Philippine senators call for science-based national policy on Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Senate on Monday, made moves to strengthen a measure aimed at boosting support for persons with autism through the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act (Senate Bill No. 1822) for a coherent, science-based national policy on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

During plenary discussions, Risa Hontiveros, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that while autism is not rare or invisible, many individuals with ASD remain underserved by current systems and institutions.

The bill consolidates key provisions from proposals by several senators—including Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Jinggoy Estrada, Camille Villar Bong Go, JV Ejercito, Mark Villar and Joel Villanueva—with the shared goal of ensuring that no Filipino with autism is left behind.

Hontiveros highlighted that the measure recognizes ASD as a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors or interests, in line with the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

“The correct recognition of the condition is the first step toward a response based on science, evidence, and understanding—not conjecture, stigma, or misconceptions,” she said.

As the bill underwent the period of amendments, Hontiveros fine-tuned the bill seeking to strengthen government policies for the care, support, and inclusion of persons with ASD.

“These proposed changes do not alter the heart of the measure, they deepen it…These amendments transform the bill from a statement of intent into a structured, measurable and rights-based national framework,” Hontiveros said while presenting amendments to the proposed “National Autism Care, Support and Inclusion Act,” she said.

Hontiveros chairs the Committee on Health and Demography.

Under the proposed law, the Philippines would institutionalize a National Plan of Action for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, led by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). The plan will coordinate all relevant government agencies—including the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local government units (LGUs), civil society groups, autism self-advocates, and parents—to ensure that services for persons with ASD are streamlined, consistent, and long-term.

“This is not adding bureaucracy,” Hontiveros said.

“It organizes the existing system—clarifying roles, strengthening coordination, and setting clear rules to provide systematic and continuous services from childhood to adulthood.”

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III supported the bill’s oversight mechanisms, emphasizing that the Committee on Health and Demography must ensure strict implementation of national policies supporting persons on the autism spectrum.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta proposed additional provisions to impose fines on individuals who violate the prohibitions of the measure, aiming to strengthen compliance and the law’s effectiveness.

The measure now awaits further deliberations in the Senate before final approval.

Lawmakers expressed hope that its enactment will provide a fully inclusive and responsive support system for Filipinos with autism, improving access to services, education, and social inclusion nationwide.

-Paraluman News