Caring for Lucky 13 Caregivers

By: Thine Republica, ASP Trainee

ASP dedicated its October 16, 2010 seminar-workshop to autism heroes, carers for autism. The seminar-workshop entitled “Caring for Caregivers”, was held at Asian Social Institute, Malate Manila. ASP Trustee, Ging Viado and My Sorongon, both veteran speakers in the field of Special Education, served as facilitators. The activity aimed to help caregivers understand, accept, and establish commitment in their crucial role in the lives of Children with Autism (CWA).

ASP Trustee, Ging Viado (2nd Pictures) and My Sorongon (1st Pictures), both veteran speakers in the field of Special Education, served as facilitators.

To orient caregivers, a refresher overview on autism’s triad of impairment – communication (delay in the development of speech/the lack of speech) or social interaction (difficulty making friends/reading social cues), and behavior (adapting to the environment), was given. After discussing, participants joined in an exercise in compartmentalizing given behaviors to the particular impairment.

There are many factors affecting the CWA’s learning. Some CWAs have splinter skills or abilities that are above normal range, yet they are poor in other skills. They can range from motor, cognitive, to communication. When the CWA learns to adapt, he can be taught functional or vocational skills.

Autism can also be a threat to family relationships because autism is also life long. Common problems encountered are feelings of being burnt out; relationship problems between married couples (such as lack of time for each other, changed priorities or budget for the CWA’s therapy); siblings (feelings of neglect, inability to cope with the brother/sister with autism); all these can be contributing factors leading to “chronic” stress.

It is important for caregivers to familiarize themselves about the CWA’s condition in order to give them the appropriate intervention. Communication (exchange of thoughts, messages, or information through speech, signals, writing, or behavior) is also vital- from the Carer to the CWA and vice versa.

Patience, commitment, willingness to learn, hardworking, humble, and good service – these are the qualities to look for in caregivers. Bottom line the emphasis is managing the CWA’s “self care” and ensuring their safety and welfare. Definitely it was a good fortune for the thirteen participants because they had a comprehensive in-depth seminar-workshop.

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ASP continues to work very hard to equip carers to empower persons with autism and their families. Be an Angel for Autism. Donate to ASP Programs and services – email us at autismphils@gmail.com or make a call to 7-903-5496.