'100 Tula Para Kay Stella' Director JP Laxamana opens up about Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis
Jason Paul Laxamana, director of hit Filipino films Between Maybes, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, and Just a Stranger revealed that he is on the autism spectrum, specifically diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.
“Yesterday, I got diagnosis that I am on the autism spectrum. I have Asperger's Syndrome,” he began his Instagram post on Sunday, Aug. 6.
The 35-year-old filmmaker shared that after his session with the psychiatrist, he shed “tears of relief” as he is finally able to understand himself after all these years, allowing him to know how to better take care of himself.
“I cried after my session with the psychiatrist, not because I am sad, but because I am relieved to finally know how I'm built as a human being,” he said.
“[I’m] relieved to finally understand my experiences in life for the past decades, especially those times I suffered mentally and felt like an odd entity in society,” he added.
“Now I can finally take care of my special needs, assert and demand them as much as possible, and avoid situations that do not serve my best interest. #ASD #autism #aspergers”
Fans and notable celebrities who worked with him, including Bella Padilla, Kylie Verzosa, and Janella Salvador poured their support on the comments section of Laxamana's post.
“[T]his Stella is very proud of you!” said actress and filmmaker Bella Padilla.
“Sending my love and so proud of all your accomplishments direk!” wrote the actress and beauty queen Kylie Verzosa.
“You are such an inspiration !!!! You are beautiful and wonderfully made,” actress Andrea Del Rosario said.
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
According to Cleveland Clinic, people with Asperger’s Syndrome, also referred to as the “high functioning” type for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to struggle with socializing, do repetitive behavior, have a limited range of interests, and have “average or higher-than-average language and intelligence levels.” And this can be diagnosed either by pediatricians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists.
There is no cure for this condition, nor specific drugs to directly address this, but people can take medications to manage its symptoms.
However, there are treatments available like speech and occupational therapies to aid you in overcoming emotional dilemmas like fears, and developing skills needed for your day-to-job, such as socializing.