'There is a growing number of children with behavioral disorders, and yet there remains to be very few affordable programs and services specifically to serve their needs.'

MANILA, Philippines — QUESTION: I read your article about " Mood swings in children" dated January 17, 2010, I have been trying to research and read about kids with behavioral disorder because my 14 year-old nephew is showing signs of having behavioral disorder. Where can we go to ask for help? Can we go to the Department of Social Welfare because we cannot afford private treatment. I am desperate for help. – Pia

Teacher Genevieve says: It would be my pleasure to talk to you. You can reach me at ALRES-PHILS.: 7121189/4118736 or visit me at #26-B Agno St., Brgy. Dona Josefa, Quezon City so we can further discuss your options for assessment and intervention.

There is a growing number of children with behavioral disorders, and yet there remains to be very few affordable programs and services specifically to serve their needs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is tasked to promote the rights and welfare of the marginalized sectors of our society. However, the disabled sector is just one of the disadvantaged sectors being served by this agency.

In a developing country such as ours, there is a question of priorities, with poverty alleviation and disaster response overshadowing all other concerns. Sadly, the reality is that children with special needs are often twice marginalized by both poverty and disability.

Majority of children with special needs come from the poorest of the poor whose mothers lack maternal health care and education, live in impoverished environments, are malnourished, and lack early stimulation needed for optimal development.

If they are deprived of the services they need, then their chances for productivity are significantly limited. They are not even given the chance they deserve to prove their worth and the contribution they could make for the betterment of our society.

EXPLORING the FEW OPTIONS that EXIST

The DSWD has specific programs that cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The National Vocational Rehabilitation Center along J.P. Burgos St., Project 4, Quezon City, run by DSWD, offers psychological and counseling services. Although the focus of these services are on “vocational and social skills training for socio-economic independence and productivity,” they may have provisions for specific assessments and interventions for adolescents with suspected Behavioral Disorders. You can call the DSWD Main Office through these numbers: 9318101-07.

Another institution you can call is the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) located at #18 East Avenue, Quezon City. Their telephone nos. are 9214958-59. They offer psychological testing services at more reasonable rates than private clinics.

The Child Neuroscience Division of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) along Quezon Avenue corner Agham Road, Quezon City with telephone nos. 9246601 loc. 325 likewise offers socialized fees for services they render for patients with special needs. It would be best to arrange for a schedule in the soonest possible time, since they would most likely have a waitlist before you could be accommodated.

Time is of the essence when children with special needs are concerned. I understand your desperation and appreciate your appeal for help.

Faced with countless obstacles, many would just give up and let their circumstances lead them to whatever end awaits them. You have chosen the better path, pro-actively finding ways to give your nephew a chance at a more promising future.