DLSU Summa Cum Laude: “Autism Coexists with My Best Self”

Japonz Dacumos’ viral graduation speech inspired parents of neurodiverse kids.

Published on Jul 10, 2025

For most of his life, Juan Alfonzo “Japonz” Dacumos felt he had to keep part of himself hidden. Diagnosed with autism in his late teens, he worried his condition would limit how people saw him. Last month, he graduated summa cum laude from De La Salle University Manila with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He did so with pride in who he is.

Also read: Parents Weigh in on Graduation Awards, ‘Parang Lahat Ng Bata May Honor’

Growing up with a developmental pediatrician mother, Japonz saw firsthand how neurodiverse people are treated in the Philippines, he explained in his now-viral graduation speech. He noticed how classmates would tease their neurodiverse peers just for a laugh. He heard stories of parents lashing out at doctors upon hearing their child’s diagnosis. He saw caretakers deny every possible sign out of fear of stigma. To him, society often treated autism as a limitation that overshadowed everything else.

After his Japonz’s diagnosis, his family decided it was safer to keep it private. “The diagnosis may give me a ceiling regardless of my talents. That prospect scared us. We were afraid that I won’t get my time in the sun,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Opening Up About Autism in His Graduation Speech

At De La Salle University, Japonz found something he never expected: a place that allowed him to grow without having to hide. During the 202nd Commencement Exercises, he revealed his secret to everyone for the first time.

“But I have a secret,” he said to the graduating class. “Like many of my neurodiverse colleagues in this room today, who fought the outside world’s different pessimistic expectations, who looked for room to grow in a stigmatizing world, and who equally deserve to stand here as a graduate, I am autistic, and there is nothing wrong with that. Because you made me see and feel that there was nothing wrong with that.”

For Japonz, DLSU was more than a university. It was a place that showed him genuine inclusion. “You all accepted me into your community without isolating or sidelining me, and it was exemplified in a story close to my heart.”

“I had the tendency to leave in the middle of conversations. Without any real cue or in inappropriate times, I would just walk away. Anywhere else, I would have been scolded and instructed to correct it. Yet, you never criticized me nor saw a deficit, you saw a difference. A difference that never made me inferior or less capable,” he said.

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“Instead, you helped me understand how it relates to my autism and how I can move forward. With this, you encouraged me to thrive in a way that allowed me to embrace my autism. I can now stand here and disclose it without fear of stigma or repercussions.

You showed me that it was not something to be ashamed of, nor a hindrance to constantly overcome. Instead, you showed me that my autism is a part of me that can coexist with my best self.”

“Thank you for making me believe there is a world ready to accept and include neurodiverse people like me,” he added.

Japonz’s Message to Parents of Neurodiverse Kids

When asked what it was like finally sharing his autism diagnosis publicly, Japonz described it as the most relieving experience of his life. “The initial plan was to keep the diagnosis confidential as much as possible considering the stigma I may face. There were fears that a public presentation of the diagnosis may restrict me from different opportunities,” he told Smart Parenting in an exclusive interview.

“Fortunately enough, through the university’s guidance, accommodations, and support, DLSU convinced me that a world accepting of neurodiverse people can exist. When my mentor and I talked about the possibility of doing the speech, I really wanted to thank the community for providing me the space to thrive. After applying, rounds of deliberations, and demos, my speech was selected.”

He continued, “The moment before I disclosed my autism, I really felt the weight of what I was about to do. As soon as I said the line, I felt all the fears, doubts, and concerns lift from me. I was no longer apprehensive about what would be hurled at me because I know there’s nothing inherently wrong with me being autistic.”

Growing up, his mother played a big role in his growth. “While my mom is a Developmental Pediatrician, she never employed any medical or clinical approaches. She did not intervene with my clinicians’ plans and interventions. She never saw me as her patient; she saw me as her son. Considering my autism and the dynamic, that meant so much to me,” he said.

“Instead, my mom listened to my concerns and stories. She was very cooperative with the clinicians. She made sure there was a safety net especially when I was overwhelmed or dysregulated.”

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Photo by Japonz Dacumos.

Inspired by his mom’s example, his message to parents of neurodiverse kids is simple: listen. “Always listen to your children when they have concerns and anchor all supports on their wishes. At the end of the day, you are building towards a good life for them. If something seemingly mundane is disrupting them, help them understand the disruption and what can be done moving forward,” he said.

“If some concerns start clashing with your parenting approaches and styles, be open and hear them out. They might express an issue that is genuinely causing discomfort and needs effective resolution. Your kids are capable of navigating through problems with you. They are experts of their own experiences too; their expressions (whether it be through their voices, hands, or AACs [augmentative and alternative communication systems]) hold immense value.”

As for what comes next, Japonz plans to continue working on research projects in DLSU and with international research groups.

1. Find out the early signs of autism in babies here.

Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.