Boy Abunda: Alam nating lahat na Katie has special needs, na meron siyang mild autism. Una, paano mo nalaman na meron si Katie?
Katrina Halili: Nung mga almost 3 years old po siya, wala siyang eye contact. Tapos, ‘yun nga, na-diagnose siya na meron.
Boy Abunda: Natakot ka?
Katrina Halili: Mas more on hindi. Mas more on ginamot. Meron kasing ibang taong ayaw eh. No. Hindi. Hindi ganun ang anak ko. May naririnig po ako na ayaw, pero ako, syempre, sinunod ko kung ano kailangan niya—therapy, ganyan.
Boy Abunda: In other words, hinarap mo.
Katrina Halili: Hinarap ko agad.
Boy Abunda: Mahirap ang challenge, ang araw-araw na buhay, because of her special needs?
Katrina Halili: Medyo po. Pag hindi mo talaga inaral, parang maguguluhan ka na lang. May times dati na naiiyak ako na hindi ko nakakasama ang anak ko. Ang gulo-gulo. Nagtatantrums ng bonggang-bongga… Ay, kasama niya ang anak niya, naiinggit ako. Mahirap, pero kailangan tanggapin mo.“
The first and most crucial step for parents of a special needs child is acceptance. Acknowledging their child’s condition allows them to seek the right interventions early, ensuring better development and quality of life.
Denial can delay essential therapies, but acceptance empowers parents to find the best support and resources. It’s not about giving up hope but embracing the journey with love and determination.
Parents of special needs children are among the bravest, facing challenges with unwavering strength to help their child thrive.
