One common misconception about people with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is that they are dependent on other people for the rest of their lives.
While there is no "cure" for this neurological and developmental disorder, there are appropriate interventions that can help alleviate the symptoms (or signs of autism) and improve the quality of life.
At different points of your child's therapy, you will need the help of a developmental pediatrician, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and a special-education teacher. They will collaborate to improve your child's development in the hope of achieving life goals.
The process may be long and challenging, but experts assure that your child can lead a life that can be fulfilling and rewarding (read here).
Case in point: David Sta. Ana, the older of two sons of broadcast journalist Karen Davila and her husband DJ Sta. Ana, who's a former broadcaster and now corporate executive.
Based on Karen's Instagram posts, David, 20, takes up special education at The Vanguard Academy. She says in one of her posts that "the school is safe and has the support our kids need including occupational & physical therapy rooms."
Karen also shares David's milestones, like when he voted for the first time (read here), which happened in the May 2022 national elections. She's equally proud and excited that her son participated in an art exhibit with his fellow classmates and aspiring visual artists and sculptors.
Recently, Karen shared reels taken during David's duty as an intern at the retail shop Mumuso. The intern is shown proudly wearing his ID that says, "Thank you for your patience. I'm a PWD." He also cheerfuly greets the customers and confidently checks out their purchases.
David says in the one of reels that he's learning how to take the barcodes of the items at the checkout counter and to assist the customers. He gets the approval of his manager, who only has good words for him.
Karen, for her part, wrote in the caption of her post: "I am so proud of my son David who is finishing his job internship at @mumusoph with his classmate Beacon. Kudos @thevanguardacademyph for putting together a program that will help build their life skills!"
She added, "And good job @mumusoph for having kids with special needs in your job training pool! I encourage more companies to hire people with disabilities & special needs. Inclusion is how we build a better and more compassionate world."
Read here for tips on how to motivate your child with autism.
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