10 April 2014 - In observance of the 7th World Autism Awareness Day, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi organized a lecture to raise awareness on autism. The lecture was conducted by Ms. Isabel Sy-Nillas, newly assumed Social Welfare Attaché of the Embassy. Embassy officers and staff and leaders of Filipino community groups participated in the event.
Social Welfare Attaché Sy-Nillas informed the attendees about the symptoms and behavior of children with autism and how to manage children with autism, including possible behavioral intervention. The speaker also shared her rich experience in handling kids with autism.
In addition to the lecture, Embassy officers and staff wore color blue office attire in observance of the event. A streamer was also displayed in front of the Embassy premises.
According to the Filipino community leaders who attended the event, this is the first time they attended an autism awareness session and found the event informative and enlightening. During the open forum, Engr. Antonio Morales, Chairman of the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all Filipino associations in Abu Dhabi, proposed to Embassy officials that the lecture be echoed to the larger Filipino community and expressed willingness to organize the event. END