Raising a child with autism: 'I had to isolate my son so that he won’t get hurt and wouldn't hurt anyone'

The Guotos family is facing the challenge of raising a child diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and OCD.

SBS Filipino

View Podcast Series

Get the SBS Audio app

Other ways to listen

Parenting is a challenging journey, and the true measure of strength emerges when faced with the unexpected reality of your child having a disability.

KEY POINTS

Gemma Cruz-Guotos is a devoted mother in Brisbane raising a child with ASD, ADHD, and OCD.
Gemma turned to her family and friends for support, drawing strength from their encouraging words and comforting presence.
She dedicated time to study the condition thoroughly, aiming to equip herself with the knowledge needed to support her child effectively and accessed government support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

'Usapang Parental' is SBS Filipino's segment on parenting. It features the stories of migrant families, parenting issues, raising kids, and parenting tips and advice from experts.

In today's episode of SBS Filipino's Usapang Parental, we delve into the story of Gemma Cruz-Guotos, a devoted mother facing the unique challenge of raising a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Gemma's initial pregnancy appeared typical, but as Pierre entered toddlerhood, subtle signs emerged—walking on tiptoes, meticulous arrangement of toys, and self-isolation, indicative of ASD. Swiftly reaching out to medical professionals, Gemma hoped for Pierre's recovery and a future of normalcy. However, her resilience as a mother was truly tested.

Pierre received a level 3 ASD diagnosis, indicating significant challenges in social communication, extremely inflexible behaviour, and the presence of aggression. He needed substantial support and was at very high risk of neglect, abuse and discrimination.

"I had to isolate my son para hindi siya masaktan at hindi makasakit. Napapulis kami, kinuyog kami ng mga tao. Kailangan matibay ang loob ng isang ina. Ina lang ang makakatawid ng mga challenges na yun."

(I had to isolate my son so that he won’t get hurt and he wouldn't hurt anyone. We've been to the police, people ganged up on us. But you need to be resilient. Only a mother possesses the strength to navigate through such challenges.)

Pierre was diagnosed with level 3 autism where he needs substantial support and was at very high risk of neglect, abuse and discrimination.

In her quest to provide the best for Pierre, Gemma turned to her family and friends for support, drawing strength from their encouraging words and comforting presence.

Recognising the importance of understanding autism, she dedicated time to study the condition thoroughly, aiming to equip herself with the knowledge needed to support her child effectively. Additionally, Gemma accessed government support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST