The Bacolod City Special Education (SPED) Center is advocating for awareness and acceptance as the country marks the 30th National Autism Consciousness Week.

The public school catering to learners with special education needs highlighted the campaign as they expressed support for House Bill 3379, seeking to institute a comprehensive national autism spectrum disorder program filed by this city’s Lone District Rep. Albee Benitez.

“In line with the celebration, the Bacolod City SPED Center is campaigning for autism awareness and acceptance,” it said in a Facebook post.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learn and experiences the world.

In a statement on Friday, Benitez urged Congress to approve the bill that seeks to grant families of persons with autism a monthly financial support of PHP4,000 through the Autism Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Benitez stated in the bill’s explanatory note that an initial appointment with a development pediatrician alone would cost PHP4,000 to PHP5,000 and bears a significant value for low to middle-income families.

He added when a diagnosis is confirmed, appropriate therapies of four to five times per week would cost around PHP1,000 per session.

Considering such costs, it is unlikely for low and even medium-income families to regularly afford the life-changing therapies for their children, Benitez said.

“This Autism Week, we stand with every child, every family and everyone on the spectrum. Let us choose kindness over assumptions. Acceptance over labels. Support over silence,” Benitez said. (PNA)