De Lima pushes for national comprehensive program for autism diagnosis, treatment

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Wednesday filed a measure that proposed the establishment of a national comprehensive program for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of autism in the Philippines.

House Bill 6577 or the “Autism Care Act” recognized the right of persons with autism (PWAs) to “full, healthy, and holistic development, ensuring that they are empowered to become independent, self-reliant, and productive members of society.”

“Through this act, the State affirms its duty to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of PWAs. It envisions a nation where neurodiversity is embraced, where autism is not met with stigma but with compassion, and where every Filipino, regardless of neurological difference, can live with dignity, equality, and hope,” de Lima said in her bill’s explanatory note.

In a statement, de Lima added: “As a mother and grandmother of children on the spectrum, I carry this advocacy not just in legislation, but in my heart. We hope for the swift and meaningful passage of this bill because every Filipino, including every PWA, deserves the chance to live a full, healthy, and dignified life.”

The bill was filed on Wednesday, also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In 2017, she filed a similar measure, Senate Bill 1433, when she was a senator during the 17th Congress.

Under HB 6577, PWAs shall be granted mandatory coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) to guarantee their access to essential medical, rehabilitative, and therapeutic care.

The bill proposed that the National Institute of Health (NIH) conduct an annual epidemiological survey to determine the extent and total incidence of PWAs in the country so that the government can provide the necessary and appropriate interventions.

It shall also strengthen its research focus on autism, review its investment into basic and clinical research, expand its research into the link between environmental factors and autism, and continue looking into causation, diagnosis, early detection, and treatment of autism spectrum orders.

The bill proposed the creation of the Autism Council of the Philippines as the inter-agency, multi-sectoral body that will coordinate national policies, promote public awareness, strengthen family support systems, and ensure the delivery of inclusive programs and services for children and adults with autism.

The council shall be chaired by the Health Secretary with Cabinet officials and representatives from physicians, drug and vaccine manufacturers, occupational therapists, autism-oriented non-government organizations like the Autism Society Philippines, and a PWA as members.

The council shall establish a program for early identification, screening, and detection of autism, and to provide appropriate services to children and toddlers with developmental delays associated with autism.

It shall also monitor and update the list of children diagnosed with autism so that they may be properly referred to government programs and interventions.

Health personnel and public health providers shall undergo mandatory continuing education and training program to sensitize and empower them to become effective frontliners in the delivery of health services to PWAs.

The bill also proposed that the Department of Health (DOH) formulate guidelines, standards, and procedures against the forcible use of cures, vaccines, and therapy on PWAs.

This is to uphold their right to give informed consent to medical treatment and their right to determine the medical treatment that they want for themselves.

In addition, the bill also sought to ensure that all education institutions shall have no policies that discriminate against school children and young students with autism.

It also pushed for equal employment opportunities for PWAs and encouraged employers to provide reasonable accommodation, workplace adjustments, and skills development programs for PWAs so that no one will be denied employment, promotion, or training opportunities on the basis of autism.

HB 6577 also sought to protect PWAs from discrimination in public transportation and in insurance coverage, and to ensure that they are adequately protected and assisted in times of disasters aand emergencies. — JMA, GMA Integrated News