Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong developmental and neurological disability that afflicts one in 68 people. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns.
A few decades ago, people in many countries viewed autism as a source of shame, embarrassment, and annoyance. The stigma attached to it kept families from seeking a diagnosis and treatment for their children, which in turn deterred them—parents and their children with autism—from participating fully in their communities, and from enjoying the same quality of life as their peers.
In recent years, however, significant strides have been made to de-stigmatize autism. Parents of diagnosed children have generally worked to reduce the stigma of ASD by encouraging other parents to seek assessments for autism.
Pope Francis also weighed in on the issue when he recently told Roman Catholics worldwide to help with “breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.”
In support of such efforts, the Center for Autism and Related Disorders and the Professionals for Autism Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization committed to serve persons with autism and their families, organized the “4th Good Autism Practice,” a conference featuring Prof. Rita Jordan, OBE and prominent Educational Psychologist as guest speaker.
The event, which will be held on Feb. 23 and 24, 2018 at the University of Makati’s Main Theatre on J.P. Rizal Ext., Makati City, will enlighten participants on how they can help “individuals with autism have happy, healthy, and empowered lives.”
For registration and more information, contact the GAP Secretariat at (02) 820-8719 or (0906) 3548979. You may also email [email protected].