Davao City Hosts Autism Awareness Parade, Doctor Highlights Importance of Accurate Information
In a vibrant display of support and solidarity, children with autism, accompanied by their parents and guardians, participated in the parade for the 30th National Autism Consciousness Week at People’s Park in Davao City. The event, organized by the City Government of Davao on Friday, January 30, 2026, was spearheaded by the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) and attended by various city officials. This celebration centered on the theme “From Awareness to Action: Advancing Autism in the Philippines,” aiming to disseminate correct knowledge about autism and promote more inclusive community and governmental actions.
Supporting the Autism Community in Davao
The parade served as a key activity to raise awareness and foster understanding among the public. According to the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), over 1,870 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are registered in Davao City, highlighting the significance of such initiatives. The event underscored the city’s commitment to creating an environment where people with autism and their families feel supported and valued.
Expert Advice on Accessing Reliable Autism Information
In a related development, Dr. Ferriza Maria Amparo Isaguirre, a developmental physician from the Davao City Children with Special Needs Intervention Center (DCSNICC), has advised parents to seek accurate and reliable information on autism from authorized sources. In a recent interview with Madayaw Davao, Dr. Isaguirre emphasized the importance of relying on legitimate institutions to better understand autism, especially if parents suspect the condition in their children.
Dr. Isaguirre explained, “We can’t avoid that some people get information from other sources—there’s Google. If we don’t provide the correct information right away, parents might think it’s okay or view it negatively. There are reliable sites such as the Centers for Disease Control, the Philippine Pediatric Society, and the Philippine Society for Behavioral Pediatrics. They can find extensive information there, and dedicated IT groups are available to answer questions.”
Empowering Parents and Healthcare Providers
Dr. Isaguirre noted that groups of developmental physicians are actively equipping local pediatricians through lectures and orientation programs on autism. She highlighted that pediatric doctors can identify concerns early, and with a strong parent-doctor relationship, parents become more receptive to professional advice. When parents consult developmental pediatricians, it often involves follow-up questions and confirmation of prior learnings, ensuring they are well-informed.
Informed parents are more likely to navigate the right path for their child, enabling better opportunities to enroll in programs that address specific needs and maximize potential. Dr. Isaguirre stressed that treatment is most effective when initiated between zero to six years old, a critical stage in child development. The primary goal of rehabilitation for children with autism is to improve developmental areas, thereby enhancing their capabilities.
Early Intervention and Professional Care
The doctor urged parents to seek professional care promptly when red flags of autism, such as speech delay and repetitive behaviors, are observed. She emphasized that proper diagnosis and intervention vary per case, as each child’s situation is unique. Acting quickly is crucial, as the life and future of children with special needs like autism largely depend on early attention to developmental concerns.
Dr. Isaguirre added, “For parents, we are the first people who can truly help our children. Others cannot assist if parents do not understand or accept that their child needs help. We ask parents to consult those who can provide correct answers and guide them to appropriate programs and therapy.”
DCSNICC Services for the Community
In Davao City, the DCSNICC remains open to assisting indigent residents and children with developmental conditions by offering assessments and necessary interventions through its various services. This facility plays a vital role in supporting families and ensuring access to essential care, aligning with the broader goals of the Autism Consciousness Week to transition from awareness to actionable support.
