Gift of Acceptance

By: Thine Republica, ASP Trainee

“I’m blessed in coping with my struggles with my autistic son because there’s an organization like ASP who is a great help to families like ours,” came one of the comments from a parent participant in ASP’s Family Support Group last November 20.

Being the last FSG for the year, fourteen (14) participants - 8 mothers, 3 fathers, 2 persons with autism and 1 sibling attended the session facilitated by ASP Trustee Mariter Jalandoni Macapagal, mom to Andrei, a 44-year old person with autism.

ASP Trustee, Mariter Jalandoni Macapagal (2nd from the right) while in the midst of the session.

ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon (2nd from the right) while getting a feedback from the attendees.

After introducing herself, Ms. Mariter shared their family’s journey in raising Andrei from early days, diagnosis, treatment and struggle with autism. The Macapagal’s journey is documented in “Our Andrei: Living with Autism.” She encouraged the parents to peek through the book and soon other parents also took turns in telling their own stories and experiences.

Ms. Mariter focused on the importance of Early Detection and Early Intervention, as it is proven to be vital to the growing needs of children with autism. Ms.Mariter, who co-chairs ASP’s Advocacy Committee, is working towards ASP’s priority proposed Early Detection and Early Intervention Bill to be sponsored by Senator Serg Osmeña. She also gave tips on how to handle an authoritative implementation in improving a child’s behavior.

As a result of gathering, everyone was enlightened and hoped for the best possible improvement of their children. Although children may not be able to meet all expectations, fully accepting the child’s strengths and weaknesses is vital. Parents can make a huge difference in a life of a child with autism by offering them our precious time, unconditional love, care and attention.

Mariter reminded the group that the best gift parents can give to children with autism is the gift of acceptance.

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Are you done with Christmas shopping? Why not give “Our Andrei” Living with Autism, the Macapagal’s journey with their loved one – Andrei, a prolific artist with autism. Click here for more details.