Thank you for everyone who supported me and Dale during the past couple of days. I am not going to lie and tell you that I am okay now with everything. My heart bleeds still. I've gone two days without sleep, and I became deeply depressed. I realized this was not an ordinary case. This was a case of discrimination.
It was my decision to transfer my children to my alma mater. The reasons were one, because it was nearer; and two, because I wanted them to be accustomed to a big school. Now, I realized I made the wrong decision.
It is too late now to transfer them again, and I don't want them to be strongly affected by all of these. A lot of you have informed and advised me to go to court with it. Some said to go to PAASCU and report the school and have their accreditation stripped.
Thank you.
But, I think that the best way to get back our dignity is to inform people, as many as we can, about the issue of autism and discrimination.
Dale was diagnosed as having autism at age 3. He was non-verbal at first, but he eventually started talking when his younger brother also started talking to him, making him our first therapist. We enrolled Dale in the early intervention program of Pasay City SPED Center, where he stayed for 4 years. During those times, he excelled intellectually and was even featured in the docufilm "Alyana" (by MiranaMedina; http://advocacine.wordpress.com).
He graduated from SPED with honors and was accepted as Grade 1 (fully included) at San Isidro Catholic School. Of course, being a child with special needs, there were minor problems that arose, but due to his intellect and easy grasp of things, we have never been called in for anything major.
During those years, he learned he was different from other children and he eventually accepted that he needed help. He was quick to accept faults and even quicker to forgive.
When he entered his recent school, he was placed in the "star" section (based on his grades and his entrance test results) and from day 1 we have encountered problems with them (see http://arolfdelano.multiply.com/journal/item/81/A_New_Beginning). During that year, we have had minimal problems with Dale and his teachers.
When he entered Grade 5, it was then a different story. During the first conference with his teachers, they even told me they were not sure how Dale passed Grade 4.
Now that this happened (http://www.facebook.com/notes/reich-delos-santos-santos/untitled/486215821253), I am not sure of what to do anymore. All I know is that not everything is about me, nor Dale. I have to think of my other two children who can survive in that school. Making a legal move can affect not only Dale, but them as well. And I wouldn't want that.
All I know is what the school did was wrong. They accepted my son knowing who he is. They have the responsibility not only to him, but to us parents and the whole community. The principal also told me that "yung iba nga pong teachers, pinapabayaan na lang nila si "Dale" for the benefit of the other students." Meaning, my son is being neglected as well.
His counselor told me, there were children who were worse than Dale. Others, were "normal." I'm not sure what's so "special" about Dale that they do not want him there.
I told Dale the truth. When he heard it, he smiled a little (the prospect of not going to school is tempting to every student), but his face slowly changed into a frown when he realized what I was saying. He said "You mean, they think that I'm gonna ruin everything when I'm there?" How do you answer that?
You may also ask me, how could I have had the heart to tell him the truth?
I love my son. That, I think, is obvious. I have done everything I could for him. I have shielded him to the best of my ability from things that might hurt him. But he is getting older. I believe that he needs to develop a deeper sense of understanding of how cruel the society we live in is sometimes, because if not, he will always be taken advantage of. I will not live forever, and I cannot stand up for him all the time. Getting sick made me realize how short life is.
I am not stupid. I graduated high school from that school, as well. I finished college with honors. I got my teaching license after pursuing a teaching certificate. I am now 6 units, a practicum and a thesis short of an M.A. degree in Education. I write for an international autism community website. And most importantly, I am the daughter of brilliant parents, both coming from clans that cannot be reckoned with. I cannot understand how they had the audacity to even suggest such a horrendous and inhumane act, and thinking they can get away with it.
Let this be a lesson to all teachers, because it was for me. Be reminded of what we have sworn into.
Section 2. A teacher shall recognize that the interest and welfare of learners are of first and foremost concern, and shall deal justifiably and impartially with each of them.
Section 3. Under no circumstance shall a teacher be prejudiced or discriminate against a learner.
If you do not have the heart and compassion for ALL students, don't teach! This was said to be the noblest profession. Let us not tarnish the reputation of the teachers who are dedicated to their profession. Let us not be stagnant and be still. Teachers should also learn.
The prevalence of autism in 2009 was estimated to have reached 1:91 children. This just means that more and more children with special needs will come into your classrooms. Be proactive and learn how to manage and handle them. They are no different from any other children, except that they need more understanding and patience--two traits that should be inherent in every educator.
You do not even have to enroll in special courses. Google it!
Lastly, let us be responsible in making other people aware of this rising condition. People do not care, because they do not know. People do not care, because they do not have a "Dale." Ask yourself, if Dale was your son, would you do the same thing?
Please start by reading an article from the Inquirer. This gave me hope today. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/learning/view/20110116-314873/Engaging_Gabriel
We are currently celebrating National Autism Consciousness Week. See the Autism Society Philippines website -- http://autismsocietyphilippines.blogspot.com/2010/12/15th-national-autism-consciousness-week.html
For more information about Dale's journey, please go to http://possibilities1217.blogspot.com
Please be an angel by spreading the word.
Again, my sincerest gratitude to everybody. Hugs from Dale. God bless you.
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