Autism rights pushed amid public mockery controversy

ILOILO – Second District’s Cong. Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta is pushing for stronger legal protections, inclusive education and government support for Filipinos with autism and other forms of neurodivergence, as a controversy over public ridicule of a person on the autism spectrum reignites concerns over discrimination and social stigma.

Gorriceta, a medical doctor and vice chairperson of the House Committee on Persons with Disabilities, renewed her call for the passage of House Bill No. 8287, which seeks to establish a comprehensive national policy framework for autism and neurodiversity.

Her appeal came in the wake of controversial remarks made on the podcast “Machong Chismisan” involving actress Kris Aquino’s son who is on the autism spectrum.

The controversy, Gorriceta said, underscores the urgent need to move beyond public expressions of sympathy and establish concrete policies that protect the dignity, rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly children with autism.

“No child should ever be made the subject of mockery, ridicule, or public humiliation, especially a child whose way of understanding, experiencing, and navigating the world may be different from our own,” Gorriceta said in a public statement.

She stressed that freedom of expression and public discourse should never be used to justify humiliation or discrimination against individuals whose neurological development and experiences differ from those of others.

“Autism is not a punch line. A child’s differences are not entertainment. And no family should have to see their child become the target of public ridicule simply because others fail to understand neurodiversity,” she emphasized.

For Gorriceta, the issue is not merely a matter of public policy but also a deeply personal advocacy.

As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, the congresswoman said she understands the emotional challenges faced by families raising children with developmental differences.

“Behind every child is a family that hopes, worries, advocates, and works tirelessly to ensure that their child is accepted, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Our children deserve patience, understanding, and compassion — not judgment or mockery,” she said.

PUSH FOR STRONGER LEGISLATION

Gorriceta said House Bill No. 8287 aims to address longstanding gaps in government support for autistic individuals and neurodivergent Filipinos through a coordinated national policy.

The proposed legislation provides for early identification and intervention, inclusive and specialized education, employment and vocational opportunities, accessible community-based services, and stronger coordination among government agencies.

It also seeks to establish a framework recognizing the rights, needs and potential of persons on the autism spectrum and those with other forms of neurodivergence.

The lawmaker emphasized that protecting persons with disabilities requires more than legislation alone, as public attitudes and everyday treatment are equally important in achieving genuine inclusion.

“We must also help shape a society where respect is practiced, inclusion is embraced, and differences are met with understanding rather than cruelty,” she said.

She stressed that meaningful acceptance must be demonstrated through concrete institutional reforms and opportunities that allow neurodivergent individuals to participate fully in society.

“Because acceptance must go beyond words. It must be reflected in our laws, our institutions, our schools, our workplaces, and the way we treat one another every day. Ang aton kabataan indi dapat mangin sentro sang pagyaguta. Dapat sila ginapalangga, gina-ulikdan, kag ginahatagan sang kahigayunan nga magprogreso suno sa ila kaugalingon nga kapasidad,” Gorriceta said.

CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

Beyond advocating legislative reforms, Gorriceta urged those involved in the controversy and the general public to reflect on the consequences of insensitive remarks, particularly when directed at vulnerable individuals.

She said the incident should serve as an opportunity to promote greater awareness of autism, challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage responsible public discourse.

“We may not always understand another person’s experience, but we can always choose kindness. We can choose to educate ourselves instead of ridicule, to show compassion instead of judgment and to build understanding instead of perpetuating stigma,” she said.

Gorriceta maintained that respect should never depend on a person’s condition, abilities or conformity to society’s expectations.

“No child should ever have to earn the right to be respected. That dignity is theirs from the very beginning,” said Gorriceta./PN