Kapwa Ko, Kaibigan Ko: Unmasking Friendship Between Children with Autism and Non-Neurodivergent Children through the Lens of Kapwa Theory

Andreinne Mercado; Amiel Dumo; Rizelle Azarcon; Geraldine Espinar; Colin Iesha Reyes; Josefina Ochoa; Bobby Lopez

doi:10.11594/assrj.01.04.09

Authors

Andreinne E. Mercado Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7411-7941
Amiel M. Dumo Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2571-9343
Rizelle P. Azarcon Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5766-4787
Geraldine V. Espinar Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3659-2607
Colin Iesha C. Reyes Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7077-9177
Josefina C. Ochoa Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8222-5562
Bobby dG. Lopez Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3366-2835

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11594/assrj.01.04.09

Keywords:

Inclusive Education, Neurodiversity, Sikolohiyang Pilipino, Social Integration

Abstract

More than just a social activity, friendship becomes a child’s earliest avenue for belongingness, where they learn connection, reciprocity, and empathy. However, for children diagnosed with autism, previous studies have indicated that social deficits often serve as barriers to establishing friendships, particularly with non-neurodivergent peers. This qualitative phenomenological study explored how Children with Autism (CWA) and Non-Neurodivergent (NND) children define friendship, how friendships are established and maintained between cross-neurotypes, and how these children relate to and treat their friends. Data were gathered through dyadic interviews of seven (7) pairs of friends, consisting of one CWA and one NND child. The data were interpreted through the lens of Kapwa Theory, a fundamental concept in Sikolohiyang Pilipino. Reflexive Thematic Analysis revealed that among the friendship pairs, friendship was defined as a source of emotional security, the embodiment of kindness, a lasting connection, and a personification of the concept of friendship. Friendships were formed through nurturing bonds via mutual engagement and bridging connections through social scaffolding. These friendships were maintained by cultivating a sense of sustained togetherness and upholding social harmony. Participants treated their friends by displaying emotional attunement, providing instrumental support, and responding with reciprocal generosity. These findings demonstrate that CWA and NND children are capable of both reciprocating and accommodating within friendships, evidenced by their expressions of pakikisama, pakikiramdam, and the value of kapwa. Moreover, these findings challenge the long-standing notions that friendships between CWA and NNDs are inherently one-sided and prone to misunderstanding and conflict.

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