MANILA, Philippines — A book that tackles autism parenting was launched on Saturday at the Manila International Book Fair in Pasay.
“Strength in the spectrum: A life journey of resilience in autism parenting,” launched by the Vibal Foundation, is a book based on a dissertation study that explored the lived experiences of parents who are raising their kids on the autism spectrum.
The writer, Dr. Karen Develos-Sacdalan—who is a registered psychologist—also drew from her own experiences in raising her daughter Ria in writing the book.
“I want the world to know that this is what it’s like for the specific type of autism—this specific type of situation, because it also varies,” she said, implying the need to showcase the real situation that parents go through.
She told The Manila Times that more than raising awareness, it is important to appreciate. “We need to level up to have some form of personal growth, as the one raising them—this is a lifelong task.”
“If you feel alone, look around. There are many support groups and people who will really inspire you,” said Sacdalan, stressing that even as a parent, she learned more about the lived experiences of fellow parents of children on the autism spectrum from writing the book.
Sacdalan revealed that she also planned on writing a book from the perspective of the siblings of children on the autism spectrum.
