UP-CAMP Therapy Services for Autism

By: Cathy Genovia, Administrative Assistant

Autism Society Philippines National Office was invited by the UP-College of Allied Medical Professions (UP-CAMP) to attend the Clinic for Therapy Services’ (CTS) Open House last June 15, 2011.

The event featured tours of the clinic’s Pediatric and Adult-Adolescent Sections and exhibit showcased the different CTS service programs and the artworks done by the patients of the clinic.

Clinic for Therapy Services

Kristofferson Mendoza (PTRP), Program Head of CTS and Jairus Jericho Perocho, Clinical Supervisor, toured yours truly at the center and introduced to me some of the programs and services of CTS.

Kristofferson Mendoza (PTRP), Program Head of CTS and Jairus Jericho Perocho, Clinical Supervisor

Below is my interview with Mr. Mendoza.

CG: For interested ASP parent members who wish to enroll their children for therapy, what requirements are needed in CTS UP-CAMP?

KM: We need the doctor’s referral.

CG: Do they need to bring their child with autism on their first visit here?

KM: No. They just need to show our secretary, a doctor’s referral. The secretary will then get all the contact details of the child/parent. They have to make sure that contact details are correct.

CG: So once the child is already listed, does it mean that the child will now have his/her therapy session?

KM: No not yet. Once the children are on our referral list, they still have to be scheduled for evaluation by our in house therapists. Our secretary will contact the parents, once the child’s schedule is arranged. After the child is evaluated, then he/she will be scheduled for treatment or therapy sessions.

CG: How much is the fee for the evaluation and treatment?

KM: For the evaluation its P90 and for treatment or therapy session is P50/session.

CG: Does the center give home programs for the child while the family is waiting for their child’s turn to be evaluated?

KM: It is important that we evaluate the child first. If the child is already evaluated, then that’s the time we give them something to do at home.

CG: Good if the child is already evaluated. How about those who are still waiting? How are their needs addressed?

KM: You know what? Honestly, we are so thankful that ASP has already a chapter here in Manila. Mamy Beth (Beth Udquin, ASP UP-CAMP Chapter President) is really very active is a big help to us.

For those who are already listed and waiting for their evaluation schedules, ASP UP-Camp Chapter volunteer officers and members conduct Autism Orientation Sessions to help parents. So, when their turn comes, it is much easier for us to communicate with parents, because will have been oriented already on what to expect.

“We are thankful to Mommy Beth and the rest of her team for the support offered, so in return, we accommodate them to use the clinic for their programs, with no financial obligations.” said Ms. Alma Labro, clinic secretary.

Twice a month, ASP UP-CAMP Chapter, under the leadership of Chapter President, Ms. Elizabeth B. Udquin, give free parent orientations to newly diagnosed children with autism. Parents are given tips on how to handle their CWAs and suggested activities for the children.

Special thanks to Mr. Kristofferson Mendoza and Ms. Alma Labro

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For more information, you can contact the ASP UP-CAMP Chapter President at 253-9140 or 0929-514-6801 with email add comronald@yahoo.com.

Make someone with autism happy by becoming an Autism Angel. Donate generously to ASP Programs and Services. Donate to Autism Society Philippines Metrobank Kamias Branch 047-3-04751874-2. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.