ASP Holds 4th Chapter Leaders’ Conference

By Gerard Joseph Atienza, Volunteer/ASP Bacoor Chapter Secretary

More than 50 parent leaders from all over the country were enlightened and equipped to lead their chapters more effectively and efficiently, as the National Office of Autism Society Philippines successfully held their 4th Chapter Leaders’ Conference on 27-28 October 2012 at The Legend Villas in Mandaluyong City.

CLC small groups

Teacher My Sorongon and Tita Bing David ushered in the conference, as they stood as hosts of the conference for Day One and Day Two, respectively. Tita Jan Peña (ASP National President) welcomed the participants, who represented the growing number of ASP’s chapters around the Philippines, while Teacher Ces Sicam (ASP National Vice President) led the get-to-know activity. Tita Dang Koe (ASP Chair Emeritus), on the other hand, discussed the overview of the conference in a relaxed and fun manner, which aimed to prepare the participants for what would be in store for them and at the same time creating a fun atmosphere.

Tita Jan Peña reported the progress of ASP from its inception to the present, through her President’s Report. She discussed the activities and achievements ASP has done and made in the field of autism awareness and support. Tita Evelyn Go (ASP National Treasurer) discussed the financial status of the organization, with the iteration of the financial security of ASP, thanks to their fund-raising engagements, as well as donations and grants from different groups and individuals.

ASP Laguna Chapter was also highlighted in this conference, with Tita Riza Cansanay (ASP Laguna President) discussing their latest project, the Home-Based Program for Children with Autism, in partnership with Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the City Government of Los Baños. Tita Cathy Lopez (ASP Laguna Vice President) discussed the mechanics of the SibsCamP, a support activity for siblings of persons with autism (PWA).

Tita Mona Veluz (ASP National Secretary) discussed the presence of ASP on the Internet, highlighting the value of online social-media platforms as Facebook, Twitter, Multiply, and YouTube to the society's awareness and advocacy campaigns, including their latest campaign 1Pangako. In line with this, all the chapter leaders made their promise in this conference to help stop the inappropriate use of "autistic" as a slur in the Filipino vocabulary.

Tito Ranil Sorongon (ASP Executive Director) gave an overview of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Children and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as ASP’s current project with AusAID, titled “Educating Children with Disabilities of Their Rights Using Digital Talking Books.”

In addition to the sumptuous food offered to the delegates at The Legend Villas, everyone was treated to dinner and games at Abelardo’s Diner at the Independent Living Learning Centre, which is headed by their Executive Director, Teacher Archie David, who welcomed and thanked everyone for being part of this endeavor.

The second day of the conference was started by ASP’s perennial Angel, Mr. Wyden King, President of Armadillo Holdings, whose foundation Bahay ni Angelo King, sponsored the conference. Wyden inspired everyone with his testimony on how God had changed him from a decadent businessman to an entrepreneur glorifying the Lord, giving back to the community without fanfare or flair, and inspired everyone to follow suit. At the end of his speech, he supported the 1Pangako campaign with a personal promise.

To invigorate every leader present in the conference with running their respective chapter, different topics were discussed, namely: Sustaining the Fire with Four R’s (Recruitment, Retention, Renewal, and Rewards) by Tita Jan Peña; Outcome Thinking and Project Management by Tita Mona Veluz; and Servant Leaders by Tita Dang Koe. The current policies of ASP were also reviewed and discussed, including chapters management policies, and the upcoming plans for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the National Autism Consciousness Week, and the World Autism Awareness Day, among others.

The conference was an undeniable success. Aside from inspiring and enabling ASP’s chapter leaders with with new skills and knowledge, the opportunity to meet other leaders who share the vision to create an environment where Filipino PWAs reach their full potential, has been a great way to ignite the fire of servant leadership within our advocacy community. We look forward to seeing each other again at the next life-changing ASP event.

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Posted in: leaders,regional,seminar

Chapter Leaders: Servant-Leaders

By: Abegail Mendoza, ASP Program Assistant

Participants of the 4th Chapter Leader's Conference

Autism Society Philippines conducted its 4th Chapter Leader’s Conference at The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City last October 27 and 28, 2012 through the support of its Autism Angel, Bahay ni Angelo King Foundation.

Sixty-eight chapter leaders together with the board of trustees of ASP with two guests from Netherlands joined the said conference. A total of forty-five chapters were represented, 9 from Metro Manila, 6 from Northern and Central Luzon, 20 from Southern Luzon, 6 from the Visayas and 4 from Mindanao. The biggest contingents came from Cavite, the turf of ASP’s current national president Ms. Mary Janette Peña.

This conference tackled different topics like leadership, membership management, chapter model projects and laws on children and persons with disabilities. Skills development topics like digital media management and outcome planning elicited interest from many. It also provided a venue for the ASP leadership to reexamine it mandate, to affirm its direction and to celebrate its victories. Above all, the Chapter Leaders' Conference allowed our elected officers a wider vantage point and gave them new insight on being servant-leaders -- setting aside our own interest to be of service to others and consciously recognizing oneself as instruments of God’s love.

Congratulations and the best of luck to ASP's renewed servant-leaders!

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Posted in: leaders,regional,seminar

ASP visits La Sagesse

By Cricel B. Elises, ASP Program Assistant

Autism Society Philippines was invited to give a seminar on “The United Nation Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC)” and “The Filipino Siblings” by Sr. Henedina Latayada last October 12, 2012 at the La Sagesse Rehabilitation and Development Center (LSRDC) in Buting, Pasig City. Our talk provided information on the laws for Person with Disability (PWD) and how siblings cope with having persons with disability in the family.

Participants of the seminar

The 135 participants were composed of LSRDC teachers, staffs, mothers, fathers, siblings and PWD’s. Mr. Ranilo Sorongon, ASP Executive Director talked about the different rights of individuals with disabilities. “Human rights are rights that are inherent to all human beings.” Every child, whether a typical one or with a disability, has the same rights according to local and international law. He informed them about the different violations of these rights like child labor, child trafficking for sexual and working exploitation, among others.

Ms. Rosalyn Marie G. Sorongon, M.A. Ed talked talked about the SibsCamp, a program of Autism Society Philippines (ASP) for siblings of Person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She tackled the causes and effects of siblings with Siblings With Autism (SWA) in different ages. She enumerated three common coping mechanisms: the Parentified child (when the sibling acts more like a parent), the Withdrawn child (when the sibling refuses to accept any form of responsibility) and the Achiever or Family Mascot Child (when the sibling become exceptional achievers or extroverts to compensate). She cited some of the common concerns of siblings based on the workshops given by ASP National Office.

Sr. Henedina Latayada toured ASP around their PWD-friendly school, as a fitting end to a day of learning. We were amazed at the care and concern the school takes in meeting the needs of their special students.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,seminar,special

The Story I Don’t Want To Tell

By Cheska Managbanag, 11 years old, ASP Ormoc

When I was a toddler, I used to ask my parents every night before I go to bed when will be the day I can cuddle my little brother. Why ? I had this funny feeling that I was so alone and lonely then because I don’t have a playmate as what most of my classmates and friends have. Mommy always told me to wait but I was so persistent.

Exactly six years and ten months ago, a cute and bubbly, healthy baby boy came to our lives. I felt I was the happiest sister in the whole world, that I waited until wee hours in the morning just to be the first one to catch a glimpse of my brother. Yes, I was already an Ate! My heart screamed with so much joy. I will have someone to camp with me whenever my family would go out for a picnic or a simple family bonding. I would have someone to care of and protect. He will be my best friend and bodyguard from bullies. When my baby brother cooed and uttered his first syllables, I was ecstatic. It was music to my ears.

But life is not always a bed of roses .The biggest blow came to us when 30 months after, Lorenzo was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). It was vague to me at first. ASD? What’s that? Is it contagious? Is it like the big C? I was so confused. I couldn’t communicate with Lorenzo. He can’t even look at me whenever I tried to hug him. He’s so touchy. It took me a little while before all the unusual things my brother does began to sink in. Lorenzo, at first sight, is a typical hyperactive kid. Good-looking with smiling eyes especially when he suddenly burst into a hearty laugh. But he is a Child With Autism. And CWAs have peculiar characteristics and have special needs.

I was devastated. Everyone was!

At home and in school, it's always Lorenzo’s situation that concerns almost everyone in the family. Mommy is working terribly harder because of him. She left us for months for trainings in special education and juggles two part time jobs all because of Lorenzo. Daddy, on the other hand, works double time and is so engrossed with autism advocacies that oftentimes, he forgets the fact that they still have two other “normal” kids.

Yeeaah... I know I shouldn’t even have thoughts and feelings like these but I’m just human. The pressure and emotional tension, not to mention the high expectations of my parents on me towards my brother, is taking a toll on me, too. I’m still a kid. I also wanted to enjoy my childhood while I still can. Lorenzo is austistic! That’s it! No wonder he usually gets most of my parents’ attention and care next to Andre, our youngest. That’s why he always gets the first “pasalubong“, the first glass of milk, the first pack of cookies... and all other firsts! I hated it.

But when my mom and dad started to bring me to Lorenzo’s therapies and advocacy trainings with teachers in all the six central schools in Ormoc, it slowly dawned on me. It’s not just part of their job that they are doing it; but it’s their strong commitment to raise awareness to all families with special children that really caught me off-guard. There had been countless trials and challenges in our family in the past; but not once did I ever witness my parents question God about all these. Not once did I see them quiver in their faith. And I asked myself, why am I having these evil thoughts towards my brother? What if I was the special child and not him? Will he think of me as such also? Will he hate me too?

Lorenzo is just like me, only he is special. But I love him so much. I would rather feel and experience pain than to see my brother feel it. He is non-verbal, so he could hardly express himself. It may seem difficult to watch a special child; but it is so easy and endearing to love one. In spite of the fact that he could not possibly work at the same pace like regular kids or has equal chances of success as we chase our childhood dreams. For me, Lorenzo will always be the brother I dreamed him to be.

Everything happens for a purpose. For me, God made Lorenzo special because he is an angel brought from heaven to make our lives’ happier and more meaningful than ever. He gave him to us because He knows that we can go through it with flying colors. Now, a day for me isn’t called a day without seeing my brother’s smile. And after a lot of good and not-so-good things that had happened, I am glad Lorenzo is special. After all, WE ARE ALL SPECIAL!

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Posted in: pers,special

An Afternoon with NASOM

By: Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Secretary

Me and the leadership of NASOM,
Mr. Bistaman and Ms. Chai

Autism is a condition that knows no gender, social strata, religion or race. The condition is present in many countries outside the Philippines -- each having its unique approach to intervention, government support and advocacy focus.

I recently travelled to Malaysia for work and had the opportunity to meet, after hours, with the leadership of the National Autistic Society of Malaysia (NASOM) -- Mr. Bistaman Siru Abdul Rahman, Chairman and Ms. Chai Liaw Kee, General Manager -- to learn about the unique experiences of the disability community in Malaysia.

The National Autistic Society of Malaysia was established 25 years ago by concerned parents of children with autism. There was little information and practically no teachers and therapists back then, so the organization had to drive the changes they wanted to see. NASOM built and operated schools for children with developmental disabilities and even subsidized the education for their students, offering a better option to special education in public schools. Since their humble beginnings, the society grew to the community pillar they are today -- operating therapy centers, schools, group homes, vocational centers, among other services.

The support from the Malaysian Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Pduka Rosman Mansor, was a welcome addition to NASOM's basket of blessings. The patronage of such a strong political and public figure paved the way for heightened public awareness on autism and the ready participation of corporate sponsors in their many initiatives. Very recently, they opened the NASOM Creative Arts Center, through the efforts of consultants from the UK and New Zealand and the Sime Darby Foundation. Television stations have also, on their own, began information campaigns to support NASOM's mandate.

The meeting would not have been complete without sharing the many initiatives ASP has taken to further our goal of advocating for individuals with autism. I spoke to my new friends of the 1Pangako Campaign and managed to get Mr. Bistaman and Ms. Chai on film with their simple pledge.

A simple afternoon of sharing our hopes and dreams between friends is an important part of our growth as societies. International linkages allow us to look at how we can improve our organization. Best practices of our ASEAN neighbors, when shared, inform -- and best of all, inspire.

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Posted in: international,special

When your child just can’t…

By: Dang Uy-Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus

Is your child one who cannot stay still and constantly rocks on his chair? Is he very distractible even with the minutest sounds? Does he refuse certain food textures or is a picky eater, like eating only crunchy food all the time? Does he hum or make sounds while doing something? When he gets upset, does he jump, hit, bang his head, pull hair or bite? Does he throw “mega dramatic” tantrums every time he gets frustrated… and it takes him a long time to calm down?

Our Angel Talker this week explains why no matter how many times you ask your child to stop doing those behaviors, he does not stop; because your child just can’t if he has sensory integration dysfunction.

Lady Suarez is a senior occupational therapy consultant of Therapeutic Intervention for KIDS (THINKids) and Therapy Works. She is also a consultant and a department head in St. Luke’s Medical Center Neurodevelopmental Center.

Sensory Integration (S.I.) is defined as “a neurological process that organizes sensations from one's body and from the environment, and makes it possible to use the body to make adaptive responses within the environment. To do this, the brain must register, select, interpret, compare, and associate sensory information in a flexible, constantly-changing pattern" (Jean Ayres, 1989)

Simply, SI is your ability to organize and modulate sensations to come up with purposeful responses. For example, sensory integration happens very well when you are able to attend and understand what is being discussed in a class. You are able to lead your focus to the teacher and able to disregard other “unnecessary” sensations during that time. A child with SI dysfunction, however, experiences difficulty in organizing and modulating sensations to the point of focusing to the unimportant ones. Instead of attending to the teacher, the child is getting distracted with all the “extra” inputs like aircon sound, decorations in the room, classmates whispering and many more.

In this theory, it is also believed that each individual has different thresholds to sensation and each individual reacts differently as well. One who has low threshold usually reacts to the “slightest” or “smallest” sensation. For example, one can feel the tag of his shirt or some get distracted with the buzzing sound of an appliance. Car sickness is an example of low threshold to movement inputs. Because of this sensitivity, some react aversively to the point of avoiding the sensation.

On the other hand, one who has high threshold needs “increased dosage” for the inputs to register. Some get bruises without them realizing it or some tap others so hard without the intention of pushing or hitting.

“Jayjay” is very sensitive to touch sensation to the point of affecting his feeding. Because he cannot tolerate textured food, he only eats “lugaw” and gags when he eats drier food. “Luke” is very sensitive to sound. He gets distracted with cars passing by outside his home and he has discovered that when he hums while on a task, he does not hear the outside sounds. “Renz” has high threshold to movement sensations and even if he keeps on spinning, he does not get dizzy. So when he is asked to sit down and to stay on his seat, he starts “craving” for that movement sensation and he ends up rocking his chair.

A child with SI issues is like an adult thinking about his family and at the same time thinking about his work and all the deadlines. He also needs to think about being a husband, a father, a brother, an employee, a colleague, a neighbor and a friend. All of these he needs to organize. As an adult, you will be equipped with lessons, experiences, insights, opinions and even suggestions or assistance from others to enable you to adapt. But as a child, how will he manage all of these? So to help your child with SI problems:

1. Understand your child’s sensory needs. Always consider that your child’s reactions are real (not just “arte”). What is not painful for other children maybe painful for your child.

Help your child to gradually tolerate certain sensory inputs or to seek for sensation in a more appropriate manner. Example, instead of running around inside the house, allow him to do biking outside.

2. Encourage your child to self regulate or to be in control of himself. Provide opportunities for him to request and express self; to calm down when he gets upset or even when he gets excited; and to be more independent.

Incorporate waiting in his routine and establish your authority very early. Use a consistent behavior management approach and make sure your approach is consistently being applied by the entire household.

Encourage your child to avoid multi-tasking and set rule on “one task at a time.” Example: ask your child to finish his food first before letting him watch TV or play.

3. Establish structure and organize your child’s routine. If your child knows that there is an established routine, the likelihood of non-compliance is minimized. If he knows that he can only watch TV after eating dinner, he will resist less when it is dinnertime. A rule is a rule.

4. Assess your environment. Is your home conducive for learning - a place that calms down or alerts you? Organize your space and do specific task in a specific area: eating your meals at the dining area only, use the bedroom only for sleeping. Remove toys and TV in his room to avoid ‘alerting’ and ‘distracting’ him when he is about to sleep.

5. Seek help. There is no harm in consulting. We need to remember that when your child just can’t… the parents and family can do something about it.

This article appeared in print and online by Manila Bulletin on 21 October 2012.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,angels-talk

ASP Welcomes Friends from APCD

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Chair Emeritus Dang Koe, Immediate Past President Grace Adviento and Executive Director Ranil Sorongon met with Mr. Ryuhei Sano, Ms. Duangnarumol “Tom” Dokruk and Ms. Tara Yap of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) last 13 October 2012 at Kabayan Hotel, Pasay City, Philippines.

The APCD group shared the result of their visit to document the paper briquette and herbal medicine project of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities of ASP Laguna chapter. The project is part of the different livelihood opportunities offered by the Autism Resource Center (ARC) in Los Baños, Laguna. The paper briquette project received financial support from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and technical assistance from the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Engineering and Agriculture Technology. Hopefully the project will be included in the document on disability inclusive agriculture by APCD in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and The Nippon Foundation.

Mr. Sano also gave some updates on the “Incheon Strategy to Make the Rights Real for Persons with Disabilities”. The strategy is the policy paper of the new Asia-Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2013-2022). ASP provided inputs particularly in Goal 5 “Expand Early Intervention and Education of Children with Disabilities” during the consultation workshop conducted by APCD last June.

ASP showed the video of its latest advocacy campaign the “1 Pangako” or One Promise. The project aims to end the negative use of the word “autistic” and to generate support to promote the rights and welfare of persons with autism. Mr. Sano and Ms. Tom enthusiastically pledged their support of the campaign.

Mr. Ryuhei Sano

Executive Director Ranil Sorongon showed the visitors a sample of the Digital Talking Books (DTBs) entitled “The Right to Play and Rest” -- a teaching tool for children with disabilities to understand their rights as embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC). The DTBs is an alternative approach employed by ASP in its “Educating Children with Disabilities of their Rights Using Digital Talking Books” project with funding support from the Australian Aid (AusAID).

It was so heart-warming and inspiring to share experiences and updates on the initiatives that bring hopes to persons with disabilities and their families. It was an honor and privilege for ASP to welcome friends from APCD!

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Posted in: international,special

ASP Joins 6th ADHD National Conference

By Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director

Autism Society Philippines joined the 6th National ADHD Conference with the theme “ADHDept@Performance: Breaking Barriers to Success” last September 28 and 29 at the UP Asian Center-GT-Toyota Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Participants watching the video during the conference

ASP was represented by trustees Evelyn Go and Peng So and Executive Director Ranil Sorongon; while ASP staff Abby Mendoza, Cathy Genovia and Cricel Elises the ASP merchandise booth.

The conference, attended by teachers, parents, professionals and persons with ADHD all over the country, featured noted speakers in special education like Dr. Ed Dizon, Dr. Leticia Ho, Dr. Rose Aligada, Dr. Ma. Teresa Lim, and Dr. Robert Mobley. A father of a child with ADHD, Raul Manaligod gave a lecture on “Success in Career and in the Work Place.” A group of persons with ADHD, headed by comedian-singer George Javier, shared their life’s journey from grade school up to the present, when some of them now have their own families and experience being parent to children with ADHD.

ADHD, like autism, is a life-long condition. Having that condition is never a "death sentence," as many of the panelist shared. The condition can be overcome with early and appropriate interventions; with the help of the parents, siblings, professionals, the community; and with the commitment to live a meaningful and productive life.

ASP would like to congratulate Ms. Annie David, the trustees and the members of ADHD Society of the Philippines for a successful conference.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,seminar,special

ASP Naga: “Embracing a Mission and Making a Difference”

By Ms. Mildred Briguera-Serra,OTRP The ASP Naga Chapter held its orientation and enrichment seminar entitled “Embracing a Mission, Making a Difference” last 29 September 2012 at the Multimedia Hall of St. Joseph School. The seminar aimed to empower the parents, professionals and other future advocates of special children. It also aimed to promote awareness of the participants on the vision, mission and objectives of the Autism Society as a support group, to promote education on the rights and privileges of children with special needs and to share knowledge about various strategies in handling special children and in leading healthy family lives in spite of these challenges.

Participants dance "I Gotta Feeling"

Mrs. Maria Beatriz S.Balmaceda, the ASP Naga President, a dedicated mother of a loving special child, rendered the first lecture which was about the vision-mission-objectives of the Autism Society Philippines. She spoke about her experiences as a mother to a special child, both the challenges and the joyful moments.

Ms. Mildred Briguera-Serra, the ASP Naga secretary and an occupational therapist who presently serves at the Lance-Yuri KidSPOT Early Intervention and Habilitation Center and Help Learning Foundation, discussed autism and the behaviors associated with the triad of impairments. She spoke about understanding sensory processing disorders, as well as practical ways of giving sensory and behavioural management support.

Mrs.Divina Coruno, ASP Naga Auditor lead the group in the afternoon ice breaker. Mrs. Eleanor Dichoso, the Vice President of ASP Naga, who is a mother of a young consistent academic achiever, followed, discussing the rights and privileges of children with autism and other disabilities.

Ms. Gilda Gayle Gomez, an inspiring psychologist from Ateneo de Naga University shared her knowledge on coping mechanisms. She started with some related video clips which convey the feelings, experiences, and joys of a father living with his special child. The participants -- parents, guardians, relatives and teachers -- shared their struggles and how they try to deal with them. Ms. Gomez later expounded on the different ways the participants have been coping with the rigors of handling children with special needs. She emphasized the significance of being strengthened constantly through meaningful and practical ways.

As a joyful punctuation to the seminar, the officers led the participants in a dance to the tune of “I Gotta Feeling”. All happily danced. All had a great time. All had their blood pumped. Through dance, the participants joined together in celebrating: ”Never, never give you, we can make it through.”

The seminar was a success in many ways. It oriented and enriched this budding chapter on information important in autism advocacy; but also encouraged the participants to keep their faith and to share hopes of triumph over our struggles. We are reminded that the parents of special children, with the help of the support group and services, are the first and best teachers of their kids. The importance of family involvement in the implementation of appropriate programs and services in key to success in the lives of persons with special needs.

“ASP Naga Chapter is now joyfully embracing a mission to continuously make a great difference. ASP Naga shines. ASP Naga smiles at the world.”

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,regional,seminar

Project Management Seminar for ASP Leadership

The trustees and selected officers of the National Office and various chapters in Luzon congregated at Bridges Foundation in Quezon City last 06 October 2012 to experience a talk on project management techniques for non-profits.

ASP Leadership in Project Management Seminar

While many of us, successfully manage the rigors of our many roles in life -- being parents, employees, church workers, among others -- there is a need to continuously upgrade the skills of our leadership to be able to drive our organization to even greater heights as ASP pushes towards our 25th founding anniversary. Project management is an area identified as a gap for many of our chapters who would like to apply to grants with local and international funding agencies.

Mona Magno-Veluz, the ASP National Secretary, and an experienced project management professional for large-scale technology and communication programs, led the diverse group in a discussion on "outcome thinking" -- a critical component in long-term strategic planning. She also went through the project management life cycle -- how to develop a project proposal, creating an action plan, breaking down projects into tasks, project monitoring, change management and finally, closing a project. Ms. Veluz shared that she uses the Covey matrix which plots activities in quadrants based on importance and urgency, when prioritizing her day.

Ms. Veluz, who is also an executive from IBM Philippines, conducted the talk as part of the technology giant's "Commitment to Serve" program -- which is designed to equip non-profits like ASP in various areas like project management, marketing planning, technology planning, among many.

Considering the positive feedback from the participants, the presentation will be integrated into the upcoming Chapter Leaders Conference later in October.

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Posted in: leaders,seminar,special

The 4th ASP Chapter Leaders’ Conference

By Ranil Sorongon, ASP Executive Director

From 11 mothers in 1989, the Autism Society Philippines has grown to more than 8,000 members with 62 chapters nation-wide. Sixteen new chapters were added to the family since the last chapter leaders’ conference in 2010.

CLC group discussion

With the rapid growth of our membership and changing realities of the disability landscape in the country and abroad, the Society also needs to enhance the capability of its nationwide leadership to be relevant and responsive to the call of the times.

In preparation for meeting these challenges, the National Office will be conducting the 4th Chapter Leaders’ Conference on October 27 and 28 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Legend Villas, 60 Pioneer corner Madison Streets in Mandaluyong City. The Bahay ni Angelo King Foundation, our perennial Autism Angel, is again the sponsor of this event.

The conference that will be attended by around 80 chapter leaders and trustees from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao aims to hone the leadership skills of ASP’s leaders, strengthen their relationships and be updated of the development in the disability sector. It will also assess the strengths and limitations of the organization, examine its policies and plan the direction of ASP for the coming years. All this in preparation for celebrating ASP's 25th founding anniversary in 2014.

Chapter leaders may contact the National Office at telephones 7-903-5496 or through email at autismphils@gmail.com for details of the conference.

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Posted in: leaders,seminar,special

Why I Teach Children With Autism

By DANG U. KOE, ASP Chair Emeritus

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, Autism Society Philippines held an essay-writing contest for teachers and therapists on “Why I Teach Children with Autism.” And the winning teacher-writer is our Angel Talker this week: Katleen Daria.

Teacher Daks, as she is called, is currently teaching as an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapist for a family in Singapore. She plans to come home in three months and teach again in Apples Tree Integrated School.

*****

Twenty-five years ago, when my mom asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I answered, “A teacher,” with a little uncertainty. Last year, my mom asked where I see myself in 10 years, I answered “Still in school, I will still be a teacher,” with a smile and twinkle in my eye.

My journey with kids with special needs is priceless. Yes, priceless. The first time my student with speech difficulty called me a “teacher.” The first time I never prompted my student with hyperactivity to sit still and properly. The first time my student with learning disability answered his worksheets independently. The first time my student with fleeting eye contact looked at me for 10 seconds while talking. The first time my student with poor eye-hand-coordination ate without spillage. The first time I let go of him because he was ready to be mainstreamed.

All these might be worthless to some people; but for me, and for all the people who care for children with special needs, they are more precious than any gems in the world or more important than tons of emeralds and pearls.

I know why Geppetto never lost hope on Pinocchio

I am very certain that when someone would ask me “Job with high salary or career with just a penny?” I would answer “career with just a penny.” As Jessie J says, “Why is everybody so obsessed? Money can’t buy us happiness. Ain’t about the cha-ching, cha-ching, Ain’t about the ba-bling, ba-bling.”

Hats off to all teachers, therapists, caregivers, parents and friends who are making a difference in every kid with special needs’ life!

If someone would ask me why I teach children with autism I would simply answer: “The kids were the prettiest flower I have ever seen, and I am one of the luckiest gardener in the world to be able to watch them bloom to be the most beautiful flower God has ever made.”

And if a non-verbal kid would say “Thank you, Teacher” for the very first time, it would definitely mean more than the words could say.

*****

ASP will hold back-to-back seminars on “Your Child’s Behavior and Sensory Integration” and “The Feeding Struggle” on Oct. 20. Resource speaker is senior occupational therapy consultant of Therapeutic Intervention for KIDS, Lady Suarez. Venue is at La Sagesse Rehabilitation and Development Center, 14 G. Bunyi Street, Buting, Pasig City.

The monthly family support group meeting, open to members and non-members of ASP, will be on Oct. 13. This will be facilitated by ASP board trustee Gina Bermudo. Venue is ASP’s national office in Kamias, Quezon City.

For more details, log on to autismsocietyphilippines.blogspot.com or follow us at Facebook and Twitter.

This article appeared in print and online versions of the Manila Bulletin on 8 October 2012.

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Posted in: angels-talk,community

ABA Practitioner Wins ASP's Essay Writing Contest

Autism Society Philippines proudly announces the winner of the Essay - Writing Contest entitled "Why I Teach Children with Autism". Ms. Kathleen Daria or Teacher Taks bested other contestants with her entry of non-traditional prose-poetry mix essay.

Teacher Taks and some of her students

Teacher Taks is an private ABA practitioner currently working in Singapore. She hopes to rejoin Apples Tree Integrated school when she comes back to the Philippines in a few months. Aside from being entitled to free entrance to 12 ASP monthly seminars, Teacher Taks' winning entry "Pinocchio" will be published in Manila Bulletin under the Angels' Talk column of ASP Chairman Emeritus Dang Koe on Monday October 8, 2012. Congratulations Teacher Taks!

ASP would like to acknowledges and convey its gratitude to all the teachers who joined the contest. Happy Teachers Day!

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Posted in: awards,special

The MIND-PC Turns One

Metro Manila Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Program Coalition (MIND-PC) celebrated its first anniversary with a series of special events with the theme “Mind Your Health: Unite to Fight Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s)!”, bringing together almost 300 delegates from different Local Government Units and Non Government Agencies. Autism Society Philippines (ASP) -- one of the members of the MIND-PC through the Secretariat of the Center for Health Development-National Capital Region -- joined the first Anniversary on 21 September 2012 at the People’s Hall Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Ranilo Sorongon with MIND-PC officers

The said celebration started the registration as early as 5am, it followed with the Fun Run and biking from selected bikers from different LGUs that take place around the Quezon City Circle. A “Hataw” Exercise facilitated by the organizers right after the delegations came back.

Chief-Health Operations Division, Dr. Ruben Siapno with Regional Director, Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo and other special guests led the ribbon cutting as they grace the opening of the special program. Different booth exhibits, merchandise and freebies for health check like bone scanning and blood check are open to all of the participants. The participants were also wooed by our very own PWA John Paul Lumba from ASP Lagro Chapter; he showcased his talents and skills in keyboard while singing two (2) Filipino Songs.

The said celebration was attended by ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon and ASP Angels, Abegail Mendoza and Cath Genovia as they distributed the ASP brochures to all doctors, nurses, health workers who were present in the said event.

Reminiscing: ASP, represented by Cath Genovia, remembers the 3-day live-in Annual Consultative Workshop at Cherry Blossoms, Ermita, Manila last November 18 to 20, 2011. ASP was one of the invited participants of the said workshop and is became a member of the Core Group.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,leaders,special

NCDA Launches Sub Committee on Access to Justice and Anti Discrimination

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) attended the launching of the Sub Committee on Access to Justice and Anti Discrimination last 18 September 2012 at the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Office in Quezon City. ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon and Marivic Ramos from ASP Laguna Chapter were among the more than one hundred guests coming from persons with disabilities organizations, non government organizations, government agencies and parent support groups.

Participants and PWDs attending NCDA Launch

Secretary Corazon Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed the participants. She was joined by NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga and Deputy Executive Director Mateo Lee, Jr.

The creation of the sub committee was the council’s response to demand for access to the justice system for persons with disabilities and to discrimination they experience. It is also a step to comply with Article 5 (Equality and Non Discrimination) and Article 13 (Access to Justice) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which the Philippines ratified in 2008.

The new sub committee is composed of representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Philippine National Police (PNP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and various PWD organizations. It is an addition to the different sub-committees under NCDA. ASP is a member of the Sub-Committee on Education and the Sub-Committee on Health.

After the launching, a consultative meeting and dialogue with the Public Attorneys Office (PAO), an office under the Department of Justice followed. PAO lawyer Florence de Belen gave a short orientation on the process of filing a case and other basic information about their office. She was joined by two other lawyers, Demiter Huerta and Maria Agatha Mijares during the dialogue.

The PWD sector is the most marginalized among the vulnerable sectors of society and is most often denied their human rights. With the help of “PWD-friendly" public attorneys, our sector is hopeful that access to justice will become a reality.

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Posted in: 4public,4pwas,special

Bañamos Walk For A Cause

By: David Michael Lopez, ASP Laguna Chapter

It was a bright and sunny Monday morning when the Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter attended the yearly activity in Los Baños-the “Walk for a Cause.” More than 150 government agencies, academic institutions, and business firms from fourteen different barangays in Los Baños volunteered in the walk as they lifted tarpaulins and wore respective uniforms.

ASP Laguna family

Taking a walk from Trace College to the Municipal Covered Court was fun. Traffic was diverted as vehicles headed to their respective places while group of institutions were heading on the way to Barangay Baybayin to attend a short program. This event was reminiscent to the one we did last March 15 in celebration of National Women’s Month where it aimed to raise funds for women who have breast cancer. Compared to the previous Bañamos activities starting in the year 2002, there were fun-filled games, pageants, and activities that brought color and flavor to local and foreign tourists. They comprise of Himigsikan, Miss Los Baños, and Bayle Sa Kalye, among many others.

This year’s Bañamos was different because it paid tribute to the victims who were affected by the recent Habagat tragedy that took place in early August. Barangays Tadlac, Bayog, Malinta, and Mayondon are the worst-affected areas where residents live in tent cities these days.

A short program took place after taking an hour-long walk which ended at the Municipal Covered Court from Trace College. We watched a presentation that featured images of Los Baños residents living in evacuation centers as a group of volunteers donated canned goods, foods, and other materials to Habagat victims.

Government officials comprising of Calamba City Mayor Joaquin Chipeco, Mayor Anthony ‘Ton’ Genuino, and Vice Mayor Josephine Evangelista from Los Baños delivered speeches to acknowledge people for pledging donations and helping victims normalize their lives. Mayor Ton declared in his short speech that the activities for this year’s Bañamos will be moved for the meantime from mid-September to December in celebration of the Christmas season. More than 20 institutions were given certificates before a short dance number was showcased by a group of students.

In terms of donations, more than Php 100,000 was collected by different institutions and agencies based in Los Baños. The celebration ended with a Holy Mass and the Sky Lantern Festival.

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Posted in: special

October 20 Back to Back Seminars

“Your Child’s Behavior and Sensory Integration”

9:00 AM-12:00 NN

Learn the concept of sensory processing and the basic principles behind Sensory Integration (SI). Find out which among your child’s behaviors are based on sensory processing issues. Learn few techniques on how to integrate SI concept in your child’s routine and play. Know how to modify your home and how to make your environment sensory-rich.

“The Feeding Struggle”

1:30 PM-4:30 PM

Is your mealtime a struggle? The seminar will provide information on normal development of feeding skills. It will also discuss how to make your mealtime pleasant. Techniques will be provided on how to approach your child during feeding and how to modify your child’s meal. Other activities that can be done outside your “feeding time” will also be discussed. Learn how to strengthen your child’s oral motor skills and how to improve oral sensations through play.

Teacher Lady Suarez

Ms. Lady M. Suarez is an Occupational Therapist by profession. A senior OT consultant of Therapeutic Intervention for KIDS (THINKids) and Therapy Works. She is also a consultant and a department head in St. Luke’s Medical Center, Neurodevelopmental Center. A graduate of UP Manila (1998-2002) with training on SI, feeding and aqua therapy; a Board of Director of the Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines (OTAP) and also a former Special Lecturer of UP-College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) Manila.

Venue: La Sagesse Rehabilitation and Development Center, 14 G. Bunyi Street,

Buting, Pasig City

REGISTRATION FEE is inclusive of certificate, handouts and snacks

Seminar Fee
Pre-reg. *until Oct. 17
Single Seminar
Member - 500.00
Non-Member - 600.00

On-site Registration
Member - 700.00
Non-Member - 800.00

Double Seminar
Pre-reg. *until Oct. 17
Member - 900.00
Non-Member - 1,000.00

On-site Registration
Member - 1,000.00
Non-Member - 1,200.00

Click here to register online.

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account # 047-3-04751874-2. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 70 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who did not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

The ASP Seminar Series serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are of their own and don’t necessarily reflect that of the views of the organization.

Sharing HOPES...Building DREAMS

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar

The Association for Adults with Autism Philippines (AAAP) Autism Seminar

The Association for Adults with Autism Philippines holds an educational seminar on diagnostic, treatment, and policy issues affecting adults with autism.

AAAP logo

The seminar will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Justitia Room, 4/F, Ateneo Law School, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

An all-Filipino panel of specialists based in Manila and the US are the featured speakers.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Criteria and Causes. Speaker: Lirio Sobrevinas Covey, Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry Columbia University Medical Center, New York.

Philippine Laws on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Speaker: Atty. Nina Patricia Sison-Arroyo, Assistant Director, Ateneo Legal Services Center, Ateneo De Manila University.

Medical and Pharmacological Interventions for Persons with Autism. Speaker: Christine Leonor Ma. C. Conducto, M.D., DPPS, Fellow, Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

A Comprehensive Framework for Understanding Autism and the Families with Autism. Speaker: Ma. Lourdes “Honey” Carandang, Ph.D., President, Metropolitan Psychological Corporation.

Enhancing Creativity among Persons with Disabilities. Speaker: Erlinda F. Camara, Ph.D. University of the Philippines.

Residential Community Living for Adults with Autism: the Life-sharing Model. Speaker: Ronald Sanchez, M.A., Director, Camphill Community, Santa Cruz, California.

Autism is among the most prevalent conditions recognized during childhood. It has been estimated that there are close to 1 million Filipinos with autism. Caring for a child with autism is considered one of the most difficult of parental challenges. An additional challenge is that autism is a life-long condition. About a third of persons who meet the clinical diagnosis of autism may be able to lead independent lives as adults, but the greater majority will be dependent on caregivers to meet their daily needs throughout their lives.

There are few resources in the Philippines for persons with autism, even children and virtually none for Filipino adults with autism. As persons with autism approach adulthood, their family members begin to ask themselves the anguished question - Who will take care of my child when I am no longer able to?”

Meeting this need is the mission of AAAP - to draw attention to the needs of adults with autism, to improve the quality of their lives, and to provide a safe, comfortable, productive, and long-term context for them, in the company of their peers. The October 13, 2012 seminar is the first in a series of educational and training programs designed to build capacity for meeting the wide breadth of caregiving issues concerning adults with autism. Donations and proceeds from the seminar will go to the construction fund for the first residential community for Filipino adults with autism to be named “A Special Place”. Further information about the October 13 seminar, AAAP, and A Special Place can be obtained at http://adultautismphil.wordpress.com. Inquiries may also be directed to AAAP officers at adults_with_ autism@yahoogroups.com.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar,special