Michelle Dee On Understanding and Championing Autism Awareness
Actress and beauty queen Michelle Dee knows what it’s like to deal with autism because of her two brothers. She speaks to Modern Parenting about understanding and speaking for the cause.
Beauty queen and actress, Michelle Dee, was exposed to people with autism even before speaking up about the cause. Two of her brothers have the condition. Since then, she took it upon herself to learn more about it. She has also involved herself in several activities in relation to autism awareness.
On a sideline of a Miss Universe Philippines event, Michelle talks to Modern Parenting about how her parents helped her understand her siblings’ diagnosis and her plans to push for more awareness.
Michelle Dee on showing compassion for people with autism
In the beginning, Michelle admitted that she didn’t really know how to deal with those around her with autism.
“I see different people treating them in different ways. Because of the lack of understanding. But what my parents really taught me growing up was to first see it with compassion; see that they don’t see the world the same way we do,” shared the former Miss World Philippines titleholder and current Miss Universe Philippines candidate.
“And the quality of life they deserve can be given to them if we just change our understanding of them. So first, we have to put ourselves in their shoes. That if we want the best for them, then we have to adjust in terms of their education. We have to give them their special needs.”
The daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez adds that it helps if there is already early detection and intervention.
“As early as one year old, if you see a delay in language, you should have it already checked, have it assessed. Maaga pa lang, you can give them the educational teachings. Just give them all that they may require to advance in life. Because nowadays, when I meet people who have been given the early interventions, they’re able to work. They are able to converse and live their life without depending on a caregiver.”
Michelle Dee on handling her two brothers diagnosed with autism
Michelle’s two brothers were diagnosed with autism. She said she handled their situation in different ways.
“When I was around my older brother, I wasn’t really sure why I couldn’t talk to him like my eldest brother. And with my younger brother, I already knew what to do,” she said. “So there is a different way of how I dealt with it.”
Michelle said more questions were asked about her older brother’s situation. “It was like why is your brother so good at running? Because they have their own unique skills. He’s a champion runner. Like you can excel in making puzzles and in this art but why can’t he speak? Why can’t he function like other people function?”
“So it’s more questions of why is he different? And is he going to stay different or is this curable?”
As for her younger brother, she admitted she and her siblings became protective and had to speak up several times because he experienced a lot of bullying.
Michelle Dee wants to push more for Autism Awareness
As an advocate and spokesperson for Autism Awareness in the Philippines, Michelle said one thing people should never do is bully them for being different.
“We should not bully them because a lot of autistic people get bullied and judge for who they are. And that’s their identity. They don’t deserve to be treated that way. If anything, we should be the ones championing their quality of life,” she said.
“If we meet somebody and we know of the issue, we should teach them to be compassionate. And if we’re in the position to voice out their concerns like me here on [the] Miss Universe Philippines stage, a position that possibly the educational sector, government sector can listen—then we should explain to them in any way we can.”
Check out more related stories in Modern Parenting
Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero Open Up About Their Daughter’s ASD Diagnosis
Former Wowowin Host Herlene Budol Wants to be a Spokesperson for Autism Awareness
Tricia Chiongbian Concepcion Shares Raising Her Son with Down Syndrome
