Impact-Site-Verification: 354011541
When my child was first diagnosed with autism, I quickly realized how crucial early intervention is. It can make a world of difference in their development and quality of life. But living in the Philippines, it’s heartbreaking to see how difficult it is to access therapy for our kids.
There are only a few developmental therapy centers, and even if you’re lucky enough to live near one, finding an available therapist can be nearly impossible. And even when you do find a therapist, the costs can be overwhelming. So, you can imagine how challenging it is to find free therapy.
In this blog post, I want to share as many ideas as possible to help you navigate these challenges.
Government Programs:
From what I’ve found, the DOH, PhilHealth, and DSWD have established plans for providing free therapy for autism. However, these plans are still in the process of being fully implemented.
In the meantime, I recommend contacting your local government for additional support beyond SPED programs, as they may offer resources or assistance that can help. Here are some local contacts that might be useful:
Philippine General Hospital: https://pghopd.up.edu.ph/
Quezon City: QC Center for Children with Disabilities - Kabahagi
Mandaluyong City: Project Therapy, Education, and Assimilation of Children with Handicap (TEACH)
Parañaque: CSN Center Parañaque on Facebook
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
NGOs are often the first place to turn to when seeking free therapy, but their resources can be limited due to funding constraints. However, I’ve compiled a list of NGOs that might be able to help. I encourage you to reach out to them directly to check on the availability of support.
Autism Society Philippines (ASP) - website
KAISAKA (Kabataang Inyong Saligan, Aalagaan, at Kakalingain ng Alay Kapwa) - website
Reach Foundation - website
A Child’s D.R.E.A.M. Foundation - website
Cottolengo Filipino - website
Open Arms Organization - on Facebook
Alres - website *Alres is a therapy center we initially went to for my son's early intervention. Later, we discovered that they also offer scholarships, and we had the opportunity to donate for a six-month therapy program for an underprivileged child.
University Clinics:
University clinics can be a valuable resource for families seeking therapy for children with autism. These clinics are often operated by academic institutions and offer a range of services provided by students in training, under the supervision of experienced professionals. This setup allows them to offer high-quality care at a more affordable cost, and in some cases, even for free. By reaching out to these clinics, you can access specialized therapies and educational support that might not be available elsewhere.
University of Santo Tomas (UST)
University of the Philippines (UP)
Tips for Accessing Free Therapy Services
Network with Other Parents: Joining support groups or online communities for parents of children with autism in the Philippines can provide valuable information about where to find free therapy services. Other parents can share their experiences and recommendations.
Inquire Directly: Don’t hesitate to visit or contact the institutions mentioned above to inquire about free therapy services. It’s important to ask about waiting lists, eligibility requirements, and the specific services they offer.
Stay Updated: Programs and services can change, so it’s essential to stay updated on what’s available. Keep in touch with organizations like the Autism Society Philippines for the latest information.
My Personal Wish : Free Therapy for Autism Philippines
As I continue to research and discover more resources, I’ll keep updating this list to ensure it’s as helpful as possible. My hope is that one day, free therapy will be accessible to more children across the Philippines, not just in the main cities, so every child with autism can receive the support they need, regardless of where they live.
Comments