ASP Molino Chapter’s First Autism Seminar

By: Jacqueline C. Garcia, President ASP Molino Chapter

ASP Molino Chapter held the very first seminar on "Understanding Autism and its Management in the School Setting" at Christ Life Learning Center, Bacoor Cavite last June 11, 2011. The seminar was attended by 42 participants composed of 30 teachers, 1 principal, 1 directress, and 10 parents attending.

“Today is Saturday, June 11, 2011. Do you know that “Freedom Walk” is being held now at Quezon City Memorial Circle? And it’s a beautiful coincidence, dahil sa Araw ng Kalayaan, nasa Cavite ako…..”

“Ang Cavite ang lugar kung saan unang idineklara ni Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo taong 1898 ang ating kalayaan…ito rin ay ang Unang Kalayaan na mararamdaman ninyo in relation to you being teachers and parents of Children With Autism (CWA)” said Rosalyn Marie “Teacher My” Sorongon, our guest speaker for the day.

The participants of the seminar

The speaker reminded the participants that it was fitting for the seminar to take place a day before the Independence Day. She encouraged them to remain strong ADVOCATES FOR AUTISM. She also informed them of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities or the RA 9442.

Another reason why ASP continuously EDUCATE ABOUT AUTISM is because only few are being diagnosed and 5 percent only of the estimated 1 million persons with autism in the Philippines are given intervention. The statistic now is alarming there is rapid increase in the number of CWA” she pointed out.

According to our speaker, teachers are considered the surrogate parents of children with autism (CWA) in school. It is imperative therefore, that teachers should know how to handle and manage CWA in their classroom. The rationale in handling and teaching CWA is awareness and understanding of their disability.

She also stressed that she’s been journeying in autism (she prefers to use the word journeying instead of teaching). “….because when we journey in autism, we’re teaching the whole family of what they can do for their children.”

In addition to Teacher My’s explanation, typically the primary responsibility of special education teachers is to provide education by adapting and developing materials to match the learning styles, strengths, and special needs of each of their students. In special education situations, individual learners' needs often dictate the curricula. Everything being equal, teachers should persevere to educate CWA with care, patience and love!

Finally, to the parents, attempt to climb the highest mountain because in rearing a CWA is really a difficult task and there are many setbacks! At this point of your life you need Divine Intervention and the love, help, prayers and support of your family, friends, professionals and therapist.

“Everything happens for a reason” Teacher Jackie Garcia added. “So, be empowered and accept the task wholeheartedly whom our dear Lord entrusted to us. Face it with strength and courage!”

ASP Molino President Jacqueline Garcia with the speaker My Sorongon

ASP Molino Chapter believes that education is key in helping others on the management of developmental disabilities for parents, caregivers and professionals. In cooperation with Christ Life Learning Center, the chapter is able to advocate for children with autism and educate parents and co-educators in better understanding and management of CWAs in school and home setting.

Contact ASP Molino Chapter President at 0929 762 3178. Be an Angel for Autism. 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.