The partnership of ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga Chapter and the city government of the City of San Fernando Pampanga, through the Office of the City Mayor and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, is strengthened by the constant collaboration and cooperation in providing necessary programs and activities to promote community awareness on the nature of disability, autism in particular, the rights of persons with disability and their empowerment, as well as their parents.
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| Early Detection and Intervention participants |
To show ASP CSFP Chapter’s gratitude for the continued support of the city government, a two-day Early Detection and Intervention of Autism Seminar was recently conducted last 19-20 June 2014 at Heroes Hall City of San Fernando Pampanga. This aimed to equip the Day Care workers with the knowledge and skills about red flags in autism and other developmental delays and its management. Day Care workers are believed to be the first, next to parents, to witness the children’s development on the first four years of their lives. The likelihood that they will observe presence of possible delays is vital to providing early appropriate intervention which can significantly improve outcome.
The seminar was attended by seventy day care workers, CSWDO staff and ASP CSFP Chapter member parents. The participants were motivated by the City Mayor himself, Hon. Edwin D. Santiago who visited and shared his insights on the importance of early detection of disability and the role of daycare workers as public servants.
Nature of Autism and its link to related conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Global Developmental Delay / Intellectual Disability and Communication Disorder, behavioural manifestations of autism and behaviour management were discussed on the first day.
Educational goals, treatment options and video presentations in teaching basic skills “the first things first” (sitting, waiting, coming when called, approach & request, eating, toileting) were presented on the second day. The movie of Temple Grandin was played during lunch break to present a concrete example of some behavioural manifestations of autism and to confirm the potentials of persons with autism on the higher end of the spectrum. Had time allowed, the participants are also interested to see another movie, this time, of a person with autism on the lower end of the spectrum.
As the two-day seminar comes to an end, the day care workers expressed their interest and invitation to conduct a disability awareness seminar for the parents in every day care center.
About the Author: Joy Ofrecia is a mother of a teenage boy with autism. She has been a hands-on mother and for more than 10 years, has been implementing home intervention programs along with other school / center-based interventions for her own son and other children with autism. She has earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Angeles University Foundation. She conducts orientations and trainings to parents and professionals on autism. She is the current president of the Autism Society Philippines City of San Fernando Chapter. Teacher Joy finds her fulfilment in her role as an advocate of autism and an instrument to empowering parents of children with special needs.
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