Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Various subtypes of the disorder is said to affect an estimated 1% of the world’s population. Here in the Philippines, autism affects more than 1.2 million Filipinos, while many are still undiagnosed. Misconceptions are also prevalent in the local landscape, further hindering the promotion of early diagnosis and intervention of the disorder.

This year, Kiehl’s Global partners with actor Matthew McConaughey to support the efforts of Autism Speaks Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. McConaughey designed a special packaging for the Limited Edition Kiehl's x Autism Speaks Ultra Facial Cream, which is now available in stores in the Philippines.

All proceeds of the limited edition cream goes into supporting Autism Speaks. A simple social media post can also make a difference, as Kiehl’s is pledging to donate USD 1 for every share of the Kiehl’s x Matthew McConaughey video.

Locally, Kiehl’s has collaborated with Angel Dog Program founder Gerald Anderson and autism advocate Candy Pangilinan to establish a scholarship fund for the provision of speech therapy to children with autism in the aim of developing their social skills and helping them become independent in the future. As such, a portion of the proceeds from this month will go to Autism Society Philippines for this purpose.