Councilor Dahino seeks stronger city support for children with ASD

City Councilor Des Dahino is pushing for the establishment of a city-supported facility that will provide support for diagnosis, intervention, and therapy sessions for indigent children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In her special report during the recent regular session of the City Council, Dahino cited the number of children who show clear signs of autism but remain undiagnosed due to the high cost of assessment and therapy, as well as the limited number of specialists in the city.

A registered psychometrician and educator, the lady legislator shared insights from her recent engagements as a resource speaker in parenting seminars at City Central School and Kauswagan Central School, held in line with Autism Consciousness Week.

She noted that many children with ASD are often misunderstood and mislabeled in school and community settings.

“Children are often labeled as disruptive, slow, or difficult, when in truth they are simply different and unsupported,” she said.

Addressing autism-related concerns requires support not only for children but also for parents and educators, who need access to evidence-based guidance and specialized interventions, Dahino further remarked.

With this, she called for the development of intervention programs, parent support mechanisms, and school mainstreaming strategies, along with stronger coordination with the Department of Education, Department of Health, and social welfare agencies to ensure sustainable and inclusive services.

She also brought up that in 2019, the City Council approved a ₱5-million appropriation for the construction of a facility under the City Social Welfare and Development Office intended to serve indigent children with special needs.

According to Dahino, the planned center could provide free screening and therapy sessions with services led by licensed professionals and supported through partnerships with academic institutions.

“Autism is not a hopeless condition,” she added, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and consistent intervention, particularly when services are accessible and publicly supported.

The matter has been referred to the joint committees on women and family relations, education, health, social services, and barangay affairs for further study and appropriate action. (SPE/SP)