In an effort to support an autism awareness group’s campaign to raise positive response about handing and treating people with the disorder, UNTV’s public service show Kaagapay joined hands with an autism awareness group in May this year.

Kaagapay partnered with the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) to hold programs and seminars aimed at raising awareness on autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Incidentally to mark the seventh anniversary of the cause-oriented show conceptualized by Kuya Daniel Razon, Kaagapay held an autism awareness event at the La Verdad Christian College in its Caloocan City branch.

“Only few people know how to handle or treat persons with autism. This seminar at La Verdad, being a part of Kaagapay’s 7th anniversary, would be very useful,” the show’s host Annie Rentoy said.

UNTV’s Kaagapay hosts Annie Rentoy and Dr. Daisy Camitan introduce the key partners of the Autism Awareness Seminar held last May 4, 2014 at La Verdad Christian College Auditorium in Caloocan City. (Photo by Photoville International)

According to Autism Society, in a country with almost 100 million population, one percent of the Philippine population may have autism. Yet even with about a million people diagnosed with autism in the Philippines, awareness about handling and treating persons with the disorder remains low.

Autism Society of the Philippines is a non-profit organization with over ten thousand members and 67 chapters nationwide who are committed in providing service to persons with autism.

The one-day seminar tackled issues and false impressions about autism. ASP Chairman Erlinda “Dang” Uy-Koe said one fast way to raise awareness is through the media.

“Just facing the people who are here now including you [UNTV staff] who are in the broadcast media industry, is a huge help for us in fostering what people need to know about autism and how to handle them,” Ms. Uy-Koe stressed.

Autism Awareness

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a brain-based developmental disorder marked by impairments in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and cyclical behaviors.

Based on ASP’s prognosis in the incidence of autism in the Philippines, only hundred thousand were reviewed by specialists and barely fifty thousand undertook therapy and other interventions.

In the seminar held, Ms. Uy-Koe pointed out vital information on the condition of a person diagnosed with autism and on how to fairly deal with them.

In March 2013, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) study shows that approximately one in every fifty babies is born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and it affects about one percent of the world’s population. (Photo by Photoville International)

“There are instances that people become aware of the disorder but at the same time make fun of it,” Ms. Uy-Koe readily gave example on how some people misuse the word ‘autistic.’ “It’s okay to use the word when used in a right way but not when one associates it as a bad joke, a snicker, or a mockery.”

She added that such bad treatments are offending to the families who strive so hard to make their children become accepted members of the society.

Ms. Erlinda “Dang” Uy-Koe, Chair Emeritus of the Autism Society of the Philippines encourages parents having children with autism to participate in the autism awareness drive. (Photo by Photoville International)

Participants were also given an opportunity to ask questions regarding autism. Atty. Regie Tongol, Atty. Waray Evasco, and Atty. Imelda Roque from “Law Center ni Kuya” answered questions from guests.

UNTV’s Kaagapay is a one-hour program airs every Tuesday at 7:00 PM hosted by Lakay Rolly Gonzalo, Annie Rentoy, and Dr. Daisy Camitan.

(Written by Carmi Tongol – Anecito)