The Department of Education (DepEd) is advocating for the hiring of additional educational psychologists to better assist children with autism, as the number of learners diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to rise.
Romeo V. Balandra II, DepEd Region 10’s Special Needs Education (SNED) Coordinator, highlighted the critical need for more professionals to assess and support these children. Currently, only two child psychologists serve Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas, resulting in wait times of up to two to three years for appointments.
“We hope DepEd will prioritize hiring more specialists to address this gap,” Balandra said.
DepEd remains committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all children, including those with autism. The department has been training teachers and implementing specialized programs to meet the unique needs of these learners.
Autism spectrum disorder manifests differently in each child, with some facing speech delays and others struggling with social interactions. Balandra explained, “Many children with autism have hidden disabilities. You wouldn’t know they face challenges just by looking at them. Symptoms often appear early in life, sometimes as young as age 1 or 2, with speech delays being a common sign.”
He added that approximately 50% of individuals with autism are non-verbal, while others may speak fluently but have difficulty understanding social cues, making interactions challenging.
To address these needs, DepEd has introduced structured learning environments, which help children with autism feel more comfortable by providing clear routines. Teachers also use tools like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help non-verbal children express themselves through images.
“Children with autism thrive on routine. They need structure in their environment—knowing where their pencils, books, and seats are. Repetition and predictability are key,” Balandra said.
DepEd has also allocated funds to support special education programs. Schools are encouraged to identify students with disabilities during enrollment to ensure they receive appropriate resources, such as instructional materials and assessment tools. Additionally, the department provides Braille materials for visually impaired students and sign language training for those with hearing impairments.
The passage of Republic Act No. 11650, or the Inclusive Education Act, has increased awareness among parents about available services for children with autism. This has led to a rise in enrollment in special education programs.
However, challenges persist, particularly in retaining teachers. Balandra noted that many special education teachers leave for opportunities abroad, creating staffing shortages. “We’re doing everything we can to accommodate our children, but teacher retention remains a concern,” he said.
Despite these hurdles, DepEd remains dedicated to ensuring children with autism receive a quality education. Through teacher training, increased funding, and public awareness campaigns, the department aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
