Bridging the GAPH for Autism

ASP Board members and Chapter Leaders attended the successful 3-day International Autism Conference last February 3-5, 2010.

ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe, moderated the Plenary Session on Autism Speaks GAPH (Global Autism Public Health Initiative)

PWA talents were also highlighted with ASP’s Colors of A Spectrum Project – a collection of photos by professional photographers headed by Certified Autism Angel, John Chua, and children with autism.

Live performances by ASP’s WAAD (World Autism Awareness Day) performer, Tum-Tum Mendoza and ASP Dream Girls who gave one of their best performances, eliciting paparazzi and new international fans! (Keep checking the blog for more news on the girls).

the ASP Dreamgirls with the foreign speakers

of the said International Autism Conference at the PICC

Doctors’ Visit and Diagnoses
Yesterday, February 11, Dr. Alexis Reyes, President of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP) and associate, Dr. Tippy Tanchanco, visited the ASP Office.

Together with them are Ms. Cecil Sicam (one of the pioneers and co-founders of ASP) and served as the President from 2002-2004 and Ms. Christine “Chrissy” Roa, who also served ASP as Vice President from 2005-2007.

(seated from left) ASP-Treas. Ms. Evelyn Go, Teacher Cecil Sicam,

Dr. Alexis Reyesand ASP-Trustee Ms. Carmel Almendrala.

(standing from left) ASP-Board Sec. Ms. Tiffany Tan,

ASP- Exec.Dir. Mr. Ranil Sorongon, Dr. Tippy Tanchanco,

Chair Emeritus Dang Koe, Ms. Chrissy Roa and ASP-VP Peng So.

As member of the ASP Honorary Board of Advisors, Dr. Alexis Reyes identified with the ASP Board Officers ASP top priority programs; mainly in relation to the forthcoming GAPH initiative in the country.

PARENT EDUCATION was first on the agenda. With more than an estimated 600 thousand Filipinos dealing with autism, the increasing demand for professional services and schools (especially outside Metro Manila) remain scarce.

Second on the list is AUTISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. Currently, there are 42 Chapters around the country. Autism is still viewed among remote rural folk as “curse” or “being caused by evil spirits”. Both private and public professionals also need better understanding of autism to become effective partners in providing support and services to families in provincial areas.

ASP and the PSDBP will also collaborate on a centralized autism registry that will serve as database for future research.

Dr. Tippy Tanchanco graciously agreed in helping ASP conduct Focus Group Discussions among ASP Chapter Leaders to thresh out details of the priority programs. ASP will also schedule its Chapter Leaders Conference this year.

Invitation to visit

Dr. Alexis invited ASP to visit the new Atty. Jose Miguel T. Arroyo's Developmental and Behavior Studies Unit at the Philippine General Hospital. The facility will accommodate families seeking assessment and diagnosis of children with developmental disabilities. It will also serve as family resource center, which includes training and other support services.

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Now on its 21st year, ASP continues to work harder for the future of Filipinos families dealing with autism; Sharing Hopes and Building Dreams beyond borders, bridging the GAPH for autism.