National Autism Care Plan Act

Offer of TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 17 P2:14 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No._ 68*7 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT INSTITUTING A NATIONAL AUTISM CARE PLAN, ESTABLISHING A SUB- COMMITTEE ON AUTISM UNDER THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, as well as patterns of repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, or atypical sensory experiences. These traits typically emerge in early childhood and often become more noticeable as developmental demands increase. Globally, ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children, with an estimated 61.8 million individuals on the spectrum. It is one of the leading non-fatal health burdens among youth, underscoring the urgent need for early diagnosis, inclusive services, and sustained support. This highlights the importance of a national autism care plan that can respond to the needs of individuals with autism and their families throughout their lives. In 2014, the World Health Assembly adopted Resolution WHA67.8, urging member states to develop comprehensive and coordinated national strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The resolution emphasizes early detection, community- based interventions, family support, and multi-sectoral collaboration to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families. This global call to action reinforces the need for a national framework that ensures accessible, inclusive, and lifelong services. In the Philippines, the Autism Society Philippines estimates a prevalence rate of 1 in every 100 individuals-translating to approximately 1.2 million Filipinos on the autism spectrum. However, the Philippine Statistics Authority has yet to release updated and specific data on ASD prevalence. While awareness and understanding of autism are increasing, stigma and misconceptions persist. Furthermore, access to

healthcare and support services remains limited, often placing a significant financial burden on families. This proposed legislation seeks to establish a National Autism Care Plan, providing a coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable framework for supporting Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families. The bill aims to promote early diagnosis, improve access to quality health care, education, and employment opportunities, and uphold the rights and dignity of individuals with autism at every stage of life. Key provisions of the bill include: • Establishment of a Sub-Committee on Autism under the National Council on Disability Affairs to spearhead policy development and oversee the implementation of the National Autism Care Plan. • Development of a comprehensive roadmap addressing the health, education, employment, and social needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. • Promotion of multi-sectoral collaboration involving government agencies, non- government organizations, the private sector, and autism self-advocates. • Implementation of capacity-building programs for families, caregivers, and service providers to strengthen support systems and service delivery. • Launch of nationwide public awareness campaigns to foster acceptance, reduce stigma, and protect the rights of autistic individuals. • Mandate for local government units (GUs) to integrate and actively support autism care programs within their jurisdictions. • Inclusion of autism-related services under PhilHealth coverage and assurance of non-discrimination in financial and insurance services. • Allocation of sufficient funding to ensure the effective implementation and long- term sustainability of the National Autism Care Plan. This legislation, a product of consultation and collaboration with advocates led by Autism Society Philippines, represents a critical step toward creating a more inclusive society where every Filipino with autism can live with dignity, participate meaningfully, and receive the support they need to thrive. Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ROSAME FIVERO Senator

"flier of TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 17 P2:14 SENATE RECEI: 1381 S.B. No. INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT INSTITUTING A NATIONAL AUTISM CARE PLAN, ESTABLISHING A SUB- COMMITTEE ON AUTISM UNDER THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR Be It enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1, Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Autism

Care Plan Act".

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and

promote the right to health of the people to full, healthy, and holistic development. To this end, the State shall promote an environment conducive to developing persons 6 on the autism spectrum to become independent, self-reliant, and productive members of society, realizing their full potential. The State commits itself to the establishment of institutional and social 9 mechanisms to support children and adult persons on the autism spectrum and their families, develop a clear and consistent pathway to early detection and diagnosis, provide easy access to quality health care, education, and employment opportunities such that persons on the autism spectrum may live independently within the community, to minimize or completely eradicate discrimination, and to enable the private sector to extend relevant services that will complement the government's programs. The State recognizes and respects the preferences and differences of community members, including the use of identity-first or person-first language.

SEC. 3, Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with communication, social skills, restrictive and repetitive behaviors, as well as by unique strengths, as defined in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; b) Diagnosis refers to necessary assessments, including, but not limited to, neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental evaluations, genetic testing, neuroimaging, neurophysiological examination, hearing tests, and psychometric tests to diagnose autism/and or developmental disabilities in individuals; c) Disability refers to 1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological, or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individual; 2) a record of such an impairment; or 3) regarded as having such an impairment; d) Epidemiology refers to the study and analysis of the distribution and determinants of health conditions in defined populations; e) Habilitation refers to an integrated approach to physical, psychological, cultural, spiritual, educational, or vocational measures that create conditions for individuals to attain the highest possible level of functional ability and quality of life; f) Inclusive Education 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 accommodating, modifying, adapting, and individualizing content, approaches, structures, and strategies. It involves equitable opportunities for learners with disabilities to receive educational services, and the needed support and related services with their age-appropriate peer groups and, as far as practicable, in such schools or Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) nearest their homes or residences, to prepare them to live as fully functional members of society; g) Intervention refers to the actions taken to help improve the prognosis of autism. Intervention in autism may take the form of medical, pharmacological,

therapeutic, educational, and non-traditional habilitative care, and all other support services; h) Rehabilitation is a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment; and i) Service providers - any person or entity that provides a service to the public. This can include businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

SEC. 4. Inter-Agency and Multi-Sectoral Mechanism. - A Sub-Committee

on Autism, herein referred to as the Sub-Committee, is hereby created, under the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), which shall serve as an inter-agency and multi-sectoral policy-making and coordinative mechanism to develop and implement 13 a sustainable National Autism Care Plan (NACP).

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Sub-Committee. - The Sub-

Committee shall have the following powers and functions: a) Develop the NACP, a roadmap in addressing the holistic needs of Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families, such as health, education, employment, among others, for the guidance of stakeholders in the private and public sectors, calibrated to meet the changing needs of society and developments in technology; b) Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of the NACP and the protection of rights of persons on the autism spectrum, with the concerned government and non-governmental agencies; c) Design campaigns that promote public awareness, acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of persons on the autism spectrum; d) Undertake research in collaboration with private and public entities regarding autism in the Philippines; e) Enhance the programs and capabilities of the government to provide nationally available services that support persons on the autism spectrum and their families, in areas including, but not limited to, screening, diagnosis, early intervention, education, training, employment, and livelihood;

f) Assist the private and public sectors in the design and delivery of support programs for persons on the autism spectrum and their families; g) Develop capacity-building programs, incentives, and awards for persons on the autism spectrum to enhance their potential as independent, self- reliant, and productive members of society; h) Establish networks with other organizations, institutions, and professionals working for the promotion of public policy and programs for persons on the autism spectrum, and support groups for families of persons on the autism spectrum; i) Receive donations and grants from international donor institutions, foundations, and multilateral and bilateral foreign donor agencies, involved in the direct services for persons on the autism spectrum; j) Enter into memoranda of agreement with government and non- governmental entities for the implementation of various programs for persons on the autism spectrum; and k) Perform other acts as may be necessary, proper, or incidental to the attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Act.

SEC. 6. Composition of the Sub-Committee on Autism. - The Sub-

Committee shall be composed of the heads of office of the following agencies: a) The NCDA as Chairperson; b) The DOH as Vice Chairperson; c) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); d) The Department of Education (DepEd); e) The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); f) The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); g) The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health and Research Development (DOST-PCHRD); h) The Commission on Higher Education (CHED); i) The Commission on Civil Service (CSC); j) The Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA); k) The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); 1) Philippine Council for Mental Health (PCMH);

m) The National Institutes for Health (NIH); n) Three (3) representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with active service programs for Filipinos on the autism spectrum; o) Three (2) representatives from NGOs composed of autism self- advocates, with active service programs for Filipinos on the autism spectrum. The chairperson of the subcommittee shall appoint the members, except those 8 from government agencies. The heads of government agencies may designate official permanent representatives to the Sub-Committee, whose rank shall not be lower than an Assistant 11 Secretary or its equivalent: Provided, that the designated representative has no vote, unless authorized in writing. The NGOs designated to the subcommittee must be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the local government in which they operate. They must also provide the subcommittee with copies of their annual requirements submitted to these government units, reflecting their organizational capacity and commitment to good governance. The members of the Subcommittee shall be appointed not later than thirty (30) days after the enactment of this Act. Members representing non-government agencies shall serve for three (3) years, renewable upon the Subcommittee's recommendation and the NCDA Board's approval for a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. In case of vacancy, the successor appointed to fill the same shall serve only the unexpired portion of the member's term to whom he/she succeeds. All members of the Sub-Committee shall receive a per diem as determined by the Sub-Committee, in accordance with the existing budget and accounting rules and regulations. The Subcommittee shall meet at least quarterly or as often as necessary. A quorum is formed when a majority of the members are present. The Subcommittee shall have a Secretariat to coordinate the functions and organize the programs, plans, and activities under this Act. The NCDA shall determine the necessary staffing requirements of the Subcommittee, subject to evaluation and

1 approval by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and in compliance with civil service and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 7. The National Autism Care Plan. - The Subcommittee on Autism

shall spearhead and coordinate with government agencies and other stakeholders to implement the NACP. The programs and services under the NACP shall include, among others, the following: a) Information campaigns - The DOH, DepEd, NCDA, DSWD, CHED, TESDA, and РСМН shall, following their respective mandates, conduct various forms of information campaigns, such as, but not limited to: 1. Printed and digital publications such as manuals, infographics, and easily readable instruction materials on early detection, management, intervention, habilitation, rehabilitation, care of autism, best practices, resources, and research on autism -- with translations to local languages; 2. A central database of professionals and childcare institutions concerned with the care and development of persons on the autism spectrum; 3. Collaborative information campaigns and activities as necessary. b) Health - 1. The DOH shall implement epidemiological surveillance programs to establish a databank and information and monitoring system (IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic, and total incidence and prevalence of persons on the autism spectrum in the country; 2. The DOH, PCMH, PCHRD, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, and DepEd's ILRCs shall, in coordination with other concerned agencies: i. Strengthen research focus on autism; ii. Promote, create, develop, and adopt strategic plans that will continue to determine and establish evidence-based practices for interventions, care, and integration into society of persons on the autism spectrum; ill. Expand research into the link between environmental factors and autism; and

iv. Continue investigations into causation, diagnosis, early detection, and interventions for autism spectrum disorders. Such factors that will be studied shall include, among others, infection and immune function, hormonal and reproductive factors, genetic factors, gastro-intestinal factors, and sociodemographic factors; and 3. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative health programs, plans, and activities as necessary. c) Education - The DOH, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DSWD, and shall, following their respective mandates, conduct various forms of education programs, plans, and activities in cooperation with other concerned agencies, as follows: 1. Continuing education and training on autism for public service providers to sensitize and empower them as effective front liners in the delivery of services to persons on the autism spectrum and their families; 2. Continuing education and training of families, teachers, therapists, and caregivers of persons on the autism spectrum through seminars, conventions, and other forms of educational tools; 3. Continuing education and training of professional teachers and trainers through seminars, conventions, and other forms of educational tools to ensure nationwide implementation; 4. Formulation of guidelines, policies, protocols, and individualized programs on inclusive education for school children, young students, and other learners on the autism spectrum, in matters including, but not limited to, discrimination, acceptance to academic or training programs, instructional support, and behavior management; and 5. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct collaborative education programs, plans, and activities as necessary. d) Employment and livelihood - The DOLE and CSC shall formulate policies and initiate and implement programs to ensure that persons on the autism spectrum are provided opportunities for gainful employment and apprenticeship, both in the private and public sectors. e) Other Support Programs -

1. The DILG and the Department of National Defense shall provide lifesaving support to persons on the autism spectrum with behavioral and communication challenges, in times of disasters, calamities, armed conflict, and other emergencies, and ensure their inclusion on the list of priority sectors; 2. The Department of Transportation shall formulate policies and protocols to ensure that persons on the autism spectrum with behavioral and communication challenges and their families are given reasonable accommodation in accessing all forms of transportation by land, sea, and air; 3. The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall formulate policies and protocols to ensure that criminal justice agencies and professionals provide the accommodations and protections to persons on the autism spectrum with behavioral and communication challenges, who may be accused of, are victims of, or are witnesses to crimes; 4. The DOJ and the Commission on Human Rights shall promulgate guidelines and standards to ensure that interventions and programs for Filipinos on the autism spectrum do not violate their fundamental human rights, particularly their right to make their own decisions. 5. All other concerned agencies shall, following their respective mandates, conduct orientation and counselling services for families of persons newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum and establish family support networks and sibling programs; 6. The Sub-Committee may initiate and conduct other collaborative support programs, plans, and activities as necessary. SEC, 8, Panel of Technical Experts. - The Sub-Committee shall constitute a national panel of technical experts consisting of practitioners related to autism, such as, but not limited to: a) One (1) representative from the national association of speech-language pathologists, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission;

b) One (1) representative from the national association of developmental and behavioral physicians, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; c) One (1) representative from the national association of occupational therapists, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; d) One (1) representative from the national organization of psychologists, duiy recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; e) One (1) representative from the national association of social workers, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; f) One (1) representative from the national association of inclusive education specialists, duly recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission; and The Panel shall provide the Subcommittee with professional and technical advice on science, technologies, and best practices for autism. The Subcommittee shall set the qualifications and per diems for the technical experts and, through the collaborative programs and plans of its member agencies and organizations, provide resources for the Panel's operations and activities.

SEC. 9. Local Government Support. - Local government units (LGUs) shall

promote the NACP in their territorial jurisdictions. LGUs may join joint ventures with national agencies, organizations, or associations that offer programs and advocacy for persons on the autism spectrum to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that enhance the health, physical fitness, and economic and social well- being of persons on the autism spectrum. The Sub-Committee and the DILG shall coordinate with LGUs to mainstream the NACP.

SEC. 10. Consultation with Stakeholders, - The Subcommittee shall

conduct broad consultations, in collaboration with government and non-governmental stakeholders, on various programs and campaigns involving individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and professionals through legally established NGOS.

SEC. 11. PhilHealth Coverage, - The Subcommittee shall facilitate the

necessary Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage for persons on the autism spectrum immediately after this Act becomes effective.

SEC. 12. Protection Against Discrimination in Insurance and Other

Financial Instruments. - The Department of Finance shall, within 180 days from

1 the effectivity of this Act, formulate policies and protocols to ensure that all financial 2 service providers, such as banks, insurance companies, and health maintenance 3 organizations (HMOs), shall provide persons on the autism spectrum with equitable access to their services and products.

SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Sub-Committee

6 shall, in consultation and coordination with appropriate national government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 8 effective implementation of this Act, no later than 180 days upon the effectivity of this 9 Act.

SEC. 14. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for implementing this Act

shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 15, Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act is held

unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential

decrees, presidential proclamations, letters of instruction, rules and regulations, or parts inconsistent with this Act's provisions are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 17. Effectivity, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,