“The DSWD here in Caraga is not efficient. I don't know why the government here says we are not covered by the amelioration program because we live in a cemented house. We are just living in somebody else's house. Why are we not included? They said it's only for the poorest of the poor. What are we?" Gabor said in Filipino.
Like the sons of Rubio and Gabor – whose routines were drastically altered – their child’s behavioral issues have worsened. It is a problem sometimes, she said, because their son unwittingly hurts his older sister and infant brother. “It is a bit frustrating because we don't know what will happen to him next school year. Children like him have issues adapting. They have rigidity adapting to new people, new places. This means he will be further delayed. We wanted to enrol him so he could be socialized at a young age but we could not do it now," Navarra said in a mix of English and Filipino.The lockdown has forced parents to think of creative ways to address the special needs of their children.
Mona Liza Veluz, national president of the non-profit organization Autism Society of the Philippines, asked for compassion from those implementing the quarantine and lockdown. "Another thing now is the goods being given by the government. These are goods that are pre-determined by the budget of the LGU and barangay. But the issue with our children is that since they have sensory issues, there are food items they could not eat. The food items they are eating are not available, that is why many children with autism do not get adequate nutrition at this point,"
In Facebook groups dedicated to autism, parents ask advice, support, medicine, and sometimes financial help from other families., a live Q&A program on Facebook, to help their members and other parents gain access to doctors and therapists. On top of this, ASP is now working on helping secure non-controlled medicines, especially for those living outside Manila.
Parenting skills at home is needed. Keep the children busy with some activities.