Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician - Dr Pabs Planta

03/12/2025

A new study in Pediatrics found that twelve-year-olds who owned smartphones were more likely to experience depression and obesity and not get enough sleep than their peers without one. Consistent communication with children and teens about smartphones and screen time can help make sure that phones don’t crowd out important activities like exercise, sleep, and quality time with friends and family. Learn more in AAP News: https://bit.ly/3KvYJkB

28/11/2025

24/10/2025

Dear parents,
Anakloud is an ongoing project under our capstone at the Asian Institute of Management (MIB 2026B), where my group and I aim to better understand how parents of children with developmental or learning differences experience and navigate daily challenges in accessing care and therapy.

This short 5–7 minute survey seeks to capture your perspectives and identify the barriers, gaps, and needs that affect families like yours. All responses will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and insights.

— The Anakloud Team, MIB 2026B (AIM)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFgcWMH3AJZWmBQcJzF-lHXsZYmLMDagvMcVLeAisWQ9depA/viewform

23/09/2025

Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.

We know autism is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. Individualized plans, often involving a combination of developmental, behavioral, educational and social-relational strategies, can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to individuals and families. We also need and welcome additional investments in federally funded research to better support families of autistic children.

Families who have questions about their child’s medications, autism care plans or other health care should consult with their pediatrician or health care provider.
https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc

20/08/2025

❕Seeking Participants: Filipino children aged 5 to 9 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Typically Developing Peers

The ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) is conducting a study on the medical and genetic characteristics of Filipino kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Your child's participation will play a vital role in comparing the clinical and biomolecular profiles of children with ASD and typically developing children

By participating, you’ll have:

💡 Personalized insights: Know the potential causes of your child's gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional imbalances.

⛑️ Early intervention: Identify areas for early intervention to improve your child's well-being.

🧬 Contributing to science: Help us advance research on autism and benefit future generations.

If interested, register through this link https://bit.ly/ProfilingScreening or scan the QR code in the poster.

📧 For questions and inquiries, email us at aasg.asmph@ateneo.edu

30/07/2025

FREE Inclusive Education Webinar

12/07/2025

FREE Webinar!

Good day! We are inviting Everyone (Parents/Caregivers, Medical and Health Professionals, Educators & Allied Health Professionals) to join our PSDBP FREE PARENTING WEBINAR entitled ”Building Strong Foundations: Practical Parenting Strategies to Support Development, Behavior and Emotional Well-Being from Early Childhood Onwards.”

The webinar is one of the multiple activities lined up in celebration of our PSDBP Silver Anniversary. This will be a panel discussion composed of distinguished speakers from different medical and allied fields.

SPEAKERS
Erik Jan Estrada,MD,FPPS,DPSDBP
Lady M. Suarez ,OTRP
Suselyn Pascual,MRS-SP, RSLP
Elham Mae Bocalbos, MD,FPPA

MODERATOR
Leanith Agustin-Haya, MD, FPPS,FPSDBP

The webinar will be held live via Zoom on July 26,2025 at 6 PM. This will also be broadcasted via Facebook live and YouTube live.

Kindly click the link below to register or scan the QR code:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H800kujQRM2EMnyLLdRnaA

02/06/2025

⏳ Less than 1 month to go!

The 4th Children’s Summit is happening soon, and we can’t wait to see you there!

This year’s theme is “Present and Purposeful: Parenting and Teaching in a Changing World” —a timely discussion on mindful strategies to support families, educators, and caregivers today.

📅 Date: June 21, 2025, Saturday
🕣 Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Registration Fee: P1,000.00
🗓 Registration Deadline: June 07, 2025
✅ 4.5 CPD units approved for Physicians & Occupational Therapists (CPD units apply only to live webinar attendees). Approval for Psychologists still pending.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow in your parenting and teaching journey.

📲 Scan the QR code or click this link to register now: https://bit.ly/ChildrensSummit2025

16/04/2025

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder continues to increase.

The CDC’s latest report finds that autism now affects 1 in 31 children in the United States—up from 1 in 36 just two years ago. A lot has changed over the years, and this continued rise in prevalence reflects, in part, real progress: increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and more consistent, standardized screening tools have all contributed to more children being identified earlier and more accurately – underscored the need for continued support and investment in the autism community.

While there are many factors driving these numbers, research shows that 60–90% of autism risk is rooted in genetics. Still, one thing is clear—this steady increase in prevalence calls for deeper, sustained investment in autism research, not only to understand its causes, but also to support the growing number of people diagnosed today.

We must ensure that policies and budgets evolve to reflect this new reality. That means expanding access to early intervention, strengthening educational and healthcare systems, and providing supports that span a lifetime. This data is not just a number—it’s a call to action.