Actress Katrina Halili has opened up about her journey as a mother to a child with mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sharing both the challenges and triumphs of raising her daughter, Katie.
In an interview with Boy Abunda, Katrina recalled the early signs that led to her daughter’s diagnosis.
"Nung mga almost three years old po siya, wala siyang eye contact 'pag tinatawag siya. Sabi nung doctor niya na ipa-check ko daw kasi walang eye contact, tapos basta mga ganun 'yung mga symptoms niya. Tapos 'yun nga na-diagnosed na po siya na meron," she relayed on how she found out about her daughter's condition.
The actress remarked that she faced her daughter's condition head on. "Ako siyempre sinunod ko kung ano ang kailangan niya, therapy, ganyan," she highlighted.
Katrina acknowledged that parenting a child with autism comes with challenges, admitting that there were times when she felt overwhelmed.
"Medyo [mahirap] po 'pag hindi mo talaga inaral parang maguguluhan ka na lang. May times dati na naiiyak ako na hindi ko nakakasama 'yung anak ko, ang gulo-gulo, nagta-tantrums ng bonggang bongga... Mahirap pero kailangang tanggapin mo," she said.
Katrina expressed her joy in seeing her daughter’s progress, highlighting that Katie is now thriving and has found a passion for music.
"Pero ngayon sobrang okay na siya, okay na siyang kasama, masarap siyang kasama, masarap siyang kausap. Sobrang sweet," she relayed.
She shared that Katie enjoys singing and has even participated in school performances and mall shows, which have become a creative outlet for her.
"Sobrang proud ako sa kanya at tsaka happy ako kasi 'yung mga kagaya ni Katie dapat may outlet sila, so happy ako na meron siyang ginagawang iba," she relayed.
She went on: "Mahilig siya sa music, mahilig siyang kumanta. Ayan nagmo-mall show-mall show pa siya kasi sa school pinaaral nga siya kasi mahilig siyang kumanta, 'yung school nila nagmo-mall show, di ba gustong-gusto mag-perform," she stated.
Katie is Katrina's daughter with ex-partner Kris Lawrence.