ASP Sta. Rosa conducts 2nd Community Yoga

Yoga can bring many benefits and for those in the Autism Spectrum, it is particularly helpful as it provides sensory integration, improves confidence and social skills and engages the emotional brain. Realizing yoga’s many benefits, ASP Sta. Rosa conducted its 2nd community yoga for Persons with Autism (PWA’s) and their siblings last 1 March 2014 at Fortezza Clubhouse Function Room, Laguna.

Kids doing yoga with Ms. Olive Medina

It was conducted by ASP Sta Rosa chapter president, Olive Medina, a certified yoga teacher by Rainbow Kids Yoga International and Yoga Vidya Gurukul. She was assisted by the parents and caregivers of the participants. The activity provided the participants a fun and healthy way to bond together. Everybody had a great time doing various modified yoga poses, listening to storytelling, having some quiet time and relaxing massage.

ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter hopes to have yoga as a regular recreational and physical activity for its members and share the practice to other chapters as well.

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas,4siblings,chapters,medical

ASP Ormoc 2 conducts Basic First Aid and Life Support Training

Autism Society Philippines Ormoc District 2 Chapter with the valuable help of the Ormoc Rescue Team led by team leader, Pedro Dominic O. Eamiguel, EMT-B, RRT and Kryz Andrea Florendo, RN conducted a Basic First Aid and Basic Life Support Training for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers last March 1, 8 and April 10, 2014 at St. Paul’s School of Ormoc Foundation, Inc.

Practice doing first aid

In the wake of Typhoon Yolanda, crucial lessons have been learned and the members are determined now more than ever to be prepared in terms of survival skills for their families, most especially their children. With autistic children manifesting a lessened awareness of danger, the parents found it all the more practical to learn what to do in the event of an emergency situation.

During the Basic First Aid Training, the members were taught what to pack in a First Aid Kit, how to deal with general breathing problems such as asthma attack, allergic reactions and croup and choking and a brief discussion on drowning; Injury emergencies such as wounds, bleeding, injuries to bones, muscle and joints, burns and poisoning; and Common medical emergencies such as seizures and febrile convulsions.

While in the Basic Life Support Training, the members were taught the primary survey, the updated C-A-B method of Life support, Compression, Airway and Rescue Breaths and secondary survey. Bandaging and Splinting were very important topics that were discussed and applied in detail as well. In the last session of the training, two additional crew members of the Ormoc rescue team, Mr. Darwin A. Mopon, technical rescue and Ricky J. Eligeo, utility support, helped in training the members. The members were given a simulated situation where a “victim” had multiple wounds and fractures. They were then given only 20 minutes to accomplish the task to perform basic first aid and basic life support.

Basic First Aid and Basic Life Support Skills are perishable skills therefore the members intend to have a repeat session with the Ormoc Rescue Team to hone further their skills.ASP Ormoc District 2 Chapter is very grateful for the presence of the Ormoc Rescue Team in Ormoc City. Their dedication and selfless commitment to do their job makes the parents feel safer and more secure not only for themselves but most importantly for their children.

This article is a contribution of An Margaret Abanes of ASP District 2 Ormoc City, Leyte Chapter.

Read more »

Posted in: 4public,chapters,community,medical

Summer Camp for Teens with Autism

ASP Diliman hold their very first Summer Camp for teens with autism last 23-24 March 2014 at the Phillip’s Sanctuary in Antipolo, Rizal. Five teens, all with autism, namely Vincent Benoza, Andrei Gaban, Marcus Palomares, Frederick Segui and Thanielle Tan participated in the activity. The Summer camp was facilitated by ASP volunteers -- Cathy Genovia, Alice Alagos, JM Bartlett, Asbel Elpos and Danna Llanto -- achieving a teen-volunteer ratio of 1:1.

Summer Camp for teens with autism and family

The kids of Diliman Chapter have done previous summer activities like basketball, soccer and swimming. Previous summer camps involved hiking, living in a new place, learning new skills and gaining new friends. At this year summer camp, our CWA’s got to experience an overnight stay at the camp without any sibling or parent as companion. And also without computers and other gadgets.

Weeks before the camp, the parents prepared their kids for the camp. According to Mommy Resy, she told Vincent that he will enjoy swimming in Antipolo with his friends Macky, Iking, Budong and Thanielle, an activity that he loves to do with his friends. His response, “Vincent likes to go swimming in Antipolo on 22 March Saturday. He will bring Kitty One (his bedtime toy) and Walt Disney book (his favorite book). Vincent will go back home on Sunday, March 23. Mommy, Papa and Vania will fetch Vincent in Antipolo.” Individuals with autism are need to be prepared for prolonged changes in routine and provided coping tools and techniques.

On the first day of camp, the volunteers quickly bonded with their wards. The ‘special’ teens were excited to be with their ‘new’ friends and showed no separation anxiety. They happily waved goodbye to their parents. They did hiking, climbing bridges, swimming, singing and dancing. During mealtimes, they cleared the table after eating. Each TWA fixed his own bed, bathed himself, and folded his own clothes.

The volunteers, the new “kuyas” and “ates” prompted the TWAs in these activities and were given rewards for good behavior. Vincent proudly told his sister, “I ate white bread.” Volunteer Cathy said that they had to prompt him to eat bread (a food item that he does not eat), by rewarding him with swimming time. Marcus had to speak Tagalog throughout the camp; while Andrei was more sociable and cooperative. Thanielle, the only girl in the group did not show any tantrums her Mom was so worried about. It helped that all the participants had been to Phillip’s Sanctuary the year before when the chapter held the sibling workshop.

On the second day, a short program culminated the summer camp. The TWAs happily sang “The Greatest Love of All” led by Frederick and danced to the tune of “Gentleman” as a group, showing off to the appreciative and proud audience of parents and siblings. Their parents and siblings then join them in singing the final song, “If we hold on together” before saying their goodbyes.

It was a good respite week-end for parents of the participants at the same time; to which Mom Jo Palomares jokingly commented, “Let’s plan the next summer camp to be one week.”

This article is a contribution of Jo Palomares and Resy Benoza of ASP Diliman Chapter.

Read more »

Posted in: 4public,4pwas,chapters

PBA, SM Cares hold 1st basketball clinic for special kids

This article appeared on 9 April 2014, Wednesday in The Philippine Star.

The first-ever basketball clinic for special children was held over the weekend conducted by coaches of the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Some 20 children with Down Syndrome and Autism were treated to an afternoon of basketball game and relays to introduce them to the sports as one of the activities in the 2014 PBA All-Star Week festivities at the MOA.

PBA Basketball with balls

Co-sponsored by the PBA and MOA Arena and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the children were taught dribbling, passing the ball, ball handling and shooting by PBA All Star coach Tim Cone, SanMig assistant coaches Richard Del Rosario and Jeffrey Cariaso and San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson.

Arnold Alegre, who took some of the kids to the basketball clinic, said they are delighted that the PBA coaches took time out from their busy schedules to be with the special children to conduct the first of its kind in the country.

He said playing sports is one of the best therapies that should be given to children with Down Syndrome and Autism because it teaches them focus, improves their physical development and gives them the chance to bond with other kids.

"Sports boosts confidence and they get to interact with other 'children. That opens up a whole lot of experience for them which improves their well-being," Alegre, a special education teacher said who has made helping special children a lifelong commitment.

One example he said is one of his stu­dents, Paul Garcia, a child with autism and one of the participants in the sports. clinic. "He was not interested in sports before, he was fat. He did not want to do anything. So we started to have him into some physical activity. He had strength and that was why he got into weight-lifting. The first year he joined the Paralympics, he became the national champion," he said.

He said society should be more open to people with autism and Down Syndrome because they could be productive members of the society if given all the support.

"We have to see beyond the disability. We have to remove the dis from disability because they have the drive to attain the skill they can be interested in. It's very easy to teach them because they value routine and they are good at it. You teach them a certain drill or ritual once and they remember it for the rest of their lives. They stick to it. But this could only be achieved if we train them. We have to make them productive," he said.

Alegre said they are thankful to the SM group for its never-ending support. "It's not hard to talk to them especially for the causes we push. They always have a heart for PWDs. They always give their all-out support just like for this project," he said.

Read more »

Posted in: authletics,partners,self-advocates,sm,sports

CWA explores Science at the Mind Museum

ASP UP CAMP Manila families (6 CWA, 2 grandmothers, 3 mothers, 1 father, 2 guardians, 4 siblings) visited The Mind Museum for a chance to explore science as a community last 03 April 2014. The activity allowed the CWA families some time to bond, and let the kids explore more of the world.

ASP UPCAMP in Mind Museum

The children with autism, their guardians and their siblings had a great time scouring each portion of the museum. Some of the exhibits caught the attention of some CWAs (like the rotating kaleidoscope, sounds of space, spinning tunnel) so much that they would go back to it again and again. Since the museum is interactive, the families were free to try each exhibit. There were also short movies in the planetarium and in mini theater that teaches about outer space and Earth’s history. Before and after the tour of the museum, the participants also played at the Science in the Park playground where the kids enjoyed the different slides, bubble machines and other displays. “Visitors learn science by rediscovering anew, through play, the wonder of nature’s elements: sunlight, wind, water and greenery. The park consists of four main play pockets: Water, Math, Music, and Living.”

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). Children with autism are not meant to be locked up in their houses. We parents need to expose them to the community, to learn more of the world and the people around them. Through interactions with these kids can we understand them more.

This article is a contribution of Jenette Rodriguez, Secretary of ASP UP Camp.

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas,chapters,WAAD

PWD Convention: PWeDe Nating Gawin

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), in partnership with Miriam College and the United States Embassy Manila, held a conference on enriching education and empowerment for persons with disabilities (PWD) on 22 February 2014 at the Marian Auditorium of Miriam College, Quezon City.

Titled “PWeDe Natin Gawin!,” the conference gathered together a diversity of people from the education, industry, and disability sectors in a forum that aimed to discuss best practices and experiences in education, poverty reduction, employment, accessibility, and inclusion for PWD.

During PWeDe Nating Gawin

The conference was graced by resource speakers from both the public and private sectors. Among them was Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Lamoiyan Corporation President and CEO, who discussed the value and responsibilities of PWD in the workplace and emphasized the importance of skills-based training. Dr. Wendy Ashby, a professor from the US who has been sent on various missions, discussed the importance of connecting with different cultures, particularly the PWD culture, and understanding the world from their perspectives.

Also present to discuss their experiences and insights were members and stakeholders of the disability sector, namely: US Ambassador Philip Goldberg; NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga; Atty. Jesusa Magbanua of the Office of the Solicitor General; Dr. Rosario Lapus and Dr. Ronaldo Motilla, President and Wellness Center Head of Miriam College, respectively; Dianne Salazar of the Link Center for the Deaf; and Fiel John Meria and Susan Pe of the AD/HD Society of the Philippines; among others.

During one of the fora at the conference, yours truly had the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers. I directed at John Meria, himself an AD/HD self-advocate and a brother to a teenager on the autism spectrum, an issue I believe is facing the developmental disability sector: amid the proliferation of self-advocates with physical disabilities, there are only a handful of self-advocates with developmental disabilities.

John discussed that there is indeed a very small but growing population of individuals like ourselves, and that there is a big opportunity for our respective organizations to cultivate and develop self-advocates. After the conference, John and I, together with another AD/HD self-advocate Nikki Pe, discussed a possibility of a self-advocates’ alliance. At the time of writing, we have been joining hands and gathering our fellows in the aim of setting the direction of our advocacy.

It was a spark of a new hope for autism and other developmental disabilities that despite the apparent negative perceptions of our respective conditions, there is a great outlook in the trend of individuals with developmental disabilities to be able to speak out and advocate for ourselves, all toward acceptance. This conference has proven its title correct: Yes, we can. PWeDe Nating Gawin!

This article is a contribution of Gerard Joseph Atienza, Secretary of ASP Bacoor Chapter and an adult with autism.

Read more »

Posted in: 4public,4pwas

"Great 8" Strategies for Language Deficits of PWAs

This moderated viewing of a 120-minute webcast will explore the topic area necessary for family members and speech-language pathologists to possess in order to provide effective and evidenced-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.

This session will tackle the "great 8" strategies for addressing the core deficits of autism spectrum disorder: assessment, reinforcement, visual supports, sensory, social skills, teamwork, and comprehensive planning.

Parents and speech-language pathologists must have knowledge and skills on core characteristics of autism, working with families, screening, diagnosis, and assessment, evidenced-based interventions, use of augmentative and alternative communication modalities, and collaboration (ASHA, 2006b). This presentation will address these specific areas by introducing audience participants to specific interventions and methodologies to increase their skills and knowledge in the area of ASD.

The following teaching methodologies will be:

1. Behavior-based intervention
2. Collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team
3. Use of visual supports
4. Incorporating sensory strategies

Ms. Lynn Dudek

Ms. Lynn M. Dudek M.S., CCC-SLP/MBA is the Autism and Medical Rehabilitation Manager at Easter Seals Central and SE Ohio, Inc and the owner of ASDSLP, LLC. She is a speech-language pathologist who has specialized in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder for close to 20 years. Lynn has presented at the local, state, and national level on topics regarding autism, communication and assessment. Her passion for advocacy, education, and effective treatment directs her professional and personal activities.

Lynn recently completed coursework for completion of her BCBA. She currently serves on the Ohio Autism Coalition, the Autism Alliance and Advisory Board for speechpathology.com, and the National Autism Spokesperson Network.

Ms. Michele LaMarche

Ms. Michele LaMarche, BCBA is the co-founder of Special Learning, Inc. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Step By Step Academy (SBSA), a highly-regarded centre-based non-profit Autism treatment centre in Columbus, Ohio. Since its formation almost ten years ago, SBSA has touched the lives of over one thousand students through rigorous application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatments, resulting in exceptional outcomes.

Michele, with over fifteen years of professional experience in the field of ABA, uses her knowledge of behavioral treatment to produce ground breaking, effective, empirically validated curricula, a critical factor in successfully mainstreaming hundreds of students with ASD. With her credentials and work through Special Learning and SBSA, she has changed the lives of countless individuals and families affected by ASD.
Seminar Details

Date: 26 April 2014, Saturday
Time: 9:00 am- 12:00 noon
Venue: Technical Enablement Center,
2nd Floor IBM Plaza, Eastwood,
Quezon City (Map)

Register online today!  Pre-registration fee is P500 (up to April 22). On-site registration fee is P600. ASP Members get a discount of P100. Seminar Fee is inclusive of a certificate, handouts and snacks.

All participants will receive a signed hard-copy certificate of completion from ASP. Participants may also order from the training provider, as an OPTIONAL service, a certificate of completion issued by Special Learning Incorporated, signed by the trainer; but delivered in PDF form via email, for an ADDITIONAL cost of P400.

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account Number 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 Education and Empowerment Program 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 their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar

ASP Pasay Lakbay-Aral to ASP Laguna

ASP Pasay Chapter celebrated World Autism Awareness Day by conducting a Lakbay-Aral at ASP Resource Center in Los Baños, Laguna last 01 April 2014.

ASP Pasay and Laguna Family group in Lakbay-Aral

There were 51 participants composed of parents, children with autism, siblings and caregivers who enjoyed the delicious lunch prepared in the diner with the help of the salaried PWAs in the center. The visitors were treated to a guided tour where the ASP Laguna Chapter President Ms. Catherine L. Lopez explained the different sections in the center, like the art shop where students make and sell crafts.

Their Autism Resource Center is also an ideal place to hone the skills of PWAs at the same give them job opportunities to make them respectable and worthy members of the community.

Read more »

Posted in: chapters,community,employment,regional

ASP Catanduanes - GOTIS partner for an assessment mission

(This article is a contribution of Pattie Kozma, ASP Catanduanes Chapter Vice President)

Representatives of Group of Therapist in the South or GOTIS arrived in the island of Catanduanes on 21 March 2013 for a much-awaited assessment and evaluation mission, jointly organized with ASP Catanduanes Chapter. Mr. Erwin P. Bote, Mr. Mike Kelvin T. Esguerra and Ms Hardecyl C. Quiron headed to the Juan Alberto Memorial Elementary School.

During assessment mission

Ms. Jeniffer Torres assisted the participants from various barangays -- MSWO officers, SPED teachers, volunteers, physicians, parents -- for the seminar; while Ms. Liza Molod and Ms. Irene Borja prepared the GOTIS to meet with the 55 patients, whose cases varied from autism to cerebral palsy, from intellectual disabilities to other conditions. Screening of each patient, did not fall short of their commitment, as they carefully showed the parents/guardians exercises and follow through methods.

Much to our surprise, the National President of ASP, Ms. Janette Peña paid our mission a visit. Apparently she had it planned to bring her kids on a short trip and part of that trip involved visiting the Island -- a very heartwarming and humbling gesture.

Our three-day assessment and evaluation mission came to an end, just as the dark clouds brought rain to the island. But as we move on to progressing on the work that has begun, the angels who made this mission a reality deserve our community’s gratitude.

• Mr. Erwin P. Bote, Mr. Mike Kelvin T. Esguerra and Ms. Hardecyl C. Quiron of GOTIS
• Ms. Cynthia Soneja, Ms. Liza Molod & Ms. Irene Borja of JMAMES
• Mr. Mariano Deguzman, Deped OIC-ASDS
• Governor Araceli Wong, Vice Governor Bong Teves & SP Councilors Ms. Shirley Abundo, Dr. Alvin Ravallo, Ms. Gina Pantino, Ms. Kristine Gamil, Mr. Victor Laynes, Mr. John Laynes and Mr. Alex Santos for sponsoring the indigent children
• Mr. Victor Bernal and Ms. Evelyn Teves of ARDCI INN
• Ms. Jeniffer Torres for assisting in preparation of the mission and itinerary
• Dra. Abella, Dra. Arcilla and Ms. Gie Laynes of Sea Breeze Resto for the lunch and dinner
• Mr. & Mrs. Donato for the tour to Bato and Puraran
• Ms. Kristine Arcilla Gamil for the tour at Mamangal Beach

Read more »

Posted in: chapters,community,consultation,education,regional,sped,volunteers

Disability Perspective & Autism Orientation Seminar

The ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga conducted an autism orientations in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day. The event was the 7th in the series that Teacher Joy Ofrecia, ASP CSFP Chapter President, has been conducting since January 2014.

As Teacher Joy arrives in her seminar venues, she observes people makingjokes and using the term "autistic" to describe some of their workmates with different or displeasing attitude. But as the seminar concludes, she would get comments like "kaya pala ganon sila," "di pala sila dapat tinatawag ng ganun," "pwede pala silang matuto" and so forth. These reveal that there is still much work to do to make the community aware of what autism.

The Disability Perspective & Autism Orientation Seminar was conducted at the DENR R3 Conference Hall, Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Maimpis, City of San Fernando Pampanga. Mrs. Vilma V. Garcia Region III Planning Management Division Chief & Vice-Chair R3 GAD Focal Point System, a grandmother to a person with autism, spearheaded the seminar which was attended by DENR R3 Regional Director Francisco Milla, Jr. and 35 GAD focal persons from the different DENR Provincial Field offices. The said orientation served as part of the knowledge accumulation of the focal persons of the Gender and Development Focal Point System of DENR Region III. Learnings from this are expected to contribute in the implementation of GAD related programs.

During the presentation on disability perspective, provision of a non-handicapping environment and the mandated 1% of employees in government offices should be PWDs were discussed. ASP's 1Pangako campaign video was shown and participants made their promise, lead by Juris Patrick N. Ofrecia.

PWA Juris Ofrecia leading 1Pangako

As the 14 behavioral manifestations of autism were being discussed, one mom in the audience began assessing the behavior checklist. She later shared during the open forum said that her son displayed seven of the fourteen and concluded that he might be on the spectrum. Interestingly, more participants came out to share that they too have a member in the family affected by autism.

More agencies, companies and groups, public and private, to visit in the coming days. ASP CSFP Chapter is taking the road to reaching more people to make them understand and care for individuals with autism.

Read more »

Posted in: 4public,chapters,community,education,friendship,government,regional,seminar

ASP Sta. Rosa Opens “A Special Exhibit”

ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on 02 April 2014 with a Special Art Exhibit by Persons with Autism at SM Sta Rosa City, Laguna. The exhibit aimed to show that persons with autism can contribute positively to the society given the proper intervention, guidance, love and acceptance.

ASP Sta. Rosa WAAD Ribbon Cutting

The exhibitors are children of Autism Society Philippines officers and members, namely: Juan Gabriel Allegre, Noelle Cruz, Lorenzo Miguel Medina, Lauriel Lambon, Caryl Alvarez, Ethan Zamora, Nathan Sta Ana, Sean Tiu, Franco Santos, Justin Erolin, Christopher John Flores, Ella Ramos, Jan Carlos Alo, Yshi Garcia, Simon Perez, Miggy Memita and Justin Napoles.

Dr. Olive Medina, President of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter, gave the welcome remarks in behalf of the society; while Mr. Doni Orolfo from SM Operations Department gave the welcome remarks in behalf of SM Sta. Rosa.

The inspirational talk was given by one of the PWA exhibitors, Juan Gabriel Allegre. He shared:

I am Jorel Allegre. I am 13 and I have autism. Today is the 7th year since the United Nations designated every April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. This celebration aims to increase awareness of people about individuals especially children with Autism. As most of you may have observed, there are no two persons with Autism who are alike. Each PWA is entirely unique since Autism is a spectrum. Each child has a different degree of social, communication and behavioral difficulties. Some of us may not speak. Some of us like me have the words but cannot express and label our feelings. It is thru the arts that we have learned to express ourselves. To paraphrase a quote of the painter Georgia O’Keefe – “We found through painting that we could say things with colors and shapes that we can’t say any other way – Things we have no words for.” We want people to know that though we maybe different from other children, we are not less. We do have a God given talents and gifts that we can share to give joy and hope to others. My parents would like to tell other parents especially those whose child had just been diagnosed and are struggling with acceptance that there is always hope and you can still dream and work for a better life and future for your children with Autism. Also although your child needs unconditional love, they also need tough love too. That’s it. We hope you will enjoy our art works. Thank you!

Read more »

Posted in: art,chapters,community,laguna,regional,sm

Heeding the call to action

This article appeared on 7 April 2014 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk," by Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary General, said that the "World Autism Awareness Day is about more than generating understanding; it is a call to action." And act we did.

The successful celebration of the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week last January ushered in the 25th year of the Autism Society Philippines. During the ASP Chapter Leaders Conference held last March, the ASP national leadership rallied its 69 chapters for year-long autism events befitting their silver year.

For the 7th World Autism Awareness Day celebrated every April 2, the ASP chapters lined up advocacy activities for the entire month of April, which inspires not just awareness; but more importantly, acceptance and inclusion. We are claiming April as Autism Acceptance Month.

Some of the autism awareness and acceptance events done so far, include an open house and bazaar last April 2 at the Autism Resource Center of ASP Laguna Chapter, which included film showing. ASP UP CAMP treated their members and children with autism to Mind Museum for a day of recreation and fellowship last April 3. ASP Sta. Rosa Laguna held “A Special Exhibit by Persons with Autism” in SM Mall Sta Rosa, while ASP Baguio launched their coffee book of photos from their “Colors of A Spectrum” photography workshops and exhibits.

100 delegates from ASP chapters in Parañaque, Pasay, Novaliches, UP CAMP, Cavite, and Tacloban, dressed in green -- the trademark color of our 25-year advocacy -- joined the Light it Up Blue ceremonies at SM Mall of Asia, organized by the National Council on Disability Affairs and the Autism Hearts Foundation.

The chapters were also busy conducting autism orientation seminars, such as the one by ASP City of San Fernando for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources attended by Regional Director Francisco Milla, Jr. and 35 GAD focal persons from the different DENR Provincial Field offices. UP CAMP participated in a panel discussion on Economic and Political Foundations of Rehabilitation Science practice in the Philippines. ASP leaders oriented management and employees of Marco Polo Hotel in handling customers with autism and intellectual disabilities.

For the rest of April, more educational seminars are scheduled: April 12 – Seminar for parents, teachers, caregivers and other professionals on "Fundamentals in the Care and Management of Children with Autism" (Los Baños, Laguna); April 21-25- hands on training for parents and teachers in Teaching Children with Disabilities (Los Baños, Laguna); April 26, Seminar on Nutrition and Autism (Manila), and ABA Special Learning on the “Great 8 for Speech Language Pathologists and Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

A surprise WAAD treat came from SM Cares who partnered with Philippine Basketball Association to deliver a basketball clinic for members of the ASP and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines. Twenty persons with autism from ASP National and its chapters in Sta. Rosa, Pasay City and Tandang Sora were treated to a fun-filled hand-on course where they learned basketball basics from San Mig Coffee Mixers assistant coaches - Coach Jeffrey Cariaso, Coach Topex Robinson, and Coach Richard Del Rosario.

Let us not forget that all our efforts as autism advocates are more than creating awareness and understanding. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon urged all concerned “to take part in fostering progress by supporting education programmes, employment opportunities and other measures that help realize our shared vision of a more inclusive world.” For Filipinos with autism, ASP has identified 7 fundamental needs of the autism community that we hope our leaders in government and the private sector can consider in engineering laws, policies and procedures: mandatory developmental assessment, comprehensive needs assessment, inclusive education, public servants with special skills, community-based rehabilitation, comprehensive sensitivity training for schools and workplaces, and creative mechanisms for funding.

For those interested to attend ASP seminars mentioned or in becoming ASP members, please visit www.autismsocietyphilippines.org or follow ASP on Facebook and Twitter.

Read more »

Posted in: angels-talk

Recognition Day of Alfonso SPED Center

The Recognition Day of Alfonso Sped Center was held at the Tanghalang Sanghiyang Alfonso Central School, Alfonso Cavite last 14 March 2014. Hon. Mayor Virgilio P. Varias, SB Member Hon. Carolina L. Rivera, Hon. Madonna M, Pel, District Supervisor Mrs. Milagros H. Norcio, Principal Mrs. Nancy S. Marasigan, MSWD/PWD Coordinator Mrs. Jasper Alcedo, PDAO President Abelardo Cordenete were present as ASP Alfonso Chapter President Mrs. Jeanette Vidallon led the participants in the 1Pangako pledge.

Certificate giving to Ms. Janette Peña

The Autism Society Philippines National Office, represented by ASP President Jan Peña, was given recognition for its continued support to Alfonso SPED Center and to ASP Alfonso Chapter. The Municipality of Alfonso was site of the 2013 summer camp of the Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc., where ASP provided invaluable support. ASP Alfonso Chapter also recently hosted the latest showing of the film documentary ALYANA, in partnership with Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite.

Read more »

Posted in: awards,chapters,community,education,sped

Positivism on Autism

(This is article is a contribution of Elizabeth Udquin, President of ASP UP CAMP and ASP National Trustee.)

The Autism Society Philippines National was invited by the University Santo Tomas College of Nursing to give a talk about positivism towards autism last 26 February 2014. The seminar aimed to enhance, nurture societal empowerment and services in the field of nursing. National Trustee Grace Adviento discussed the facts and myths of autism; while I shared my experience in dealing with autism and in raising children with autism. I decided to extend my topic to include sensory processing disorders and how to manage them; so that every time they will encounter children with autism, they have already a basic knowledge on how to handle and deal with them.

ASP Leaders in action

Our talk was followed by a panel of reactors composed of a nursing student, a medical professional and a parent of neurotypical children. The open forum that followed highlighted how the group appreciated parents like us, who advocate for individuals -- with a handful signifying their intention to become ASP member-advocates also.

Read more »

Posted in: community,education

CANROCK 2014

CANROCK was held on 1 March 2014 at Robinson Galleria in Quezon City. The University of the Philippines Special Education Council's annual event was successful in making the celebration a means for individuals with special needs from different schools and institutions to showcase their talents.

The UPSEC believes that it is the ability, not the disability, that matters. Through the years, many have witnessed how the said event has changed this individuals' lives as well as viewing public's perspectives in light of this advocacy. Being given the opportunity to sing and dance in front of the audience, not only allows the individual with special needs fulfillment and self- determination; but also allows one to serenade, entertain and share the gift which he/she has been given.

St. Francis School VSA Arts Phil's., Inc., Independent Living Learning Center (ILLC), Joy Disability Mission Inc., Little Achievers, Pasay City North High School and the ASP Dreamgirls performed in this year’s program.

The ILLC Heartthrobs, a group composed of talented young men with autism, have performed in other advocacy events, including the Angels Walk for Autism 2014. The sought-after performers have showed that individuals with special needs can be multi-talented. They performed the song "Little Things," popularized by One Direction.

The ASP Dreamgirls who performed their danceable medley "Clarity/Titanium/Starships," have been featured in CANROCK since 2010. They aspire to give hope and to inspire people with special needs and their families through their performances.

Post by Dodie Garcia-Cu.

Read more »

Posted in: community,performance

World Autism Awareness Day 2014

(This message by Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary General, was originally published here.)

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day is a chance to celebrate the creative minds of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and to renew our pledge to help them realize their great potential.

I treasure my meetings with individuals affected by autism – parents, children, teachers and friends. Their strength is inspiring. They deserve all possible opportunities for education, employment and integration.

To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.

Education and employment are key. Schools connect children to their communities. Jobs connect adults to their societies. Persons with autism deserve to walk the same path. By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society.

At this time of economic constraint, governments should continue to invest in services that benefit persons with autism. When we empower them, we benefit current and future generations.

Tragically, in many parts of the world, these individuals are denied their fundamental human rights. They battle discrimination and exclusion. Even in places where their rights are secured, too often they still have to fight for basic services.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides a strong framework for action to create a better world for all.

World Autism Awareness Day is about more than generating understanding; it is a call to action. I urge all concerned to take part in fostering progress by supporting education programmes, employment opportunities and other measures that help realize our shared vision of a more inclusive world.

Read more »

Posted in: international,WAAD