Title: Creating a welcoming environment, Havaianas launches Autism Exposure Program here at SM City Davao.

Author: SM Davao

Date Published: November 6, 2024

Key Information: An establishment in SM City Davao, the Havaianas store, launched an autism exposure program wherein students from the Autism Therapy Center Foundation of Davao Inc. will be on their training as employees of the said store. The program aims to foster an inclusive environment for individuals with autism, where their uniqueness and abilities are embraced and appreciated. Through this program, many individuals with autism in Davao City were given the opportunity to work and engage with different people.

Title: Government support, awareness for autism treatment in Davao pushed

Author: Kath M. Cortez

Date Published: January 20, 2020

Key Information: This local news article talks about raising the importance of government support funding for therapy and evaluation as well as raising awareness and opening doors for their employment and inclusion in the community. It was also stated in the article that because of the stigma and cost of medication, some parents are hesitant or afraid to see a doctor for the good of their children.

Title: PWD groups call out former speaker Alvarez for using autism as an insult

Author: Franco Luna - The Philippine Star

Date Published: February 14, 2022

Key Information: During a campaign rally in Panabo City Davao del Norte, former house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez made fun of a candidate by making comments such as the candidate being a special child and autistic, which the PWD Philippines then called the remarks an affront to all parents of children living with autism. 

Title: Autism Spectrum, Gikonsiderang Silent Epidemic

Author: Laizelle Labajo - Brigada News Gensan

Date Published: May 15, 2024

Key Information: In this national news video segment, it is stated that there are still a lot of children in Gensan City who are under the autism spectrum who are under privilege. The news also talks about the importance of understanding, accepting, and supporting every child on the autism spectrum to ensure that individuals with autism and their families feel valued and supported by having a more inclusive environment.

Title: SM Davao malls bring ‘ChriSMiles’ to abandoned children, kids with autism

Author: Sun Star Davao Digital

Date Published: Dec 23, 2024

Key Information: This feature article covers the yearly "ChriSMiles" program by SM Lanang and SM City Davao. This program brought joy during the holidays to 90 abandoned children and kids with autism from the Rainbow Intervention Center for Autism Foundation Inc. (RICAFI) and the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC)

Title: Bidabawenyo: Noben

Author: Shannon Pabroa - ByahengDO30

Date Published: January 20, 2020

Key Information: Noven, a 40-year-old man from Davao City with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), showcased his skills and talents in art and painting. His developmental disability did not hinder him from showcasing his skills and capabilities. With the support of his father and art foundations, he is empowered and becomes confident to express himself through art.

Title: Davao City Celebrates National Autism Consciousness Week

Author: City Government of Davao

Date Published: January 16, 2023

Key Information: Davao City celebrates National Autism Consciousness Week annually in January to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and support individuals with developmental challenges. Activities include an art exhibit by autistic patients and initiatives by the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC) to promote early detection and effective interventions. The celebration underscores collaboration between public and private sectors to dispel misconceptions, protect rights, and foster inclusion for individuals with autism.

Title: To Mend is to Break: Revoking the Long-Knit Stigmas on Mental Health

Author: Diwani Ma. Rosemina Gales & Stephen Camahalan

Date Published: November 6, 2023

Key Information: This article, written by local writers of Ateneo de Davao University, explores the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health and how societal perceptions can hinder open discussions and the general acceptance of mental health conditions, including those on the autism spectrum. The author calls for a shift in mindset, advocating for compassion, awareness, and a more inclusive society to address the needs of people with mental health challenges.

Title: WHAT IS AUTISM?

Author: Ratsada Arangkada Balita - Digos (RAB TV Digos)

Date Published: November 22, 2024

Key Information: This video podcast tackles autism, its causes, effects, and struggles it brings to an individual diagnosed with it. The Behavior Analyst, Ms. Fe Anabelle Caesar, who is the guest of the video and director of the Rainbows & Butterflies Learning Center located at Mintal, Davao City, emphasized that every person or child should not be left behind and that a person with autism should be treated with care and respect. She also emphasized that there are still many children with special needs all over Mindanao, particularly in Digos City, that are being overlooked.

Title: The Most Common Neurodevelopmental Problems in Children

Author: Dr. Mervin Edcel Flavier - Davao Doctors Hospital

Date: April 27, 2024

Key Info: This Med Talk Series of the Davao Doctors Hospital, led by Dr. Mervin Edcel Flavier, a pediatric neurodevelopmental, discusses the most common neurodevelopmental problems in children, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Mervin talked about the symptoms of ASD, such as challenges in social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and limited interest in activities. Dr. Mervin also mentioned the common approaches to treatment for common cases, such as speech and occupational therapy.

Title: Voices Of Inclusion: Experiences of Parents Having Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author: Jeeve C. Bonjibon, Regine Phoelea Mae F. Del Carmen, Bladelyn S. Sumugat

Date: April 1, 2024

Key Info: This study, conducted in Davao City, Davao del Sur, explored the experiences of parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The interviewed parents highlighted the challenges and advocacy efforts of parents raising children with ASD, shedding light on their unique perspectives and contributions toward creating a more inclusive society. Parents described their personal parenting journey as filled with various emotions, including fear, guilt, and confusion.

Title: Philippines: 'Hangop Kabataan,' 25 Years of Special Love

Author: Santosh Digal - AsiaNews

Date Published: September 10, 2023

Key Information: Hangop Kabataan, an ecclesiastical foundation in Pagadian, Mindanao, Philippines, celebrated its 25th anniversary. The foundation is committed to supporting families with children with disabilities. Founded by Irish missionaries, it provides educational services, home care, and job assistance while promoting inclusion and eliminating stigma. The foundation continues its work with children of various disabilities, helping them gain skills for independence and societal integration. Through this foundation, many children with special needs in Mindanao can receive support, guidance, and alternative education. 

Title: Filipino teen with autism beats all odds

Author: Gulf News - Manuel Almenario

Date Published: March 26, 2018

Key Information: Euan Buenavides, a Filipino teen with autism, takes an inspiring stride as he takes on a regular job at Grant Thorton to support his mom and siblings. Euan’s journey shows how giving people with disabilities a chance can make a huge difference, inspiring others nationwide to pursue their dreams. Grant Thornton also has a branch in Davao City that opens its doors to individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism. They provide opportunities for individuals with special needs to showcase their talents by creating an inclusive workplace.

Title: ABUSE AND TRAUMA AMONG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Author: Child and Adolescent Neurodevelopmental Center - Brokenshire Medical Center

Date Published: July 17, 2023

Key Information: This advocacy poster tackles the prevalence of the different kinds of abuse among children with autism. Such difficulties that children with special needs experience are post-traumatic stress disorder, bullying, suicide, and physical and verbal sexual abuse. Published by a local hospital in Davao City (Brokenshire Medical Center), it states that there is a lack of any dedicated organization or government agency in Davao City and nationwide that will help monitor these cases. It also emphasizes the critical role of education and awareness in safeguarding children with autism.

Title: "It Matters Project" Mission Trip

Author: The P.U.S.O Foundation

Date: February 29, 2024

Key Information: The PUSO Foundation is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and more through various service work such as fundraising and outreach program activities. Several children all over Davao City, and particularly in this video, in Talomo Davao City, are being provided with immediate care and access to resources such as food care packages, snacks, physical therapy, etc.; their “It Matters Project” creates a path for those individuals who are overlooked and underserved to experience joy and care.

Title: Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of Pediatric Patients at the Out-Patient Department of a Psychiatric Facility in Southern Philippines

Author: Toledo CB and Sayon-Gonzalez DM

Date: October 26, 2022

Key Info: This study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. Among the population, 14.8% of patients had a diagnosis of Neurodevelopment Disorders such as ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities. Most of the patients are from the Davao region at 89.5% (Page 3).