The Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1822, or the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which aims to expand services and protections for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Senator Joel Villanueva pushed key amendments to ensure timely diagnosis, access to evidence-based interventions, and stronger healthcare support for individuals with ASD and their families.
The measure also requires the Department of Health to develop a strategic plan to deploy more ASD professionals nationwide in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and the Professional Regulation Commission to address the shortage of specialists.
“Kami po mismo ay nakasaksi sa araw-araw na realidad na kinakaharap ng persons with ASD at ng kanilang mga pamilya,” said Villanueva.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the SBN 1822 brings the country closer to providing better services, education, and community support for Filipinos with ASD.
“This measure, which complements Republic Act No. 11650 or ‘Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act’, will help ensure that health and intervention services, community-based support, and inclusive education become more accessible to Filipinos with ASD,” he added.IMT
