For decades, the conversation around autism in the Philippines has centered on awareness. This time around, that conversation finally evolved into empowerment.
Marking World Autism Month, Candent Learning Haus (CLH) inaugurated its 1st Neurodivergent Summit, titled “Amplifying Neurodivergent Voices: A Summit for Change.”
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The event signals a departure from traditional observances, offering a concrete blueprint for a society where neurodivergent Filipinos are not just supported, but fully integrated.
For many families, the transition from structured schooling to adulthood can feel like a daunting void.
The summit addressed this head-on by highlighting the L.I.F.E., or Learning Independence from Meaningful Experiences, program—a framework designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world self-reliance.
“We are not simply teaching skills; we are fostering a sense of belonging and agency,” said Joji Jonellie Reynes-Santos, who founded Candent in 2007 with her husband, Benjie Santos.
“The goal is to ensure that every individual, regardless of their neurotype, has the tools to achieve economic independence and a life of purpose.”
Joining the movement is lawyer Anna Regina ‘Apples’ Batuhan, who has been a quiet, steady force in the advocacy community. As mother to her daughter, Megan, she joined fellow families in demanding a future where neurodiversity is celebrated as a natural part of the human experience.
“This summit is about more than engagement; it is about genuine, radical inclusion,” Batuhan said.
The summit brought together a diverse group of voices, blending clinical insight with the powerful stories of those living the experience: Dr. Alexis Reyes of St. Luke’s BGC and Professor Stephen Shore of Adelphi University shared global perspectives on how neurodiversity can be a profound strength.
Juan Alfonzo “Japonz” Dacumos, a neurodivergent graduate of De La Salle University, shared a firsthand account of navigating academic and professional spaces, proving that success is possible with the right environment.
Immersive discussions tackled the complexities of mental health, the journey through educational transitions, and the critical need to pivot the national narrative from “pity” to “potential.”
“Our gathering is not just about listening; it is about what we choose to do after we listen. Because amplifying voices is not simply about creating space; it is about sharing power,” said Bravanti Francia, a Senior Education Program Specialist from the Department of Education’s Bureau of Learning Delivery – Student Inclusion Division.
The summit was supported by St. Scholastica’s College Manila and the Dean of the School of Music, Sr. Agnella Capili OSB—both dedicated champions of neurodivergent minds.
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