill’s principal author, said the measure aims to address the “scattered assistance” available to people with ASD so that “families are no longer forced to navigate services on their own.”
Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of ensuring stronger government support for persons on the autism spectrum and their families.
“Autism should never be seen as a burden. Rather, it is a different way of viewing and experiencing the world,” Ejercito said.
Sen. Joel Villanueva also stressed the need to strengthen access to diagnosis, intervention, and support services for persons with ASD and their families.
He said the measure would help families of children with special needs gain access to more trained specialists for timely diagnosis, intervention, and long-term care.
