The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is providing assistance to a person with autism who was reportedly physically abused on a public utility bus.

Following instructions from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) of the agency’s Central Office conducted a home visit in San Jose Del Monte City (SJDM) on Sunday to assess the victim’s condition.

Initial reports indicate that a social worker from the SJDM City Social Welfare and Development Office has already assisted the victim, who underwent a medical check-up at Grace Medical Center.

The DSWD is coordinating with the local government unit of SJDM to provide further interventions.

“We are looking into the possibility of referring the victim’s family for psychosocial support under the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support or WiSupport program and the provision of financial assistance,” said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao on Sunday.

The WiSupport program offers comprehensive services to individuals in crisis who may be experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.

Dumlao added that the DSWD will also prioritize resuming the victim’s therapy, which had been discontinued due to the family’s financial difficulties.

“During the home visitation, we also found out that the main source of his family’s livelihood is selling corn. This is not enough to support the victim’s therapy. We are now facilitating referral services to medical institutions or partner service providers to help the victim to continue his sessions,” Dumlao said.

While the victim’s welfare is the primary concern, the DSWD will also explore ways to assist the family in filing a criminal case.

In coordination with the SJDM LGU, the DSWD will continue to provide additional interventions to the victim and his family based on further assessment to ensure their full recovery from the incident.