Midst of Euphoria

Chapter 4 : Anika

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people.

Autism is a condition often stigmatized by the society. Incapable of doing and managing, they are deprived from the opportunities and they are often denied access.

"I could feel the microorganisms in her plate. It would contaminate the vitamin E, Craine!"

I immediately looked at Fanny because of her remarks. We're currently in Hawak Kamay Foundation along with our professor and blockmates as part of our field project in Civic Welfare Training Service.

"You're exaggerating things, Fanny. Leave that plate alone for christ sake!" I whispered that made her pout. Nakasubaybay parin ang tingin nito kay Jerico a child with autism. May hawak na plato kasi ito sa kamay at nilalaro ang almond.

Aangal pa sana ito nang nilakihan ko ito ng mata para tumigil na s'ya.

"Hi Solar! How are you today? Feeling good?" I asked while smiling at the child. Ang gaan ng loob ko sa mga katulad nila. People should've promote deeper relation to people with disabilities, for them to feel welcomed, to be introduced with various opportunities for them to learn and discover their skills. I knew, if they only have a lot of support system, they would definitely shine.

The problem is the society. The standard of the people. I know there are also programs for the people like them but it wouldn't hide the fact that they were treated unfairly by the majority.

Other may treat them well but the emotion and feelings they showcased is not 100% entirely true! As I was saying, emotions and feelings are illusion to hide something. You don't know who to believe or trust anymore.

"Attention everyone! I'll give you at least 2 weeks to know 1 child in this foundation. Make a documentary video, their hobbies, skills, their dreams, anything! You already know what to do, so i'll expect a great outcome from this block."

"Dapat po ba individual Sir?" my classmate asked. Napatingin naman si sir sakanya bago sumagot."Hindi naman, but a maximum of 2 will do, okay?"

"Yes Sir!" Napatingin ako sa paligid, nasa may open oval na kami sa Hawak Kamay Foundation. We're actually here to observe the autism's learning environment , the children's behavior and their habits.

"Isn't this too sensitive topic to delve?" Fanny asked and I agree with her. I know this is for educational purpose but still, it's sensitive.

"Let's try it first." I replied before making my way inside the foundation. Mamayang 5 pm pa ang alis namin. It's been 4 weeks since i enrolled in Cornelia Campbell. A short amount of time yet a lot of things already happened.

"Why are you following me?" I said to Fanny when i noticed her walk side by side.

"Ay hindi ba tayo mag kagrupo? Tinatakwil mo naba ako Craine? Masama ba akong kaibigan?" sunod-sunod na tanong nito. Hindi ko mapigilan na ikutan s'ya ng mata dahil sa drama n'ya.

"Let's do this. Stay focused okay? No irrelevant words, Fanny." I said while glaring at her. Alam ko ang bituka ng isang to sa apat na linggo na nakasama ko s'ya bilang kamag-aral ko. She just have this kind of hobby na pag nasimulan n'ya nang magsalita about her love for microbiology ay hindi na ito humihinto, to the point na it became annoying na sa pandinig, kasi naman ang lakas ng tinig n'ya tapos ang bilis pa magsalita.