Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _ 7485

Introduced by HON. JESUS “BONG” C. SUNTAY

SEE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in every 160 children have Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD). This is a condition that can be characterized by some degree of impaired social

behavior, communication and language, and a narrow range of interest and activities that are both

unique to the individual and carried our repetitively. It can begin in childhood and persist during

adolescence and adulthood.

Currently, in the Philippines, there is no law that forwards early identification, assessment, and
education of children with ASD. This is very crucial as it plays a vital role in addressing the disorder.

Appropriate educational instruments and curriculum must be provided for the condition
This bill seeks to address this gap in our educational system. Public school teachers will be
properly trained and educated in handling ASD-specialized education, in pursuance of helping both the

teachers and students, and making advancements in our educational system,

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 7485
eee

Introduced by HON. JESUS “BONG” C. SUNTAY

LL

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, AND EDUCATION OF
CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This act shall be known as the “Autism Spectrum Disorder
Management Act.”
SEC.2. Declaration of Policy.— It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
It is also the policy of the State to promote and protect the physical, moral,
spiritual, intellectual and social wellbeing of the youth recognizing their vital role in nation-building.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the terms below shall mean as
follows:
a. “Autism spectrum disorder” is a complex developmental disability that includes
Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder, NOS, Rett Syndrome,
and Child Disintegrative Disorder, as diagnosed by a licensed physician;
b. “Differently-abled children” are those under the age of eighteen years who have no
completed an approved high school program and who, because of mental, physical,
emotional or learning problems, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder

as defined in his section, require special educational services;

ted children” are those under the age of eighteen years who exhibit precocious
development of mental capacity and learning potential as determined by competent
professional evaluation to the extent that continued educational growth and stimulation
could best be served by an academic environment beyond that offered through a

standard grade-level curriculum;


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4. “Special education services” are programs designed to meet the educational needs of
differently-abled which include, but are not limited to, the provision of diagnostic and
evaluation service, student and parent counseling, itinerant, homebound and referral
assistance, organized instructional and therapeutic programs, transportation, and
corrective and supporting services.

SEC. 4. Special Needs Identification and Education Program. - The Special Needs
Identification and Education Program shall involve the special needs identification and education
training for selected public school teachers.

SEC.5. Autism Ombudsman — The Secretary of Education shall appoint an autism
ombudsman to develop best practice guidelines for the educational assessment and interventions for
differently-abled children from here years of age. Regional professional development centers must have
an autism specialist available. Early childhood education centers shall be established, subject to
appropriations, giving priority to regions where there are limited or nonexistent resource and a
significant need.

SEC.6. Review of Special Needs Education Services. — The Secretary of Education shall
appoint such regional and city advisory committees as he deems necessary to review special education
services to differently-abled children, including children with autism spectrum disorder as defined in
this Act and to consider any problems with respect to the provision of educational services to
differently-abled children and to give advice thereon. Such committees shall include persons broadly
representative of community organizations interested in the differently-abled, professions related to the
educational needs of the differently-abled, and the general public. The members of such committees
shall serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Education.

SEC.7. Autism Spectrum Disorder Research and Report. — The Department of Health
and the Department of Education shall jointly prepare and submit to Congress for its review and
consideration of a 10-year strategic plan within one (1) year after the effectivity of this Act to address
the growing number of persons who need services for autism spectrum disorder.

The study shall —

a. Determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among students;

b. Evaluate the extent to which students with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to
miss school, have delayed rates of development, or have reduced cognitive skills; and

¢. Report on current national and local programs to educate the youth about the treatment
of autism spectrum disorder, as well as evaluate the value of such programs.

SEC.8. Funding. — The amount of Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) is hereby
shall be included in the annual

appropriated for the programs established under this Act. Thi
budget of the Department of Education,


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SEC.9. — Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in fall force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees or issuances,
letter of instruction, administrative orders, rules, and regulations as well as local ordinances contrary to
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,