Understanding Campers with Autism

The Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc (KPVI) will be holding its 36th “Kamp Pagkakaisa”, a ten-day summer camp for children with special needs, on 4-13 April 2014. KPVI is targeting Tanay, Rizal as the venue for this year.

In order to train the new and old volunteers in handling children with special needs and to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive, ASP National President Mary Janette Peña was invited as a Resource Speaker on "Understanding Campers with Autism" last 02 February 2014 at the TSB Seminar Hall, Meralco Compound.

Ms. Janette Peña speaking to participants

Ten days of living in camp and ministering to a PWA could be quite an ordeal for a volunteer who lacks the know-how in dealing with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Tita Jan’s 18-year old son, Muneer Peña began the lecture with words that sounded strange and meaningless. Obviously, a few seconds of incomprehensible speech of a non-verbal PWA already rendered the listeners helpless in understanding the message that Muneer was imparting. During this lecture for thirty (30) new and seasoned volunteers of KPVI, Tita Jan explained the nature and needs of a person who has autism. She elaborated on the varied language, behavior and socialization patterns that campers with autism will demonstrate in their attempt to express themselves.

For the volunteers, more important than seeing these manifestations is equipping one’s self on how to address a situation where the demonstrated communication and behavior might distract the learning and living experience of the PWA camper. Tita Jan pointed out that on top of engaging the campers in fun and meaningful activities, a volunteer can do a great service, if he can teach a PWA to overcome a certain language, sensory or behavioral deficit during the 10-day 36th camp.

The volunteers finished the session in positive spirits, enlightened and highly-motivated, eager to make a difference in the lives of campers with autism.

Ms. Janette Peña with certificate after Understanding Campers with Autism

KPVI is a non-stock, non-profit organization established in February 1979 and is composed of volunteer students and professional. KPVI is committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: the mentally and physically challenged, abandoned, socially deprived, street smart, the physically and sexually abused, and children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and ADHD.

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