Lawmaker eyes free therapy sessions, P4K monthly allowance for persons with autism

A bill providing for free therapy sessions and a monthly allowance of P4,000 for persons with autism, among other benefits for them, has been proposed in the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez made the proposal under House Bill 3379 or the Act Instituting a Comprehensive National Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program.

Under the bill, the government must provide free therapy sessions for persons with autism in both public hospitals and private clinics.

Benitez cited that while ASD affects 1.2 million Filipinos and their families, many of them still face barriers in terms of access to early diagnosis, early intervention, inclusive education, meaningful employment and community support.

“These gaps limit not only their potential, but also the opportunities for them to fully participate in society. As a result, many parents are left with no choice but to seek costly services from private therapy centers or, worse, forgo therapy for their children,” he said.

Benitez also argued that despite the enactment of some landmark legislations such as the Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the Republic Act No. 11650 or the Inclusive Education Act, current accommodations for children on the spectrum indicate that policies need to be enhanced and implemented accordingly for the government to be at the forefront of providing for Filipino children with special needs.

Aside from free therapy sessions, House Bill 3379 also mandates provision of free developmental assessment, home empowerment programs, monthly allowance to families of persons on the spectrum, additional leave benefits for parents of children with autism, inclusive education and equal opportunities for employment.

As for the Autism Support Allowance Program, the bill states it will be implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at an amount of P4,000 month per person with autism. This will be indexed to inflation to preserve its positive impact on the standards of living of person with autism and their families.

"Inclusion begins when government chooses to see every Filipino. Like any other person, every individual on the spectrum deserves support, dignity, and opportunity," Benitez added. —KG, GMA News