Living with Autism: Their Brothers’ Keepers

On his fifth grade class, Zhino's teacher was discussing “mga tamang kaugalian.” (good manners and right conduct). The teacher started flapping her hands and making un-intelligible sounds. She laughingly admonished the class that if they behave how she did, they will be mistaken as autistic.

Zhino, rose from his seat and spoke calmly, but loud and clear, “I find that offensive, because that is not true at all times. My brother has autism. He does that only when he is hyper or upset.” Zhino need not point out that it is not a “tamang kaugalian” to make fun of persons with autism. In fairness, the teacher immediately apologized right there and then.

The 12th NationalConference and 2nd Southeast Asian Conference on Autism entitled“Living with Autism: Hope at Home” aims to promote, first and foremost, acceptance of autism within the family. It seeks to empower families to make informed decisions and to take bolder steps to ensure quality life for their members with autism.

Follow the stories of siblings of adolescence and young adults with autism in their candid and heartwarming answers on the Panel Discussion: Their Brother’s Keepers.

Our Moderator

Cecile Batalla is a Learning and Development professional specializing in Talent and Career Development. She is passionate about building the capability of professionals, parents and families who care for differently-abled children.

Our Panelists

Ma. Elizabeth J. Macapagal, MD is an Associate Professor at the Psychology Department of the Ateneo de Manila University. She is the Associate Director for Research at the Institute of Philippine Culture. She is a member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, the Asian Association of Social Psychology (AASP) and the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. Dr. Macapagal has contributed to numerous journals and books, and received various professional awards -- among them, the Ateneo Loyola Schools Publication Award, the Best Graduate Research Award from the Psychological Association of the Philippines and the CHED Republica Award. She is also the proud sister of an artist with autism, Andrei.

Rikki Lee B. Mendiola is currently a student of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños taking up BS Developmental Journalism. She loves graphic design, history, mathematics and software development. She also plays guitar and sings in a band. She is the younger sister of a 22-year old adult with autism, Ramon Victorino.

Anthea Carmeli I. Peña is a student of Occupational Therapy at the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute. Aside from being an accomplished student, musician, singer and painter, she shares her time with the Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc., with the ASP Siblings Support Group as a co-facilitator and with the ASP Newsletter as a contributor. She acts as second mother to younger brother Muneer, with autism, whenever her mother, ASP Bacoor Chapter President Jan Peña, is busy with their family’s advocacy.

Jenette Ethel N. Vizcocho earned an undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology from the College of Allied Medical Professions in UP Manila. She works as a speech therapist at Therapy Works, Inc. and Skill Builders and conducts trainings for the Autism Society of the Philippines on various language topics. Jenette is pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing. Her parents leadership in ASP Baguio Chapter rubbed on Teacher Jenette; she is the fun sister of Josef, PWA, who helps run the family restaurant business.

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A special registration rate is available for a group of five (5) participants plus 1 FREE seat. Registrants may pay by depositing the payment to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank-Kamias Branch, Savings Account No. 047-3-04751874-2. Kindly fax to 7-903-5496 or email to the address below the deposit slip with the name/s of the participant/s. Click here for online registration.

For more information of the conference, you may call us at telephone numbers 7-903-5496, mobile numbers (0917) 556-2075 / (0923) 638-3771 or email aspnc2012@gmail.com.

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