Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition with a wide range of traits that can be difficult to diagnose, even for experienced professionals. The signs are sometimes subtle, and each case is unique, making early detection challenging.

For families, the path to a diagnosis is rarely quick or simple, most of the time requiring multiple visits to autism centers and months of assessments to fully understand an autistic child's needs. Despite these challenges, they remain eager for timely diagnoses to ensure the best support for their child.

Fortunately, access to care is improving. With more autism centers opening across the country and ongoing efforts to better services, families now have more options.

For National Autism Awareness Month, we've created a list of autism centers in Quezon City and other cities to help families find the support they need.

ALSO READ: ‘My Son Maybe Different, But It’s Never A Disability’: Mom Shares Her Son's Autism Journey

What Are Some Common Signs of Autism?

According to St. Luke's Medical Center, children with autism often experience difficulties with social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication. They may engage in repetitive behaviors or have very specific, obsessive interests. The hallmark feature of autism is impaired social interaction.

Even in infancy, a baby with autism may seem unresponsive to people or may fixate on one object for long periods, ignoring others. Children with autism often don't respond when their name is called and tend to avoid making eye contact with others. They also typically begin speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of using "I" or "me."

Many children with autism also show reduced sensitivity to pain but can be unusually sensitive to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimuli.

Do Symptoms of Autism Change Over Time?

The symptoms of autism often improve with treatment and age. Many children with autism eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. However, children who show a regression in language skills early on, often before the age of three, may be at higher risk for developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity.

During adolescence, some children with autism may experience depression or behavioral issues. Parents may need to adjust their child's treatment plan as children grow to address these evolving needs.

How is Autism Treated?

While there's no cure for autism, therapies and behavioral interventions can help manage symptoms. Treatment plans are made to address the core symptoms of autism, including challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Therapies can include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, and behavioral interventions, all aimed at improving different aspects of an autistic child's development. These therapies work together to create a comprehensive approach that supports the child in overcoming challenges and achieving greater independence.

Professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes. Early identification and targeted support allow autistic kids to develop essential life skills, improving their quality of life in the long run.

Autism Centers in Quezon City

Navigating the journey of autism may be overwhelming, but finding the right support doesn't have to be. Below is a list of therapy centers in Quezon City, which you can refer to for support:

1. All Bright Beginnings Childcare Center
   

   All Bright Beginnings Childcare Center offers behavior modification, speech therapy, and SPED tutorials, among others.

   
   Unit J & K, Isabel Building, Zabarte Road, North Olympus Subdivision, Brgy. Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines
   0945 774 5816
   
   
2. Badges Therapy Center
   

   Badges Therapy Center offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, and SPED tutorials, among other services. They also provide in-house developmental assessments.

   
   24 K-8th St., West Kamias, QC, Quezon City, Philippines
   0962 895 7874
   
   
3. ChildFind Learning and Play Center
   Units 210-212 The Tower at Emerald Square, P.Tuazon and J.P Rizal streets, Project. 4, Quezon City, Philippines
   0907 249 6917
   
   
4. Core Skills Therapy Center Company
   Unit 202 FSS Building 1 20 Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor Sts. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, Philippines
   0917 853 3507
   
   

5. Creative Spark Therapy Center
   ReyLilia Building Commonwealth Avenue corner Mercury Street, Quezon City, Philippines

   0966 829 7722
   
   

6. Early Life Discoveries
   153 Matimtiman Street Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, Philippines
   0927 589 3778
   
   
7. Little Sparks Therapy Center
   86 Doña Hemady Street, New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines
   0917 163 1436
   
   

8. P A C E Special Education Center Inc.
   #14A Sacred Heart Street Paradise Village Brgy. Sangandaan Project 8 Q.C, Quezon City, Philippines
   0995 477 2971
9. Potentials Therapy Center - Quezon City
   Unit 2A, #72, MIC Building, Bukidnon Street, Brgy. Ramon Magsaysay, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, Philippines
   0975 241 9349
   
10. TheraBright Occupational And Speech Therapy Center Quezon City
    34 D Marathon Street near corner Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines
    0945 455 7996
    
    
11. Vital Steps Therapy Center
    12 Faustino 1127 Quezon City, Philippines
    0995 227 4045
12. 1. 1. Walkie Talkie Therapy Center
          Unit 303-304 Manga Commercial No. 27 Manga Road, Brgy. Kaunlaran Quezon City, Quezon City, Philippines
          0991 932 9304

Click here to learn more about thedse causes of autism.