BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — A registered speech language pathologist cautioned parents and guardians of individuals in the spectrum against pseudo therapists.
Justine Palou Ang, during the online Universal Health Care Sirib Series on January 16, 2026, said that with the surge in demand of therapy services and the limited number of licensed professionals, they have observed the proliferation of pseudo therapists.
She said these are fake or unaccredited or unlicensed individuals who take advantage of the situation and introduce themselves as behaviorists or speech teachers offering their services at cheaper fee.
“When the doctors recommend the kids for therapy, you have to make sure that the professionals you are going to or you are bringing the child to are licensed professionals and the right professionals to do the job,” Ang said.
She added that only developmental pediatricians and pediatric neurologists are licensed to diagnose people on the spectrum.
Psychometricians can administer the tests but they do not have the background to give that diagnosis, she said.
“Even when the kids are referred to therapy, please make sure that therapy centers have the proper documents, they are registered with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), their business permits are intact, and the therapists that they employ are licensed professionals,” Ang said.
She also reminded the protocols for the therapy centers and the doctors to have their credentials displayed in the reception or the waiting area.
The public is urged to report fraudulent activity with the Professional Regulation Commission, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health, Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists, or other professional organizations. **DEG-PIA CAR
