A proposed national program for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is being pushed in the House of Representatives to expand access to therapy, early diagnosis, education, employment, and family support.
House Bill No. 3379 seeks to establish a Comprehensive National Autism Spectrum Disorder Program that would require the government to provide free therapy sessions for persons with autism in public hospitals and accredited private clinics.
The measure aims to ease the burden on Filipino families who often struggle to afford occupational therapy, speech therapy, developmental assessment, and other essential services for children and adults on the spectrum.
ASD affects about 1.2 million Filipinos and their families, yet many continue to face limited access to early intervention, inclusive education, and community-based support.
During a hearing of the House Committee on Health, Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said many families are forced to shoulder costly private therapy services because of the lack of accessible government support.
“Yet many still face barriers in terms of access to early diagnosis, early intervention, inclusive education, meaningful employment and community support,” he explained.
“These gaps limit not only their potential but also the opportunities for them to fully participate in society,” he added.
The bill also proposes free developmental assessments, a home empowerment program, a monthly allowance for families of persons on the spectrum, and additional leave benefits for parents of children with autism.
It also seeks to strengthen inclusive education and promote equal employment opportunities for persons with ASD, allowing them to develop their skills and participate more fully in society.
Advocates of the measure said a national autism program would help shift support from fragmented and costly private care to a more accessible public system that recognizes autism as a lifelong condition requiring sustained intervention.
The proposal is anchored on the principle that persons on the spectrum deserve dignity, opportunity, and meaningful government support.
“Inclusion begins when the government chooses to see every Filipino,” the bill’s proponents said. “Like any other person, every individual on the spectrum deserves support, dignity and opportunity.”