MANILA, Philippines – Juan Alfonzo Pulhin Dacumos, who is on the autism spectrum, recently earned the highest academic distinction as “summa cum laude” from De La Salle University (DLSU).
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook, Juan Alfonzo Pulhin Dacumos |
For him, autism isn’t a limitation but a part of his identity that he’s learned to embrace.
A psychology student, Dacumos delivered a moving speech during the university’s recognition rites, where he shared how DLSU nurtured his growth while honoring his neurodivergence.
He spoke about how society often labels autism as a barrier to success, saying, “Autism has been treated as an inherent hindrance that needs to be hurdled for flourishing in the future.”
“For so long, people suggested autistic individuals were incapable of succeeding and achieving typical life goals such as strong careers, living independently, or even graduating with flying colors,” he added.
He recalled moments from his past, such as abruptly leaving conversations without warning, that might have been judged harshly elsewhere.
“I had the tendency to leave in the middle of conversations. Without any real cue or in inappropriate times, I would just walk away. Anywhere else, I would have been scolded and instructed to correct it,” he explained.
“Yet, you never criticized me nor saw a deficit, you saw a difference. A difference that never made me inferior or less capable. Instead, you helped me understand how it relates to my autism and how I can move forward,” he continued.
In a candid interview with PhilSTAR Life, Dacumos opened up about his personal journey. He only discovered he was autistic at age 18. After receiving his diagnosis, he and his family were initially reluctant to share the news due to the stigma that often surrounds autism in the Philippines.
But rather than letting it hold him back, Dacumos turned certain traits associated with his autism—like his strong preference for structure—into academic strengths.
Supported by a compassionate and inclusive university community, he found the courage to speak openly about his diagnosis during his graduation, not just as a personal victory, but as a message of hope for others.
Congratulations, Juan Alfonso!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express