National Autism Program Act of 2025

Senate Office of the cometary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) SEP 10 P6:45 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1381 Introduced by SENATOR JV EJERCITO AN ACT INSTITUTING A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is "a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave." It now affects 1 in 100 children in the Philippines', with 1.5 million cases of ASD recorded in 2025. ASD cases are growing at an alarming rate of 1:362, further requiring urgent access to comprehensive and affordable services that shall cater to their health and development needs. However, despite the high prevalence of Autism across the country, there is still a lack of accessibility to financial support, intervention services, inclusive education, transportation, and facilities. There is also inadequate understanding and awareness about the condition, which often leads to stigma and discrimination. * Lalu, G. P. (2019, April 3). CHR: Provide more opportunities for Filipinos with autism. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1102257/chr-provide-more-opportunities-for-filipinos-with-autism 2 Villaruel, J. E. (2025, April 11). Ano Ang Mga Sintomas ng autism at Bakit Hindi Pa Rin Tukoy Ang Sanhi Nito?: ABS-CBN news. ABS CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/4/11/ano-ang-mga-sintomas-ng- autism-at-bakit-hindi-pa-rin-tukoy-ang-sanhi-nito

Families of children with autism significantly struggle more, as they are subject to higher levels of physiological stress, emotional and physical burdens, and financial strain brought by the inherent challenges of raising a child with autism.3 Although early detection of ASD would allow better prognosis, the high costs of consultations and therapies would impose a burden to the financial capacity of Filipino families. In a research conducted by Castillo-Carandang MD et. al (2022), the total costs for all evaluations that confirmed the autism diagnosis averaged P7,411.80 per child. Meanwhile, post-diagnosis, which includes therapy, education, medications, and developmental evaluations, for the first year is P38,868.00, amounting to 21% of the monthly expenditures of households earning P15,000 per month. With limited resources, families struggle to afford and often opt out from these services.4 This legislation seeks to provide assistance for our Filipino citizens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder through a National Autism Spectrum Disorder Plan that shall accommodate Filipinos on the spectrum and their families. This bill also ensures to disseminate knowledge about ASD and promote an inclusive environment for them. Moreover, this measure prioritizes the accessibility of services as well by providing an autism support allowance program, PhilHealth benefit package for early detection and therapies, free developmental assessment, free occupational, speech and behavioral therapies, among others. It further addresses and proposes provisions on education, scholarships, availability of health practitioners, therapy centers, and skills trainings that shall support the development of Filipinos with ASD. 3 Reyes, B. F., & Domingo, P. G. (2025). A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of families of children with autism in the Philippines. HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL SCIENCES. https://journalofscience.ou.edu.vn/index.php/soci-en/article/view/3235/2235 4 Quilendrino, M. I., Castor, M. A., Mendoza, N. R., Vea, J. R., & Castillo-Carandang, N. T. (2022). The direct cost of autism and its economic impact on the Filipino family. Acta Medica Philippina, 56(9). https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v56i9.5005

We recognize that our citizens with ASD continue to face barriers in accessing education, medical care, and other essential services, challenges that are often worsened by poverty and lack of support. The passing of this measure is a step forward in eradicating discrimination and social exclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of condition or circumstance. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. JV EJERCITO

Senate Offier of the Surtary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 SEP 10 P6:45 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1381 Introduced by SENATOR JV EJERCITO AN ACT INSTITUTING A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Autism Program

2 Act of 2025".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 protect, promote, and uphold the rights and dignity of all Filipino citizens diagnosed 5 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and to ensure their full inclusion and 6 participation in society. The State recognizes the inherent worth and potential of every 7 individual with autism and affirms its commitment to providing them with a better 8 quality of life. Towards this end, the State shall implement responsive and inclusive policies, 10 programs, and services that guarantee access to affordable and appropriate health care, education, employment, and social support systems for individuals with ASD and 12 their families.

Furthermore, the State shall endeavor to foster an environment that is inclusive, 2 supportive, and free from stigma and discrimination, thereby enabling individuals with autism to live with dignity and to be fully integrated into the society.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all Filipino citizens diagnosed with a

5 developmental disorder under the category of ASD and their families and caregivers.

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act:

a. Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad category of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties with social communication from a young age, as well as unique repetitive behavior patterns and narrow interests, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). b. Persons on the Spectrum (POS) refers to person who are clinically diagnosed with any disorder that falls under the Autism Spectrum Disorder; c. Developmental Assessment refers to a systematic evaluation process done by Development Pediatricians to identify and monitor a child's growth, development, and progress in various domains, including cognitive, motor, language, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. It helps in early identification of developmental delays or disorders and guides appropriate interventions and support, as defined by Yale School of Medicine; d. Occupational Therapy refers to a therapy that is a complete method that takes a holistic approach in improving the lives of individuals through various activities and objective interventions, as defined by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process-Fourth Edition; e. Speech Therapy refers to therapy that addresses challenges with language and communication. It can help people with autism improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. The overall goal is to help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways; f. 'Behavioral Therapy' or Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy as defined by Mayo Clinic, is an evidence-based behavioral treatment to reinforce desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors through assessing

children in their home environment. It focuses on decreasing behavioral problems, enhancing communication and teaching new skills; g. Early Intervention occur at or before preschool age, as early as 2 or 3 years of age. In this period, a young child's brain is still forming, meaning it is more "plastic" or changeable than at older ages; and because of this plasticity, treatments have a better chance of being effective in the longer terms as reported by the National Institutes of Health; h. Early Detection and Screening Program refers to the program where local government units conduct barangay-based screening program where local health workers conduct initial assessment to all children in their constituencies and refer children exhibiting symptoms of Autism to development pediatricians; i. Private Therapy Centers refers to privately-owned centers or clinics offering occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavioral therapy to children with Autism; j. Barangay Therapy Centers refers to centers established by local government units to provide free therapeutic services to children with autism in their respective Barangays; k. Inclusive Education as per Republic Act No. 11560, it refers to the process of addressing and responding to the diversity of needs of all learners by moving towards the end-goal of full participation, presence and achievement in learning cultures and communities, which involves accommodation, modification, adaptation, and individualization in context, approaches, structures, and strategies; 1. Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as per Republic Act No. 11560, refers to the systematic, purposive, and developmental educational programming of curricular and instructional priorities and contents designed to meet the educational requirements of a learner with disability an ensure mastery learning skills and behaviors. It includes the services to be provided and the duration and frequency of such services, describes the learner's present level of performance, how the learner's disabilities affect academic performance, and specific accommodations and modifications. An EIP shall be designed to

meet the unique educational needs of a learner with disability who shall receive appropriate services, have real opportunities for equality, and fully participate in the general education system and the community. It shall likewise aim at developing the learner's strengths and talents to achieve the greatest possible self-sufficiency and independent living. m. Level 1 Autism refers to the level of Autism that "requires support". This level is formerly known as high-functioning autism. Without supports in place, deficits in social communication cause noticeable impairments. Difficulty initiating social interactions, and clear examples of atypical or unsuccessful responses to social overtures of others. May appear to have decreased interest in social interactions. n. Level 2 Autism refers to the level of Autism that "requires substantial support". Individuals diagnosed with level 2 autism face marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; social impairments apparent even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions; and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others. o. Level 3 Autism refers to the level of Autism that "requires very substantial support. Those diagnosed with Level 3 Autism experience severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills cause severe impairments in functioning, very limited initiation of social interactions, and minimal response to social overtures from others. They also show inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change, or other restricted/repetitive behaviors.

Sec. 5. National Autism Spectrum Disorder Plan. - The DOH is mandated to

formulate the National Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Plan, hereinafter referred to as ASD Plan, that will outline the national government's strategies, programs and interventions to support POS and their families. The ASD Plan shall be updated every three (3) years to reflect current evidence, emerging needs, and evolving best practice.

Sec. 6. National Autism Center (NAC). - There shall be established a National

30 Autism Center under the Department of Health (DOH), which shall have the following 31 functions:

a. To conduct annual epidemiological surveillance programs and constantly update the data on the prevalence of Autism in the country to provide data for government agencies delivering services to POS; b. To launch necessary researches on the latest and most effective interventions for ASD; c. To conduct an inventory of current national and local government programs available for POS and how they are being accessed by the target clients; d. To develop modules for the interventions of POS, capacity building of health care workers and other government service providers, training for teachers, and home empowerment programs; e. To identify policy gaps and provide necessary data to government agencies developing programs under this Act.

Sec. 7. Autism Support Allowance Program - There shall be established an

Autism Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide regular stipend to families with POS. This allowance program aims to assist families in meeting the daily expenses associated with the care and support of their POS. The amount of Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) per month per POS shall be allocated under this program. This stipend shall be subject to periodic adjustment indexed to inflation.

Sec. 8. Treatment as Persons with Disability. - All POS shall be treated as

persons with disability, as defined under Republic Act No. 7277, as amended. They shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges, and benefits provided for persons with disabilities under Republic Act No. 10754 and other related laws.

Sec. 9. PhilHealth Coverage for Persons with Autism - The Philippine Health

Insurance (PhilHealth) shall develop and implement a comprehensive benefit package that includes coverage for the early detection of developmental conditions, assessment and diagnosis by Developmental Pediatricians, as well as access to essential therapies such as occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and behavioral interventions.

Sec. 10. Early Detection and Screening. - The Department of Health (DOH), in

coordination with local government units (LGUs), shall develop and implement a

1 community-based program for the annual early detection and screening of Autism 2 Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The screening shall be conducted at the barangay level to ensure accessibility for all children. Children exhibiting signs or symptoms indicative of autism shall be referred to a Developmental Pediatrician for a formal assessment 5 and diagnosis. The DOH shall also ensure that municipal and barangay health workers receive proper training to identify early signs of autism in children and to facilitate 7 timely referral and intervention.

Sec. 11. Free Developmental Assessment. - All Filipino children shall be entitled

to one (1) free developmental assessment before the age of five (5): Provided, That children who have been clinically diagnosed with ASD shall be entitled to at least one (1) free developmental assessment annually thereafter: Provided further, That all such developmental assessments shall be fully covered by the PhilHealth, ensuring no out- of-pocket expenses for the beneficiaries

Sec. 12. Free Occupational, Speech and Behaviora/ Therapies. - The DOH shall

ensure the availability of free occupational, speech-language and behavioral therapy services in DOH-run hospitals and other specialized government health facilities. PhilHealth shall develop and implement a voucher system to provide full coverage for occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy services rendered in public health institutions and accredited private therapy centers: Provided, That full coverage under the voucher system shall be made available to patients classified as Point-of-Service (POS) beneficiaries from low-to middle-income households.

Sec. 13. Free Medications for POS. - The DOH shall provide free medications for

23 POS diagnosed with Level 3 Autism. The medicines shall be made available in all the Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and further distribute the same to the Barangay health centers.

Sec. 14. Establishment of Barangay Therapy Centers. - LGUs are encouraged to

set up barangay therapy centers in order to make therapy accessible to persons diagnosed with autism. The barangay therapy centers will be provided with necessary resources and equipment to help in early intervention.

Sec 15. Plantilla Positions for Therapists. - LGUs shall create at least three

31 plantilla positions for licensed therapists, specifically one each for occupational

1 therapy, speech-language therapy, and behavioral therapy. These professionals shall 2 be assigned to barangay therapy centers and shall be responsible for training 3 prospective community-based therapists, as well as capacitating barangay health workers in conducting early detection and screening of developmental conditions, 5 including ASD.

Sec. 16. Accreditation of Private Therapy Centers. - The DOH and PhilHealth

shall create mechanisms for the accreditation of private therapy centers offering 8 occupational, speech-language and behavioral therapies.

Sec. 17. Inclusive Education. - As mandated in Republic Act No. 11650, the policy

10 of inclusion is hereby instituted in all early and basic education schools, both public and private. All schools, shall ensure equitable access to quality education for every learner with ASD: Provided, That learners formally diagnosed with Level 3 ASD may be referred to Special Needs Education (SNED) classes to receive more specialized instruction and support: Provided, further, That any referral or transfer to SNED classes shall be based on a fair and transparent assessment conducted by the school, 16 with the written informed consent of the parents or legal guardians To further strengthen support for learners with autism, DepEd shall provide 18 appropriate incentives to public and private schools that establish or enhance therapy facilities- such as occupational, speech, or behavioral therapy rooms-within their campuses for the benefit of students with ASD. DepEd shall issue the necessary implementing guidelines for determining eligibility, monitoring compliance, and allocating incentives.

Sec. 18. Mandatory Training of Teachers for Inclusive Education. - The DepEd

and CHED shall require annual seminars or training on inclusive education for teachers in both public and private schools. These capacity building activities shall include the development of Individualized Education Plans (EIPs) and management of students with Autism in the classrooms, among others. The DepED shall also create a plantilla position for at least two (2) Therapists per Schools Division, who will lead the training of teachers for inclusive education.

Sec. 19. Inclusion of Special Education in the Curriculum of Education Courses

2 in Tertiary Schools. - As provided in RA 11650, teacher educations institutions offering 3 Bachelor of Education shall include inclusive education in the curriculum courses.

Sec. 20. Scholarships Programs and Service Obligation. - The DOH and CHED

5 shall collaborate to crate scholarship programs for students taking up courses on 6 Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and other related courses. The scholars 7 shall, in turn, be required to serve at least 3 years of employment in any public 8 hospitals offering therapies and services for persons with Autism.

Sec. 21. Mandatory Orientation for Public Service Providers. - The Civil Service

10 Commission shall conduct annual orientation seminars for public service providers, 11 particularly, those who are in the frontline agencies. The objective of the orientation seminars is to educate service providers on how to properly serve clients with Autism. 13 The modules for these seminars shall be developed by the National Autism Center.

Sec. 22. Technological and Skills Trainings for Persons with ASD. - The

15 Technological Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall develop technical, vocational education and training programs that are designed to meet to 17 the special skills and needs of POS.

Sec. 23. Counselling and Education for Parents and Caregivers. - The DOH shall

19 ensure the availability of accessible and affordable counselling and psycho-social 20 support services for parents, caregivers and family members of individuals with ASD. 21 The DOH shall also ensure that such services are integrated into the existing mental health programs at the community level, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act.

Sec. 24. Home Empowerment Programs. - To ensure the continuity and

effectiveness of therapies and interventions for individuals with ASD within the home environment, the DOH shall develop and implement Home Empowerment Programs aimed at educating and equipping parents and primary caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to support the care and development of their family member with autism. These programs shall include training on basic therapy techniques, behavior management strategies, communication support, and daily living skills. The

1 DOH shall coordinate with the LGUs to ensure that the Home Empowerment Programs 2 shall be accessible and implemented in the barangay level.

Sec. 25. Shelters for POS. - The DSWD shall establish shelters for children, adults

4 and elderly POS. The shelters shall serve as temporary and even permanent shelters 5 for abandoned children and neglected adults and elderly POS. There shall also be an inventory of non-profit private centers providing shelters for POS to be conducted by 7 the DSWD and develop mechanisms for government support to such shelters.

Sec. 26. Additional Leave for Parents and Caregivers. - In addition to the leave

9 privileges under existing laws, a special parental leave of not more than seven (7) 10 working days every year shall be granted to parents or the main caregivers of persons 11 with ASD.

Sec. 27. Tax Incentives for Employers. - The DOF, DOH and BIR shall develop a

13 standardized scorecard system to determine eligibility for and in extent of tax 14 incentives that will correspond to specific tax incentives to be granted to employers 15 hiring individuals with ASD.

Sec. 28. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are prohibited:

a. Any learning institution, public or private, or educators who shall: 1. Deny admission in regular classes of any learner on the basis of their Autism diagnosis; Provided, That those POS who are non-verbal and diagnosed with Level 3 Autism may be referred to Special Needs Education classes: Provided, further, That the latter shall be fairly assessed by the school with written consent of the parents. 2. Require Developmental Pediatrician's Assessment Reports from the POS applicants prior to admission in any schools; 3. Cause physical and verbal abuse to any persons on the spectrum; 4. Favoring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with respect to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of the latter's disability; b. Any entity that shall discriminate against hiring and promotion of an employee with Autism, solely on account of the latter's disability.

c. Any establishment that shall deny entry or request any POS to leave any premises solely on account of the latter's disability.

Sec. 31. Penalties. - Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall suffer

4 the penalties stated in Republic Act No. 7277 or Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Sec. 32. Report to Congress. - The DOH, as the lead implementation agency,

6 shall submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of this Act

Sec. 33. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current year appropriations of the offices and 9 agencies concerned. Thereafter, the funding requirement for the ensuing years shall 10 be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) - Within sixty (60) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in consultation with PhilHealth and DSWD, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations.

Sec. 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or

unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be full force and effect.

Sec. 36. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

presidential proclamations, letters of instructions, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 37. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,