Nominations for ASP National Trustees 2025-2027

Are you or someone you know capable of serving as the national board trustee of the Autism Society Philippines? Someone with the experience, skills and network to bring our advocacy to new heights? Someone with a track record in visualizing, planning and leading projects? Someone with a strong history of volunteerism, with ASP National, a local ASP chapter or another advocacy? Nominate the deserving candidate and help us build an Autism-OK Philippines!

From 10 - 27 February 2025, nominations are now welcome for the 11 national trustee positions.

This year’s Election Committee (EleCom) Chair is Ms. Diana de Ocampo. She and other members of the Election Committee, Abby Mendoza and Angel Peñaloza will validate the status of all nominators and the qualifications of all the nominees.

On 10 March until 05 April 2025, ASP National will elect its new leadership– 11 trustees – who will lead the organization for the next 2 years and continue its national advocacy.

Nomination Guidelines:

1. For an ASP member to nominate another member to the board, he/she must be an ASP member with an updated membership as of 31 January 2025 and a member for at least six months.

2. An ASP regular member may nominate themselves.

3. Nominees must meet the following criteria:

3.1 a regular ASP member in good standing for at least two consecutive years
3.2 a primary caregiver related to a person on the autism spectrum by consanguinity or affinity up to the 4th civil degree.
3.3 of good moral character
3.4 able to attend regular and special meetings virtually or physically
3.5 able to visualize, plan and lead projects of national significance

4. If a nominee does not meet the above-mentioned qualifications, the ASP member who nominated him/her may email the EleCom Chair via autismphils@gmail.com a “Request for Consideration” highlighting the candidate’s other attributes. EleCom Chair shall consult with the ASP National Trustees for a decision.

Nomination Process:

1. A call for nomination will be sent to all members.

2. To nominate, please fill-up the Nomination Form thru this link https://bit.ly/ASPnomination.

3. You will receive a confirmation of the nomination you have submitted. However, the nominees must approve or accept their nomination to be included in the final list of candidates.

4. The Election Committee will validate the status of all nominators and the qualifications of all the nominees and confirm their eligibility via email and phone.

5. We shall be posting the final list of candidates on 10 March 2025.

Voting Process:

1. Members may cast their ballot via electronic voting from 10 March - 05 April 2025.

2. The conduct of the elections will be based on the ASP National By-Laws.

3. Decisions of the Election Committee will be final.

4. The new ASP National trustees will be announced on 11 April 2025.

Timeline:
Nomination Period: 10 - 27 February 2025
Online Elections: 10 March - 05 April 2025
Announcement of Results: 11 April 2025

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Posted in: election,trustees

Family Support Group for the month of February 2025

Date: 8 February 2025, Saturday
Time: 10:00am

Register here to get the Zoom link: zoom registration
The deadline for registration is 7 February 2025, Friday at 12nn.

Family Support Group Poster

ASPs family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines -- together with this month's host, ASP Taytay -- welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience that is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 7 February 2025 Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Maria Joyla Ofrecia empowers families in the care and instruction of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as a valuable resource to the ASP Early Detection and Early Intervention Program, ASP Education Committee, and the ASP HOMEpowerment Program. She organized and mentored the ASP chapters towards good governance and sustainability as the ASP MM- Rizal Cluster Head.

Her eldest is Juris, a young man on the autism spectrum. She has been a hands-on mother and for almost 16 years, has been implementing home intervention programs along with other center-based interventions not just for her own son but also for other children on the spectrum.

Gemma Cruz-Calixihan or (“Mommy Gemma”) is the ASP Taytay Chapter President since 2018 but has been a member of the ASP since 2006. Mommy Gemma is happily married with two children, both girls. She took an MA in Special Education at UP Diliman in 2016. She retired from her corporate job in 2023 and is now a full-time mom.

Firstborn child Gabrielle is now 23 years old. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, intellectual disability at the age of 12, and epilepsy at the age of 17. She is nonverbal and has a manifestation of aggressive behavior. Having a child on the spectrum is a lifetime commitment and a long-term challenge.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

Autism Society Philippines HOMEpowerment Program 2025 Batch 1

Napakahalaga ng tamang pagtuturo sa bahay sa pag-unlad ng ating mga anak na may autismo. Kaya’t ang Autism Society Philippines ay patuloy na naglulunsad ng training para sa mga magulang at tagapag-alaga tungkol sa tamang pagtuturo at pag-aaruga sa kanilang mga anak sa tahanan.

HOMEpwerment 2025 Part 1 poster

Layunin ng Autism Society Philippines Homepowerment Program na mabigyan ng kakayahan ang mga pamilya, lalo na yung hirap tustusan ang regular na pag-therapy ng kanilang mga anak, na gawin ang nauukol na pagtuturo at therapy sa bahay.

Ang Homepowerment Program ay nagbibigay ng:
● training para sa mga magulang at taga pag-alaga ng mga batang may Autism Spectrum Disorder
● libreng Occupational at Speech and Language assessment at Home Program sa mga piling pamilya ng mga batang 8 taon pababa (as of January 2025)
● mentoring (1 on 1) sa pagpapatupad ng Home Program sa mga napiling pamilya.

Ang mga training-workshop, assessment at therapy sessions ay gagawin online via Zoom.

Sino ang mga maaaring sumali sa Homepowerment Program?
Lahat ng REGULAR na miyembro ng ASP ay maaaring sumali sa online trainings and workshops.
Kinakailangan na mayroong malakas na signal ng internet sa lugar nila at cellphone o computer, para makasama sa online sessions. Maaaring magpahiram ang ASP ng prepaid modem sa mga piling pamilya na walang postpaid internet sa bahay.

Para sa libreng OT at ST assessment at Home Program, ang maaaring sumali ay:
● mga anak ng regular members ng ASP na may diagnosis ng ASD
● 8 taong gulang pababa as of January 2025
● ang mga magulang o’ primary caregiver ay may sapat na paninindigan at kakayanang ipatupad ang programang imumungkahi sa kanila.
● ang mga magulang o’ primary caregiver ay nakadalo sa lahat ng training sessions at nagawa ang mga assignment sa workshop.

Bibigyang prayoridad ang mula sa low-income families at mga walang access sa therapy ang bata; isasa-alang-alang din kung matagal nang miyembro ng ASP.

Para mag-apply sa Homepowerment Program, sundan ang link na ito https://form.jotform.com/202191473333449 at ibigay ang mga hinihiling na impormasyon. Hintayin ang email o’ mensahe mula sa ASP.

Madalas tanungin:
Sino ang maaaring sumali sa mga training workshops?
Ang training workshops ay bukas sa lahat ng regular na miyembro ng ASP, anumang ang edad ng kanilang anak. Bagamat nakatuon ang training modules para sa early intervention programs, maaari pa rin makatulong sa lahat ng edad ang strategies na pag-uusapan.

Interactive ang mga training. May pagkakataong magtanong at makatuklas ng nauukol na strategy ukol sa mga specific na pangangailangan ang lahat ng dadalo sa trainings.

Lahat ng gustong sumali sa training ay dapat mag-register at tumugon sa ipadadalang email para mabigyan ng schedule at link sa training.

Ilan at kailan ginagawa ang mga training?
May hindi kukulangin sa 10 modules ang training-workshops. Ito ay gaganapin minsan sa isang linggo sa oras at araw na pinakamainam sa mga registered trainees. Bawat session ay tatagal ng mga 2 oras. Maaaring may takdang gawain pagkatapos ng mga workshop.

Ilan ang libreng therapy sessions na ibibigay ng Homepowerment?
Bawat mapiling beneficiary ng libreng therapy sessions ay magkakaroon ng hindi kukulangin sa 6 na session ng Occupational Therapy at 6 na session ng Speech therapy. May isang session ng Case Team Conference kung kailan ipapaliwanag ng OT/SLP sa mga magulang/tagapag-alaga at mga parent-mentors ang kanilang Home Program.

Ang pinakalayunin ng therapy sessions ay:
● matukoy ng therapist ang kakayahan ng bata
● matukoy ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng bata
● pinakamabisang paraan ng pagtuturo sa bata (teaching strategy)
● turuan ang mga magulang kung paano ipatupad ang home program

Pagkatapos ng 4-6 na buwan ng pagpapatupad ng Home Program, maaaring magkaroon ng re-assessment at reevaluation ang mga therapist.

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Posted in: HOMEpowerment

Official Angels Walk for Autism 2025 Shirts Available Now!

As we gear up for the highly anticipated Angels Walk for Autism 2025, we’re excited to announce that the official event shirts are now on sale! Show your support for the advocacy and contribute to building an Autism-OK Philippines by proudly wearing your Angels Walk for Autism shirt.

The Official Angels Walk for Autism 2025 Shirts 

To ensure your purchase is authentic and directly supports the cause, we encourage everyone to buy their official event shirts through our authorized Lazada and Shopee stores. These are the only official online platforms where you can find genuine merchandise. By purchasing from these official channels, you not only guarantee the quality of your shirt but also help fund valuable programs and initiatives led by the Autism Society Philippines.

Please be aware that unauthorized sellers may try to offer similar merchandise. We strongly advise against purchasing from them, as it compromises the integrity of the event and diverts much-needed support from the true cause.

How to Get Your Official Angels Walk for Autism Shirt:

1. Visit Our Official Lazada and Shopee Shops: Head to our official stores on Lazada and Shopee to browse and purchase your exclusive Angels Walk for Autism shirts.

Lazada: Autism Society Philippines Shop

Shopee: Autism Society Philippines Shop

2. Choose Your Size: Select the size that fits you best. We offer a variety of sizes to suit your preferences.

3. Place Your Order Securely: Complete your order through the official platforms, knowing that your purchase supports the advocacy and the Autism Society Philippines directly.

4. Spread the Word: Share the links to our Lazada and Shopee shops with your friends and family, so they too can purchase authentic shirts and support the cause.

Join us in making a difference with the Angels Walk for Autism 2025 by wearing your official shirt with pride

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Posted in: 4public,autismall,awalk

The Angels Walk for Autism 2025

The much-anticipated Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Angels Walk for Autism will take place on May 18, 2025, at the iconic Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. This annual event continues to be a powerful symbol of hope and unity for the autism community, bringing together individuals, families, and advocates to show their collective support for those on the autism spectrum.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Angels Walk for Autism Poster

More than just a walk, the Angels Walk for Autism is a celebration of progress and an ongoing effort to build an Autism-OK Philippines. Since its founding in 2000, the walk has become an influential platform that highlights the talents and achievements of individuals with autism, while advocating for greater public awareness, increased private sector engagement, and the inclusion of autism-related initiatives in national social development policies.

As the event grows, so does its impact—serving as a source of pride for the autism community and providing a vital opportunity to emphasize the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. The Angels Walk for Autism continues to drive positive change, helping create a society where individuals on the autism spectrum are embraced and supported to reach their full potential.

This year, the event’s influence extends beyond local boundaries, reflecting the strong family ties that define our culture, resonating across the globe. The Autism Society Philippines now serves as a beacon of hope with 13,000 members across 106 chapters, not just in the Philippines but throughout the ASEAN region and beyond.

With over 26,000 expected participants—families, professionals, and supporters from various sectors—the Angels Walk for Autism will kick off at the Mall of Asia Arena, ending at the SM MOA Music Hall.

Register now for your free tickets via Eventbrite, spread the word, and join us at the Angels Walk for Autism 2025. Together, we can make a difference! Show your support for an Autism-OK Philippines by proudly wearing the official event shirt. Purchase your shirts from authorized Lazada and Shopee shops to ensure your contribution directly supports the cause.

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Posted in: 4public,awalk