Manila, Jan. 23 -- As the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to push for inclusive development for persons with disabilities, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian enjoined the public to support and uphold the rights of individuals on the autism spectrum.

"The DSWD fully supports the observance of the National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW). People on the autism spectrum experience the world in a different way due to their neurodevelopmental condition, but they also possess strengths, talents, and abilities that are comparable to able-bodied citizens," Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.

The observance this year, slated from Jan. 19 to 25, banners the theme "Mula Kamalayan Tungo sa Gawa: Pag-unlad ng Autism-OK...