15th national autism consciousness week Jan. 16-23

The 15th national autism consciousness week will be celebrated from January 16 to 23 this year. The theme for this year, “AUTISMO PAGHANDAAN: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakatuparan." According to the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), the theme reflects 22 years of commitment for the early detection and intervention for children with autism. The data released by Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in 2009 showed that autism is now considered the fastest rising developmental disability in the world. Autism prevalence in children rose from 1:150 to 1:110, the ADDM said. More will be diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined in the coming years. Recognizing the gravity and urgency of this situation, United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2008. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how an individual interprets what he sees, hears, and touches, thereby impairing his understanding and use of language and his adaptation to his environment. Autism is not curable but is treatable. When a child is diagnosed and receives intervention early in life; given the appropriate education and therapy; they can become self-reliant and productive members of society. In the Philippines, almost 1 million Filipino families are estimated to be affected with autism. Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has been in the forefront of providing services to families affected with autism. ASP has grown from the 11 mothers who bonded together for the causes of their children in 1989, to more than 7,000 members, with 47 chapters all over the country Mandated in 1996 by former President Fidel V. Ramos, Presidential Proclamation No. 711 or Autism Consciousness Week aims to promote awareness on autism and the provision of appropriate social services to persons with autism. Every third week of January, ASP spearheads the celebration of Autism Consciousness Week. The event is in partnership with SM Programs on Disability Affairs, SM Supermalls, SM Prime, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Buhay Party List, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Katipunan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd), Bagumbayani, Archdiocese of Manila Office of Persons with Disabilities Ministry (AMO-PDM) and Liliane Foundation. For more information call 926 6941 or 929 8447 or visit www.autismsocietyph.org or autismsocietyphilippines.blogspot.com (Press release)