UN to highlight autism with a Filipino-led awareness event

NEW YORK CITY—April is World Autism Month, and this coming Thursday, the United Nations will host a forum and exhibit titled “United Autists for Hope,” organized by the Autism Hearts Foundation (AHF). This event is part of the observance of Autism Awareness Month, aiming to shed light on the lives and challenges faced by individuals with autism.

At the forefront of this initiative is Dr. Erlinda Borromeo, a passionate advocate for the autism community and founder of the group. Her commitment to the cause is deeply personal, shaped by her experiences raising her autistic grandson.

Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition that now affects 1 in 36 children in the US, represents a significant increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 44. With the realization that autism is nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than in girls and that prevalence rates differ among racial and ethnic groups, the imperative for outreach and de-stigmatization becomes crucial.

In an interview with The Fil-Am Connection, the Filipina founder highlighted the challenges and triumphs she has encountered on her journey. “Challenges are constant with an autistic child,” she told me, emphasizing the necessity for “unconditional love, patience, and understanding” in overcoming hurdles associated with autism, such as difficulties in language, communication and behavior management.

The foundation’s involvement in this observance is particularly resonant, considering the history of Autism Awareness Month, which dates back to April 1988 when President Ronald Reagan issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing the importance of awareness for the condition. As the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) grows – affecting approximately 1 perecent of the world’s population, or around 75 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the need for awareness and advocacy becomes even more critical.

Autism Hearts Foundation founder Dr. Erlinda Borromeo’s extensive involvement in global autism advocacy, including partnerships with the United Nations, the World Health Organization and Autism Speaks, has allowed her to bring the latest knowledge, education and resources to Filipino families affected by autism. Her efforts have centered on empowering, leading and inspiring individuals with autism to reach their highest potentials. CONTRIBUTED

AHF has been guiding other families affected by ASD through information, support and therapies. “My advocacy became a burning desire to make a difference,” Dr. Borromeo shared, “and using our experience and acquired knowledge and expertise has come to fruition. It works! And the opportunities for these children are limitless.”

Dr. Borromeo’s personal experience with Julien, her autistic grandson, has been the driving force behind her advocacy. “Unconditional love, patience and understanding,” she said, are key to supporting individuals with autism. Her foundation’s initiatives, such as skills training for parents and caregivers, art programs and employment training, reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing the lives of those affected by ASD. “Parents need to know their rights, one way to be able to truly advocate for what’s best for their child.”

She also addressed the need for society to foster autism awareness, acceptance and understanding. She called for more employment opportunities and training accommodations for autistic adults, urging society to “include them and recognize their strengths rather than their weaknesses.”

The UN event is also presented in part by the UN permanent missions of the Philippines, Aruba, Bangladesh, Ghana and Qatar; Klicks Africa; Center For All Abilities-NY; and Fundacion Autismo Aruba. CONTRIBUTED

Dr. Borromeo, who holds a master’s in autism studies from SF State University and a doctorate in management from the University of Phoenix, described heartwarming moments within her foundation’s work, such as witnessing autistic individuals overcome communication and social challenges. She spoke of the foundation’s key initiatives, including a Parent/Caregivers Skills Training Program, the Fashion Arts Autism Benefits Program and meaningful employment training for autistic individuals.

Reflecting on the changing perception of autism, Dr. Borromeo noted improvements in diagnosis and child-centered evaluations but stressed the need for greater inclusivity and government support.

The upcoming UN event aims to “inspire and empower the autism community” and to “showcase the strengths, talents and skills” of autistic individuals, she explained. The ultimate goal is to help them develop self-confidence, achieve a better quality of life and become contributing members of society.

Dr. Borromeo invites individuals, communities and governments to contribute to creating a more inclusive environment for people with autism by providing opportunities for them to flourish. She underscores the importance of raising awareness, stating, “Awareness is not only about knowing what autism is. It comes with acceptance, understanding and appreciation of what an autistic individual is capable of being a productive member of society.”

AHF’s work has been especially transformative in the Philippines. The foundation hosted the country’s first-ever International Autism Conference in February 2010, a milestone event that spotlighted the urgent needs of the Filipino autism community. Dr. Borromeo is a vocal advocate for the rights of individuals with autism to access effective health care, education and supportive programs and services. Her advocacy extends to urging the Philippine government to uphold these rights and provide the necessary support to families.

Dr. Borromeo’s extensive involvement in global autism advocacy, including partnerships with the United Nations, the World Health Organization and Autism Speaks, has allowed her to bring the latest knowledge, education and resources to Filipino families affected by autism. Her efforts have focused on empowering, leading and inspiring individuals with autism to reach their highest potential.

The CDC’s latest findings indicate that in the U.S., 2.4 percent of white children, 2.9 percent of Black children, 3.2 percent of Hispanic children, and 3.3 percent of Asian or Pacific Islander children have been diagnosed with autism. These statistics not only highlight the wide-reaching impact of autism but also underscore the need for improvements in screening and diagnosis, particularly within minority communities.

In light of these statistics, the nonprofit organization AHF, with a presence in both San Francisco and the Philippines, is committed to helping individuals with ASD achieve their full potential and integrate meaningfully into society. The group’s upcoming event at the UN aims to address these issues by promoting awareness, showcasing the strengths and talents of autistic individuals and advocating for their rights and inclusion in society.

The UN event is also presented in part by the permanent missions of the Philippines, Aruba, Bangladesh, Ghana and Qatar to the UN; Klicks Africa; the Center For All Abilities-NY; and Fundacion Autismo Aruba.