14/04/2026
World Autism Awareness Day 2026
On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2026, the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) Philippines joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to advancing a more inclusive, supportive and enabling environment for persons with autism and their families.
This year’s observance calls for a continued shift—from awareness to acceptance, inclusion and sustained action. While awareness has grown, many individuals with autism and their families continue to face challenges in accessing services, navigating systems, and fully participating in everyday life. Addressing these gaps requires not only understanding, but coordinated and long-term efforts across sectors.
For CARD Philippines, this direction is embodied in BALINGAY—our unifying framework for inclusion. BALINGAY brings together key elements of support, from early identification and access to services, to referral systems, community inclusion, continuity of care and family support, including emerging efforts on respite and residential care. More importantly, it serves as a platform to strengthen partnerships and collaboration across government, private sector, academia and communities—recognizing that inclusion cannot be achieved in isolation.
In 2026, CARD also reflects with gratitude on the partnerships that have helped translate this vision into action. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development, the Department of Health Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, DOH Mental Health Program, the local governments of Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Baras, Asian Hospital and the UP Manila College of Allied Medical Professions. These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to building systems that are more responsive, coordinated and inclusive.
As national momentum continues to strengthen toward a comprehensive autism framework, it is essential that all sectors—government, private institutions and communities—work together to ensure that policies are translated into real, accessible and sustained support systems. Initiatives such as BALINGAY aim to contribute to this effort by providing practical pathways for implementation and scale.
Inclusion is not a one-time effort—it is a shared and continuing responsibility. It is reflected in how systems are designed, how services are delivered and how communities respond to diversity.
As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, we call on all partners to join us in building environments where persons with autism are not only recognized, but supported, included and valued—across every stage of life.
Sa bawat pamilya at indibidwal na patuloy na humaharap sa hamon ng autism, kasama ninyo kami.
Sa bawat komunidad na patuloy na natututo at nagbubukas ng pintuan, may pag-asa.
At sa sama-samang pagkilos sa ilalim ng BALINGAY, makakamit natin ang isang lipunang tunay na inklusibo para sa lahat.
CARD remains committed to working alongside partners in building a future where every individual with autism is given the opportunity to thrive—with dignity, support and understanding.
