Directory for Mental Health Services - Expanding access to resources for children with autism
Autism spectrum disorder affected approximately 1 in 127 people worldwide in 2021. (GBD 2021 Autism Spectrum Collaborators, 2025). However, there is no data on the prevalence of autism in the Philippines. The problem becomes two-fold: Filipino children and their parents lack access to screening and diagnostic services. Without this knowledge, government and non-government agencies are unable to provide services they need.
The Ateneo Autism Study Group (AASG) under the ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) aims to advance autism research in the Philippines, and the translation of this research into evidence-based practice. The group is currently working towards a landmark study developing screening tools for children, youth, and adults with autism in the hopes of conducting a nationwide prevalence study, as funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Advancing autism research and care includes promoting access to mental health services. Children and individuals with ASD have different strengths, needs, and work towards different goals. This entails the need for different services and resources. However, finding and accessing resources can be a challenge in and of itself for children and their families.
Below is the directory of service providers catering to children with autism and their families within Metro Manila, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas.
Furthermore, AASG calls upon fellow professionals and service providers to join the mission to expand access to therapy and educational centers for children with autism. As part of this landmark study, the group is actively building a directory of therapy centers, professionals and educational resources for children with autism in several major cities in the Philippines.
We would appreciate your participation to expand this directory! Professionals and allied health providers who wish to be included are welcome to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/FrS4sf8dgAru2hJ69
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Strengthening Community Mental Health: mhGAP Training in Albay
From July 2 to 4, 2025, frontline health workers in Albay completed intensive mhGAP training under the Ka-ginhawa Project, a partnership initiative supported by the Australian Government, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and the Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response. The three-day program equipped local providers with essential skills to assess and manage mental health conditions while strengthening referral networks across the province.
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ACRI Conducts Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Training to Advance Autism Research
ACRI conducted Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Training on June 18, 2025, as part of an autism research project comparing children with ASD to their peers. Led by Dr. Maria Christina Kristin S. Reyes, the training equipped researchers and student assistants with hands-on skills to conduct NFPE with children aged 5-9. The peer practicum component built clinical team capacity to accurately administer assessments for the research protocol.