For Geralda Ruiz, a mother from Cabaguio Street in Davao City, the journey with her second child began with quiet, unexplained observations. It was only as he grew into a toddler that she realized his characteristics were markedly different from his sibling. What followed were long nights of worry and prayer, culminating in a medical confirmation of her deepest fear: her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Level 1.
A Mother's Struggle and Path to Acceptance
The diagnosis brought a heavy burden. "Lisod kaayo, especially sa permero. Sige ko'g ampo sa Ginoo nga madawat nako (It's very hard, especially in the beginning. I always prayed to God that I would learn to accept it)," Geralda shared. Daily life became a test of strength, managing tantrums, facing societal misunderstandings, and grappling with financial limitations. Yet, through it all, her love remained steadfast. "Mahal kaayo nako akong anak bisan sa kalisod man (But I love my son, however difficult it may seem)," she affirmed.
This Christmas season, however, a wave of hope and community support arrived for Geralda and many other families. On December 10, 2025, the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) was alive with laughter and joy. The Vines and Branches Montessori School sponsored a special Christmas party for children with special needs, complete with tailored games, food packs, toys, and a profound sense of belonging.
"Kinsa may dili malipay nga naay padula, naay ipanghatag para sa akong anak (Who wouldn't be happy when there are games and gifts for my child?)," Geralda said with a smile. "So appreciated kaayo ning ingon ani nga event (Events like this are truly appreciated)." For parents navigating a challenging path, the celebration was a precious moment of lightness and shared understanding.
The Lifeline of Free Therapy and Remarkable Progress
The true cornerstone of change for these families is the DCSNICC itself, which opened its doors in March 2025. The center serves as a one-stop hub for early intervention, focusing on children from 0 to 6 years and 364 days old. Dr. Melody Pardillo, the center head, emphasizes this critical window is vital for developing essential skills before formal schooling begins.
For Geralda, the center's free services have been life-changing. "Dako kaayo'g tabang ang center, ma'am. Ang therapy P1,000 kada session — dili namo kaya gyud (It's a huge help, ma'am. Therapy costs ₱1,000 per session—we really can't afford that)," she explained. The impact on her son is undeniable. Once withdrawn and isolated, he now plays, socializes, and communicates with his family. "Makita namo ang difference. Karon mam, magdula na siya, makig-socialize na siya (We see the difference – he plays now, he socializes)," she shared, even noting milestones like toilet training with quiet pride.
The center currently supports 1,065 enrolled children. Approximately 80% have ASD diagnoses, while the remaining 20% receive physical therapy for conditions like cerebral palsy and hearing impairment. The services, exclusive to Davao City residents, complement the Department of Education's inclusive education efforts.
Shared Hopes and Fears for the Future
Despite the progress, parents and caregivers carry deep concerns for the future. Geralda's Christmas wish is simple yet profound: "Ang akong wish kay kung mudako na siya, dili siya ma-bully. Mahadlok ko mamatay kay ingon ana akong anak... nga mag-inusara siya, walay makasabot sa iyaha (My wish is that when he grows older, he won't be bullied. I'm afraid of dying knowing my child is like this — that he might be left alone, with no one who understands him)."
This sentiment is echoed by Nina Santos, a grandparent to a four-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. After just one week of free therapy at DCSNICC, she witnessed remarkable improvement in his fragile motor skills. "Libre ang therapy session… grabe gyud ang improvement sa akong apo (The therapy session was free, the improvement of my grandson is huge)," she said gratefully. Her wish is for his continued strength, but she also voices a common, heartbreaking fear among elderly caregivers: "Usahay maghuna-huna ko sana mas mauna na lang siya kaysa akoa… aron dili na nako makita unsa siya magkalisod kung mawala nako (Sometimes I think it would be better if I went first… so I wouldn't have to see how much he would struggle if I were gone)."
As laughter filled the DCSNICC halls during the Christmas party, the event transcended mere celebration. It became a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a unique child eager to engage, a resilient parent clinging to hope, and a community learning the true meaning of compassion. In the shared smiles and supportive environment, families like Geralda's and Nina's found the priceless reassurance that they are not walking this path alone, and every small step forward is a miracle worth celebrating.
