Cebu City’s bold plan to detect autism and ADHD in children earlier

Cebu City is planning a new ordinance to improve early detection and support for children with autism and ADHD. The proposal aims to create a structured system for identifying signs in schools and ensuring faster referrals for medical checks. Officials say the move will fill gaps where warning signs often go unaddressed due to unclear processes or high costs.

The draft law would require schools, barangays, and health centres to work together in spotting early symptoms. Teachers, counsellors, and school health staff would receive training to recognise potential cases and refer children for evaluation with parental approval. The city government would also launch awareness drives to educate the public on health disorders.

To ease financial barriers, the ordinance includes a P10 million fund to subsidise diagnostic expenses. Medical experts, however, stressed the need to align the programme with Philhealth’s mental health benefits, as initial screenings alone can exceed P4,000. They also warned that increased demand must be met with enough specialists to avoid lengthy delays in diagnosis. Implementation would involve coordination between multiple agencies, including the DOH, DepEd, DSWD, and NGOs. Public and private hospitals, along with the Cebu City Medical Center, may expand services to handle additional referrals. Advocates pushed for ongoing public education to ensure schools and communities foster inclusive environments for affected children.

If passed, the ordinance will formalise early screening and referral networks across Cebu City. The city must now secure partnerships with health providers and ensure sufficient specialist capacity. The success of the programme hinges on sustained funding, inter-agency collaboration, and public engagement.