A new book on autism parenting journey launched at the MIBF

PASAY CITY, Metro Manila – September 13, 2025 – Vibal Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of Strength in the Spectrum: A life Journey of Resilience in Autism Parenting, by Dr. Karen Develos-Sacdalan. This timely publication offers an in-depth, empathetic, and professionally informed exploration of the unique experiences of parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The book will be unveiled during a special program, “Parenting the Ausome Way” on the main stage of the SMX Convention Center as a highlight of Day 4 of the 2025 Manila International Book Fair. The event, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, is open to the public and will feature a discussion with Dr. Sacdalan moderated by the Chair of Educational Psychology of the Psychological Association of the Philippines, Dr. Oliver Santa Ana.

This new title under the Referencia imprint of Vibal Foundation aims to serve as a vital resource for families, educators, therapists, and advocates navigating the complexities of autism. Authored by Dr. Sacdalan, a registered psychologist, licensed professional teacher, human resource consultant, and—most importantly—a mother to a neurodivergent child, the book effectively blends personal narratives with psychological insights and practical guidance.

The book is thoughtfully structured around three core life lessons that have profoundly shaped Dr. Sacdalan’s own journey and the experiences of the many parents she interviewed: Acceptance, which emphasizes that acceptance is not a passive surrender but an ongoing, courageous act of embracing reality; Adjustment, which highlights the continuous process of personal reinvention and adaptation parents undertake to meet their child’s evolving needs; and Advocacy, which underscores the critical role parents play in championing understanding, inclusion, and policy change for neurodivergent individuals.

Strength in the Spectrum: A life Journey of Resilience in Autism Parenting explores the initial shock and emotional turmoil of diagnosis, the “death of dreams” parents often experience, and the profound financial and practical challenges families confront. Through candid stories of resilience, the book showcases how parents cultivate unwavering love, find unexpected silver linings amidst adversity, and build essential support networks—a.k.a. their “tribe”—to navigate the unpredictable journey of autism parenting. Each of the nine chapters is complemented by mental health worksheets, offering readers practical tools to apply the book’s lessons to their daily lives.

This new publication reflects Vibal Foundation’s commitment to enriching minds across generations through thoughtfully curated reference materials and impactful works by experts in their fields. Strength in the Spectrum will be an essential contribution to disability advocacy, mental health awareness, and the ongoing dialogue about creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“We speak out not just to be heard, but to create change,” states Dr. Sacdalan. “Acceptance builds understanding, adjustment builds courage, and advocacy builds hope.”

Vibal’s books are available on Shopee, Lazada, Vibal’s online shopping portal, at Fine Philippine Books branches, and at partner bookstores nationwide.