New Autism Bill Aims to Make Care Easier for Families
The proposed Autism Care Act aims to give more accessible, comprehensive support for those on the spectrum.
Published on Dec 4, 2025
A new proposal in Congress aims to give families clearer and stronger support for autism services in the Philippines. House Bill 6577, or the Autism Care Act, introduces a national program covering prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support for persons with autism. It also aims to make services more accessible so children and adults on the spectrum can grow with dignity.
Representative Leila de Lima says the bill seeks a society that understands neurodiversity and treats families with compassion. In her bill’s explanatory note, she wrote:
“Through this act, the State affirms its duty to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of PWAs. It envisions a nation where neurodiversity is embraced, where autism is not met with stigma but with compassion, and where every Filipino, regardless of neurological difference, can live with dignity, equality, and hope.”
She has filed similar measures before, but this version updates details based on current gaps in services, research, and feedback from autism groups like the Autism Society Philippines. The bill was filed on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Autism Care Act: How It Differs From Previous Autism Bills
One key provision is mandatory PhilHealth coverage for persons with autism. Families could have relief for therapy, medical consultations, developmental assessments, and other interventions. The bill also tasks the National Institute of Health with conducting annual surveys to determine the number of Filipinos with autism and their needs. Accurate data can help the government plan programs that reach families outside major cities.
The bill aims to strengthen autism research, expanding studies on early detection, diagnosis, environmental factors, and treatment. It will also establish the Autism Council of the Philippines, composed of government agencies, medical experts, occupational therapists, autism organizations, and one representative with autism. The council’s role is to shape national policies, promote awareness, and coordinate services for children and adults.
The proposed Autism Council will oversee early screening and identification programs, helping children receive timely assessments and referrals to services. Health workers will undergo training to improve their understanding of autism and provide more effective support. The bill also protects the right to informed consent, ensuring no treatment is forced on persons with autism.
In schools, discrimination against students with autism is prohibited, and accommodations are encouraged. For adults, the bill promotes fair employment practices, including workplace adjustments and skills development programs. It also covers public transportation, insurance, and disaster response, closing gaps in support that families often encounter.
House Bill 6577 introduces clearer, more comprehensive measures than earlier proposals. If passed, the Autism Care Act can reshape support for Filipino families, offering clearer pathways, stronger safeguards, and better access to services for children and adults on the spectrum.
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.