Empowering Neurominorities, Building Acceptance
Welcome to ION Philippines, a community dedicated to uplifting neurominorities and their allies. Together, let’s build a society that celebrates neurodiversity and fosters true belonging.
Join us in creating a world where the voices of neurominorities—individuals with unique neurological profiles—are heard, valued, and empowered. Your support helps foster lasting change and acceptance in the Philippines
WE ARE MADE BY YOU, FOR YOU AND WITH YOU.
About Us
The Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) is the only global neurominority organization that is made by neurominorities for neurominorities.
We are ION Philippines (IONPH), the Philippine Chapter of the global Institute of Neurodiversity (ION). As part of a network active in 26+ countries, ION unites neurodivergent individuals and allies across 100+ nations to foster acceptance, education, and equal opportunities for neurominorities worldwide. Launched in the Philippines in November 2024, IONPH is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive community for all neurotypes and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals to promote equity and human rights.
At IONPH, we believe in “Nothing about us without us,” ensuring our work is led by neurominority voices to drive meaningful change.
Our Purpose
IONPH exists to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of neurominorities in the Philippines. Through educational initiatives, support networks, and community programs, we seek to empower and transform the lives of those with neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.
We are committed to creating a world where neurominorities—individuals with unique neurological profiles—are heard, valued, and empowered.
What We Do
WHAT DOES NEURODIVERSITY MEAN TO US?
ION Philippines (IONPH), as part of the ION Global network, sees neurodiversity as a unifying concept that started within the Autistic rights movement and has since expanded to embrace all neurological and neurodevelopmental variations, including ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Dyscalculia, and more. Across the world, neurominorities share the experience of navigating a society where there is no need to “fix” or “cure” our unique neurological identities.
DISCOVERING OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE
For generations, neurominorities have felt pressured to conform, to hide, or to silence their differences. Today, on a global scale, we are finding our collective voice, advocating for our needs, and envisioning a renewed perspective—both for ourselves and for society. With ION’s international community, we are recognizing our inherent value as contributors in workplaces, schools, communities, and beyond.
CULTIVATING AN INCLUSIVE NEUROCOMMUNITY
As part of ION's worldwide network, IONPH envisions a Neurocommunity that values, includes, and inspires individuals to connect, grow, and thrive together.
Our community mission is to share Neuroculture within our circles and with the broader world. Through true belonging, we build bridges to a society that once felt out of reach.
ADVANCING EQUITY TOGETHER
Many of us have faced misdiagnoses or lack of diagnosis, contributing to feelings of isolation. Through ION’s global advocacy, we work to provide neurominorities everywhere with the understanding, community, and tools needed to foster equity and a sense of belonging.
FOSTERING A SPACE OF ACCEPTANCE
Our collective experiences as neurominorities arise from our atypical neurotypes, influencing our perception and interaction with the world.
Worldwide, our distinct viewpoints and abilities merit recognition and acceptance.
DRIVING SOCIAL CHANGE
ION is dedicated to promoting the human rights movement for Neurodiversity throughout every aspect of society. Become an advocate with us in our communities, or collaborate with us to foster inclusive environments in your school, organization, or community.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Development in the Philippines
At IONPH, we are dedicated to fostering a world that values and supports neurominorities through sustainable, inclusive practices. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we focus on key areas that align with our mission to promote equality, accessibility, and well-being. From advocating for inclusive education to creating equitable work opportunities, each SDG reflects our commitment to building a brighter future for neurodivergent individuals in the Philippines.
Click on each goal below to see how IONPH is making an impact.
SDG 3 – Health and Wellbeing
Through IONPH’s global neurodiversity networks, we work to reduce isolation, foster support, and raise awareness for neurominorities in the Philippines.
By promoting a more inclusive and understanding environment, we ensure that neurodivergent individuals and their allies have the resources, empowerment, and connections they need to thrive, both locally and globally.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
In the Philippines, many neurominority students encounter significant barriers in the educational system due to the absence of inclusive frameworks.
At IONPH, we are committed to driving reforms that foster supportive, accessible, and equitable learning environments for all. Through research, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy, we aim to bridge these gaps and champion policies that empower neurominority learners to succeed both academically and beyond the classroom.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
In the Philippines, neurominority girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals face significant challenges, as the intersection of gender and neurodiversity often amplifies barriers to inclusion.
At IONPH, we are dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and advocating for policies that uphold their rights and support their inclusion. Through collaborative efforts in advocacy, education, and research, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society for neurominorities across the country.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
IONPH partners with businesses, government agencies, and organizations across the Philippines to create inclusive job opportunities for neurominorities.
By leveraging ION's global network, we advocate for meaningful work, equitable wages, and the removal of barriers that neurominorities face in employment. Through public consultations, policy advocacy, awareness campaigns, and sharing lived experiences, we are driving change to create a more inclusive workforce.
We provide essential tools, resources, and training on inclusive practices, helping businesses harness the strengths of neurominority talent. Together, we are contributing to a more equitable and dynamic Philippine economy, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
IONPH is dedicated to reducing inequalities for neurominorities by advocating for inclusive policies and practices across Filipino communities, schools, and workplaces.
In collaboration with local governments, organizations, and system partners, we raise awareness about neurodiversity to address the disparities faced by neurominorities. By championing fair opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment, we work to ensure that neurominority voices are represented, valued, and empowered in every aspect of Philippine society.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
n partnership with local governments and nonprofits, IONPH is committed to ensuring fair access to justice for neurominorities in the Philippines. We advocate for institutions that uphold the rights of neurominorities, pushing for legal reforms that promote inclusion and protection. Alongside ION Global, we work to build transparent and accountable institutions that reflect the diversity of Filipino society and safeguard the rights of all, including those with neurodivergent identities.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
At IONPH, we believe in the power of collaboration to create a society that fully includes and supports neurominorities. In line with ION’s global mission, we focus on building partnerships with governments, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society organizations across the Philippines. These collaborations work to drive inclusive policies and practices that address the diverse needs of neurominorities, ensuring they are fairly represented and supported in all sectors.
By strengthening ION’s collaborations with international organizations like the UN and local allies, IONPH is dedicated to fostering a collective ecosystem that champions the rights, inclusion, and well-being of neurominorities in the Philippines and beyond.
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