'Ausome' journey of a Filipino mom-advocate on autism awareness in the UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – In the United Arab Emirates, autism awareness unite people through the uplifting “Ausome Talk” (Autism Awareness Talk), which is a celebration of stories, support, and shared hope.

The event serves as a reminder that every voice matters and every journey can inspire change.

One such journey has sparked a movement — a story that began with a miracle and blossomed into a beacon of hope for Filipino families across the United Arab Emirates.

Arlene Franciso Estayani, a 43-year-old entrepreneur from Bicol in the Philippines held her breath as her daughter was born at just 23 weeks — a fragile, premature baby.

The odds were daunting, but Estayani’s love was unwavering. Her daughter, a tiny warrior, fought beside her, refusing to give up.

“As I held my tiny 23-week premature baby in my arms for the first time, I felt a mix of emotions – joy, fear, and uncertainty. The journey of motherhood took an unexpected turn, and I was thrust into a world of challenges I never anticipated,” Estayani told GMA Integrated News.

Estayani recalls the early days of her newborn’s life.

The Bicolana entrepreneur who has called the UAE home since 2009 was overwhelmed not only by the emotional toll of her daughter’s fragile condition but also by the looming concern over long-term health complications.

The financial burden added to her worries, as her health insurance did not cover the full cost of the specialized medical care her baby needed.

“Having a baby was supposed to be a joyous ride, but it turned into an emotional rollercoaster. Our little one arrived early, and as a first-time mom, I faced unimaginable challenges. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was a foreign world to me then, filled with beeping machines, tubes, and wires. I felt helpless, watching my baby fighting for her biggest battle all by herself. Every beep of the monitor, every alarm, and every medical procedure made, my heart was racing,” she said.

At the age of four, Alyanah Zoe, was diagnosed with autism. The diagnosis brought a new set of challenges, but also a new purpose.

With courage born from years of resilience, Estayani transformed her personal journey into a mission to uplift others.

Today, she leads a support group for parents of children with autism in Abu Dhabi, offering not just advice and advocacy, but empathy and emotional refuge as well.

As part of the “Ausome Talk” to honor the Autism Awareness Month, Estayani and her daughter, known to her friends and community as Zoe, shared their story — one of love, faith, and unbreakable spirit — hoping to inspire other parents to see beyond the diagnosis and into the unique brilliance of every child with autism.

In collaboration with The Global Filipino Community and Associates (TGFCA), the Estayani couple strives to raise understanding and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by promoting awareness and conducting Ausome Talk for three consecutive years now.

“We are not yet an organization as we’re in the process of building it. Currently, we’re initiating a campaign within our WYZE Community, which is also supported by The Global Filipino Community and Associates (TGFCA). But we are now aligning with the Ausome Family Journey Organization in Dubai who is also invited in the event,” she said.

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Estayani admitted that upon receiving Zoe’s ASD diagnosis, the family was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions — shock, confusion, and deep concern about the challenges of discrimination their daughter might face.

“Initially, we connected with a small group of families within our community at WYZE Entertainment, who shared similar experiences with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This gathering sparked a sense of camaraderie and understanding, laying the foundation for a supportive network,” she said.

“We surrounded ourselves with a network of family, friends, and professionals who offered guidance, encouragement, and understanding. This support system helped us navigate the complexities of autism and find resources for our daughter’s development,” she added.

Inspiration for others

She also said that, “Initially, it was my personal devotion, but it evolved into a desire to share our journey with others. I believe God entrusted our daughter to us for a purpose, and by sharing our story, we aim to inspire, give hope and comfort to those people struggling as well. Our child is a living testament to God’s faithfulness and miracles. By sharing our experiences, we hope to give glory to Him and uplift others in our community.”

Estayani credited one of Zoe’s significant milestones to her longtime mentor and teacher, Imelda Paner, who began working with her daughter when she was just four years old.

A native of Batangas, Paner is both a Special Education teacher and an Occupational Therapist —someone Estayani describes as a steadfast pillar of support for their family.

“I'm deeply grateful to Teacher Imelda R. Paner, who worked with Zoe when she was just 4 years old. Teacher Imelda was a pillar of emotional support, helping us navigate and accept Zoe's condition. Given the high costs of therapy centers, we were fortunate to have her expertise as a Special Education teacher and Occupational Therapist. She played a significant role in helping Zoe, and I'm thankful for her continued support at WYZE and her dedication to our advocacy. She's truly one of my mentors,” she said.

Zoe, who will be turning 13 next month, is a young “Ausome” speaker, who encourages others to understand kids diagnosed with ASD.

“God allowed me to survive for a reason to be an inspiration and a spokesperson of persons with ASD and that is why I am humbled to share my experience,” Zoe told the audience of the Ausome Talk on April 26, 2025 at the ADCP Tower in Electra, Abu Dhabi.

In her brief speech, Zoe focuses on promoting understanding about autism and its effect on their lives and calling community support for individuals with ASD.

“I am thrilled to see many unfamiliar faces especially our first-time attendees. Your efforts to raise awareness and promote acceptance mean the world to us of people with ASD and to our families. Let’s continue to work together to build a more inclusive and compassionate world with individuals with ASD,” she stressed.

Advocating autism awareness

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, lauded the initiatives of advocating autism awareness.

Considering himself as their “biggest cheerleader”, the ambassador thanked the Filipino ASD advocates, volunteers and sponsors who continue to support this noble cause.

“Parami ng parami ang mga volunteers who come giving their time, their best to help even on their own accord. I see myself as the biggest cheerleader here for the Filipinos,” Ver said.

He encouraged advocates to strengthen collaboration with various sectors across the UAE to gain the support and recognition their cause deserves, while assuring them that the Philippine Embassy remains a steadfast ally—ready to support, uplift, and cheer them on every step of the way.

“I wish you all the best….It is not just a matter of getting sponsors. There is a need that we need to fill, making it known to everyone. We are done with awareness especially on this country, it is open, inclusive and tolerant especially now that it is the year of community. If we can connect with them, I’m sure we will have their support like the Zayed Higher Organization and the other online resources,” Ver said.

Emma Wenceslao Sentones, founder of TFGCA, lauded the ambassador’s support in promoting their advocacy.

She said their group is getting wider support as many organizations have reached out.

“Actually, TGFCA marks its 3rd year of collaboration with WYZE Entertainment to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion. Together we're committed to creating a more supportive and compassionate community, to break down barriers and celebrate diversity. In our conversation with Ms Arlene yesterday, we will do awesome activities on a monthly basis in collaboration with different organizations," Sentones told GMA Integrated News.

Pamela Amor Calino, Founder of the Ausome Family Journey Dubai (AFJ), welcomes the move of Abu Dhabi ASD advocates to collaborate with their group and assured more activities will be conducted to benefit neo-divergent children based in the capital.

Calino, who was among the guest speakers of the event, said their group membership extends not only in Dubai but also in other emirates like Sharjah and Ras Alkaimah.

She welcomed the move to collaborate with ASD community in the capital to provide more support to the neuro-divergent children and their families.

Calino said ASG has various programs for parents, caregivers, and guardians such “Express Yourself,” a heartfelt session where parents shared their emotions and stories, to “Sports of Determination,” where families united through active participation, and “Colors of Determination,” where ‘ausome’ children proudly showcased their unique talents through arts.

Calino emphasized the vital importance of truly understanding autism as a foundation for acceptance. She underscored that awareness must begin within the community itself to foster genuine inclusivity and lasting change.

“Madali lang ang awareness, pero mahirap yung acceptance na makukuha ng mga tao, lalo na sa mga tao na hindi nakakaintindi sa mga anak natin so bago magkakaroon ng acceptance dapat may understanding muna. So tayong mga magulang responsibilidad natin di lang awareness. Responsibilidad natin ipaintindi sa mga taong na walang special needs kung ano ba talaga yung journey natin para matanggap nila ang mga anak natin,” she said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News