Moving with Meaning: PsychSoc Walks for Autism Awareness

by Michel Angelique Ferolino and Andrea Ross Sedero


What does it mean to walk for someone? To take steps not just in support, but in solidarity?


The MSU-IIT campus stirred with life—movement not just of feet but of hearts aligned in purpose. With every stride, a message grew louder: every voice, every story, and every color on the spectrum deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.


As World Autism Awareness Month drew to a close, the MSU-IIT Psychology Society marked its culmination with a powerful and heartfelt initiative titled “Colors of the Spectrum: A Walk for Autism.” Held on April 30, 2025, the event transformed the academic grounds of MSU-IIT into a space of celebration, reflection, and advocacy.


The initiative was more than a symbolic walk. It was a passion project with deeply personal roots. Ethan Josh Roa, head of the Psychology Society’s Publications Committee who led the initiative shared how the idea sprang from his family. “Inspired ni siya by my sister, Lea, who has autism,” he said. “Mura siyag passion project bitaw at first. Although publications [head] ko, student leader pud ko… kana bitaw feel nimo nga this is something I want to do [so] you should do it.”


In collaboration with Pic-a-Talk AAC and JCI Maria Cristina Iligan, Colors of the Spectrum brought together diverse communities in a shared effort to raise awareness and advocate for those on the autism spectrum.


A key figure in this collaboration was Uma Roa—President of JCI Maria Cristina Iligan and founder of Pic-a-Talk AAC, an assistive mobile app for non-verbal children with special needs—who extended invitations to groups such as the Iligan City SPED Center, Medbay Therapy and Learning Center, and Alexa’s Haven. Their presence added deeper meaning to the advocacy, as children and their parents actively participated, embodying the heart of the event’s purpose.


The morning began with a program at CASS Rooms 119 and 120, where guests gathered for the opening ceremonies. Light-hearted activities such as the “Bring Me!” game and a face painting session for the children brought an atmosphere of joy and excitement. One of the highlights of the event before the walk was also the talk on autism awareness.


Hosted by Ruthie Puyo, Vice Mayor for External Affairs, and Jaana Claudia Parulan, Head of Ethics and Grievance, the forum brought together three guest speakers who shared their insights on autism awareness and the importance of early intervention. With heartfelt personal stories and expert advice, the conversation emphasized how crucial early support is, and how both community and professional guidance play a key role in helping families navigate autism care.


Guest speakers Eloisa Roa, 58, and Franchesca Pasigna, 28, both mothers of children with autism, shared their journeys, from the initial diagnosis to the therapies and services they encountered. While Vada Quiñones Tiu, an Occupational Therapist and founder of Medbay Therapy and Learning Center in Iligan City, offered a professional perspective, discussing the evolving role of OT in supporting children on the autism spectrum.


At the core of Colors of the Spectrum was a simple but urgent message of the need to continue raising awareness. “There’s still a lot of stigma against individuals on the spectrum,” Ethan Josh Roa reflected. “Our world is not catered towards them… so as psychology students, the best we can do is raise awareness.” The event became an opportunity to rise to the occasion and put academic knowledge into action. As the Project Head put it, “It’s the best we can do right now as undergrads.”


Colors of the Spectrum may have been a single-day event, but the commitment to raising awareness and fostering inclusion continues beyond it. The conversations it has started and the connections it has built serve as a lasting reminder that advocacy is an ongoing journey—one that lives on in everyday actions and shared understanding.


As participants walked side by side, they carried more than just banners. They carried a message: inclusion begins with awareness, and awareness begins with us.