Raising awareness: Group fights autism-related insults in Iloilo

ILOILO City – The Autism Society Philippines ( ASP) Iloilo chapter is urging the public to stop using the word “autistic” as a joke or insult those individuals diagnosed with autism.

Karen Aujero, ASP Iloilo chapter president, said persons with autism need more compassion from their families and the public.

“Be compassionate to those in distress. Observe the signs, prioritize deescalation or calming down, approach slowly and calmly, and achieve rapport because you are not a threat,” said Aujero during a press conference.

The ASP aims to create a “society where persons with autism become the best of their potential, self- reliant, independent, productive, socially accepted citizens.”

Aujero said there is a growing number of children diagnosed with autism and other permanent disabilities every year.

Likewise, Aujero admitted that children diagnosed with autism who have already grown up to be adults also face difficulties in terms of employment opportunities and economic aspects.

She said they are grateful to those who have formed a group to provide mutual support programs to cater to their needs.

Several groups also seek to provide special communities f or adults with t hese disabilities to survive and thrive.

Republic Act 9442 protects persons with disabilities from ridicule and vilification and imposes fine sand imprisonment as penalties for violators.

Aujero said among the challenges the persons with autism face include difficulties in communication, social interaction, sensory demands, sleeping problems, poor sense of danger, wandering, or medical problems.

Cid Henry Ericson S. Tampo, who is diagnosed with autism, urged fellow patients not to be afraid of their disease and instead strive to be the best of themselves.

Tampo, 34, of La Paz district, and used to work as a data analyst for US-based Daivergent, Inc. rendered a Visayan song “Iloilo ang Banwa Ko” during the press conference, to the audience’s delight./