On having an autistic child
A Parent offers a message of Hope
Markee, now 10, with his mother
* Autism is a developmental disability that severely hinders the way information is gathered and processed by the brain, causing problems in communication, learning and social behaviors.
Markee Pampolina was three years old when his parents, Augusto and Mary Elaine, noticed that he was different from other children. "He was non-verbal, had his own odd play, snobbish towards other children, no eye contact, no sense of danger, irritated by motor sounds, fond of TV commercials, into hand clapping and he tiptoes," according to Augusto. "All the while, we thought he was just a late bloomer."
One day, Augusto 's father-in-law was watching about autism on TV. He saw the signs of autism in Markee. "He called us and said that perhaps something's wrong with Markee. We were then referred to a developmental pedatrician, who confirmed that Markee has autism," he added.
Autism is a developmental disability that severely hinders the way information is gathered and processed by the brain, causing problems in communication, learning and social behaviors. It typically appears during the child's first three years, occurs in roughly 15 to 20 of every 10,000 births and is four times more common in males than females.
Markee Pampolina when he was younger
Anyhow, the Pampolina couple was depressed. "I just got home from abroad and I had no work. He's our eldest child, we have lots of hopes for him, he's good-looking and very good," Augusto said.
"At the back of my mind, I was worried, what will happen to him when he grows up? What if we pass away, who's going to take care of him? Fortunately, he has a younger brother, one year younger than him. After two years, my wife gave birth to a daughter. I did not lose hope," Augusto said.
Weeks later, Augusto found a newspaper article and got in touch with its author, Prof. Cecille Pestaño. She introduced him to the Autism Society of the Philippines -- Iloilo Chapter, of which he is presently the president.
"I was enlightened about autism after attending several seminars. "Before, I was a bit strict with my child. Ever since I took the seminars, I became more understanding," Augusto said.
Exhibit about autism by the Autism
Society of the Philippines -- Iloilo Chapter
Augusto said that autistic children should be functional even if they are not the same as regular persons. Thus, self help skills are being taught to them. The Pampolinas could not afford a therapist, so they got into home therapy by applying what they learned from the seminar. He was also enrolled in schools for special children --- Emmanuel School for Special Children and Kids Learning Nook. After four years in these schools, drastic improvement were seen with Markee. He started to read and speak.
After two years, the Kids Learning Nook administration recommended Markee to be mainstreamed with regular students. So, he transferred to the Children's Integrated School in Alta Tierra, where he is presently studying.
At home, 10-year-old Markee is doing great. He now has quality time with his siblings and is helping out in the house.
Augusto's message to parents? "In some way or the other, special children are given to special parents. There is always hope."
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The Autism Society of the Philippines -- Iloilo Chapter can be reached through 0918.331.8923.