Celebrating Filipino Children with Autism through Filipino Children’s Books

“Bayani and the ABCs of Me” brings Filipino children with autism into the heart of Filipino children’s books. The story, written by Irene Batario and Redner Salonga, introduces Bayani, a young Filipino boy on the autism spectrum. Through his story, the book celebrates differences, encourages empathy, and offers a cultural lens often missing in literature aimed at young Filipino readers. It stands as a rare gem in Filipino children’s books, created with the intent to both reflect and uplift a community that often remains unseen.

A New Voice in Filipino Children’s Books

Batario and Salonga work in Jacksonville, Florida, where they have dedicated themselves to advocating for the Filipino community. Batario serves as a job coach for students with disabilities. Salonga, a board-certified behavior analyst, also holds a leadership role in Jax Filipinos, a nonprofit organization that supports Filipino Americans. Together, they created this book not only as authors but as active supporters of inclusive education and representation.

Their motivation came from a shared desire to represent Filipino children on the autism spectrum. They collaborated closely, referring to each other as “tita” and “kuya” in the community, and poured their experiences and advocacy into the creation of Bayani’s character. Through Bayani’s journey, the authors emphasize understanding, inclusion, and the power of storytelling.

Centering Family and Culture

“Bayani and the ABCs of Me” doesn’t just tell a story—it builds community awareness. The book ties deeply into Filipino culture, incorporating family values and using the Tagalog language alongside English. It invites readers to see the world through Bayani’s eyes, encouraging both neurodivergent and neurotypical children to find common ground. Salonga emphasized that representation is lacking in current children’s literature, particularly for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. With this book, he and Batario aim to change that.

To bring the book to life visually, the authors partnered with Arli Pagaduan, a Filipino illustrator with a background in Multimedia Arts & Sciences from Mapúa University. Pagaduan’s illustrations blend vibrant visuals with personal, spiritual, and emotional depth. Her contribution ensures the book feels authentically Filipino in both story and style.

From Book to Community Outreach

The impact of “Bayani and the ABCs of Me” stretches beyond its pages. In 2024, Salonga co-founded Autism Pamilya, a nonprofit that supports individuals with autism and their families. Through this organization, he and Batario have provided resources, education, and community support with a cultural focus.

Part of the proceeds from the book fund programs such as the HopeKits Outreach. This initiative has distributed over 400 kits filled with essential supplies, educational items, and sensory-friendly toys to families of children with special needs. One such effort reached the Big Steps Special Education Center in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, where 400 relief bags made their way into the hands of students and families in need.

These efforts show how Filipino children’s books like “Bayani and the ABCs of Me” can become powerful tools for community engagement. They do not just share stories; they make a tangible difference.

Available Around the World

“Bayani and the ABCs of Me” is now available globally. Readers in the U.S. can find it through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and IngramSpark. Independent retailers also carry the title. In the Philippines, readers can buy the book through Shopee and various local shops. The wide availability ensures the story of Bayani reaches families, educators, and communities worldwide, connecting them through shared experiences and values.

By making the book accessible, the authors extend their mission of inclusion and advocacy. They bring greater visibility to neurodiverse children and provide a resource that reflects the rich cultural identity of Filipino families.

A Story That Uplifts and Represents

“Bayani and the ABCs of Me” brings attention to the beauty and strength of children with autism. It marks a significant addition to the small but growing collection of Filipino children’s books that place culture, community, and diversity at the forefront. For Batario and Salonga, this book is a labor of love—a gift to children, families, and educators seeking representation and understanding.

They wrote this book not only for Bayani but for every child who deserves to see themselves in a story. Their work affirms the importance of visibility and belonging, and it stands as a testament to how Filipino children’s books can change lives, one page at a time.