ASP hosts the “Seminar on Developing Social Skills For Children With Autism”

ASP hosted the Seminar on Developing Social Skills For Children With Autism which was held in Bridges Foundation last 25 April 2015. The seminar included parents, teachers, and therapists.

Participants of the seminar

Ms. Jacklyn Ivy A. Reyna discussed about the skills on what to say to the children with autism in a politely and in a properly manner. She let one of the parents to read the script on how to make CWA calm down. The participants were asked to discuss each other about what they had experienced about their children with autism and how they handle it. One of the parents were asked to share her experiences thru drawings and story telling. Teacher Jax asked a participant in each group to share their experiences on how PWA do to other people such as keeping friends, introducing each other, telling what to do, and other things to do to other people with their photos/drawings as facing challenges.

Teacher Jax showed some video about how students did in the school and how a teacher should handle it. She let some participants share on what they usually said or do to their children.

“Topic is good social story task is great! Showing videos was good!”

“Thank you for a very good presentation. It gives me to become more creative up in scripts.”

“I learned a lot from today’s seminar! It’s very helpful for my students with autism and other related disorders especially the sample activities Teacher Jax presented.”

About the contributor. Lloyd Ngo worked as an ASP intern when he attended Independent Living and Learning Center. He began working in 2012 as an encoder at the Ongkiko Manhit Custodio and Acorda Law Offices in Makati. He is currently ASP’s Program Assistant for Communications.

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

Philippine Pediatric Society Simultaneous Symposium

During the third day of the Philippine Pediatric Society Annual Convention 2015 on April 22, the organizers reserved a slot for a topic on developmental pediatrics. I guess this is one way to keep participants come to the very last day and not go to a tempting R and R during convention. Much more exciting is a "makabagbag damdamin" presentation cum personal sharing of a mother. The mother added flavor and spice to the lectures of two reputable developmental pediatricians in the persons of Dr. Rita de Guzman and Dr. Mimi Avancena. Their topics were on optimizing developmental health focusing on importance of language. As an attendee of this symposium I got refreshed from their lectures. But hey, that's the cognitive part.

The Participants of the Philippine Pediatric Society Symposium

Let me go back to the mother. She expounded on her journey as a parent to a noncommunicative autistic adolescent child of hers. She was emotional. Of course who would not? Getting the best speech therapist in the country for her dream to let Gio, her son, talk. It takes an affect to be inspired, a heart to be rekindled, and a mind to have the will for pediatricians and colleagues to be A-Ok. This mother is Dang Uy-Koe, an avid advocate, a passionate leader for ASP, a dear classmate of my husband and now my precious kumare in both inaanak and advocacies.

After leaving the symposium attendees didn't want to vacate their chairs. We were awed. We were struck. We were moved to do something. Why is there no clinic and hospital advocating for special children's privileges? The malls had their sensitivity trainings. The airlines had theirs as well. How about the hospital and clinic staff attending to our special children? Our patients have their own journey when they have their EEGs done or even a simple blood extraction when they get sick. Now is the time for our institutions to be A-Ok. Ask any Autism Society Philippines advocate. They will show us the way.

About the author: Edna Sarah Clemente-Morada, MD, FPPS, MHPEd. An ambulatory pediatrician practicing at The Medical City. She is Chair of the Medical Training Office, The Medical City."

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Posted in: conference,doctor,language,pediatrician,speech

Project Gourm-A to launch in Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe

ASP is launching Project Gourm-A [pronounced gur-'may], a program which aims to showcase skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry -- from cooks, to waiters, from back office staff to entertainers. We partnered with Open Hands School of Applied Arts and Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe to bring the public a dining experience with a difference, featuring adults with autism.

Project Gourm-A Poster

The first Project Gourm-A dinner will happen on May 9, Saturday, 7pm at the Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, 25 Roces Avenue in Quezon City. The three-course dinner will be designed by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco. Limited tickets are available for P1,000 at the ASP Office or via the link below. Proceeds from the dinner will help fund the programs and services for families who live with autism, at the ASP National Autism Resource Center, poised to open in July 2015 in Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its A-OK Philippines program, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working with government, businesses and schools to create institutional mechanism that inspire autism-friendly spaces, compassionate workplaces, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families.

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Posted in: autismokph,fundraising,gourm-a

Legazpi City advocates visit the ASP Laguna Autism Resource Center

Autism Resource Center (ARC) of ASP Laguna welcomed visitors from Legaspi City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and The Bridge Community represented by Arnel and Tiena Megino last 15 April 2015.

Ms. Merlene G. Menaya lead the visit as part of the “Annual Skills Enhancement and Exposure Tour” accompanied by Los Baños SWO III, Ms. Hanna Erika Erasga-Lavinia. It started with the orientation by the ASP Laguna Chapter President, Ms. Cathy Lopez. The group joined the trainees in the Aerobics activity headed by Ms. Deborah Sanchez, ARC Program Assistant and Ms. Ardee Deang, one of the volunteers of ARC. Quoted by one of the visitors, “I like this activity, it was such a wonderful experience to join the young adults with disabilities in executing physical activities. It reminds me to be health conscious as I shed sweat and followed the movements of the upbeat music.”

The Legaspi City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)

After spending time with the trainees, they were grouped into three and had a tour of the different stations. Ms. Vay Chavez explained the diner services in station 1; while Ms. Debs Sanchez shared the information on arts and crafts in making angel products in station 2. She also explained the process in maximizing scrap paper in making paper briquette. On the third station, Ms. Cathy Lopez elaborated more on the office and messengerial works. An open forum was held after the tour followed by filling up of evaluation forms. The tour in ARC ended with a photo op with the visitors.

Together with a parent and ARC volunteer, Mr. Eman Teodoro, they headed to Los Baños Community Center for Therapy Interventions and Support Services (LBCCTISS) located in Barangay Baybayin. Mr. Genaro Calderon, a parent leader, gave a short briefing on the history of the Center and its services. The group familiarized themselves with the facilities with the help of LBAPCD (Los Baños Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities) officers, Ms. Sally Solinap and June Gupo. Ms. Amorlina Cotoner also joined in welcoming the guests.

The guests visited two centers: ARC and LBCCTISS. ARC is one of the programs of ASP-Laguna Chapter which provides a work, live and play program to young adults with autism and other disabilities. On the other hand, LBCCTISS is one of the projects of ASP Laguna Chapter in partnership with the local government and a foreign grant support. LBCCTISS, inaugurated last 17 September 2014, caters to children with disabilities age 13 years old and below.

The couple Arnel and Tiena Megino expressed their intention to volunteer with ASP Laguna Chapter on its activities during their stay, which will last until August 2016. The couple are part of The Bridge Community, which is involved in water filtration ministry in the Philippines through its “Isaiah Project.”

About the Author. Ms. Catherine L. Lopez obtained her Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in Special Education at San Pablo Colleges and her Master of Arts in Education, Major in Special Education at Jose Rizal University. She is the Job Coach for the office and messenger services of Autism Resource Center. She also serves as the President of ASP Laguna Chapter and cluster head for ASP chapters in South Luzon. She is a mother of a young adult with autism who graduated from UP Los Baños in 2017.

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Posted in: chapters,partners,regional

Jamming with Noel Cabangon

Family, friends and fellow advocates gathered for a benefit concert, presented by ASP-Diliman and Kaakibat ng ASP-QC Credit Cooperative last 20 March 2015 at Conspiracy Bar, Quezon City with Noel Cabangon as the lead performer and the teens of ASP Diliman doing the front act. The musical numbers showcased the versatile talents of teens with autism (TWA), in singing, and the use of instruments.

The night of music started at 7 p.m. and ended past midnight. The boys’ talents shone brightly, and their disabilities were hardly discernible. Songs were sang beautifully, and instruments were expertly played. Marcus “Macky” Palomares played like a professional pianist, entertaining the audience with his piano pieces. The Front Act numbers was started by a piano piece “Arabian Dance” performed by Andrei Gaban.

ASP Diliman and our adult with autism with Noel Cabangon

Then Vincent Benoza and Joshua Cana rendered a very inspirational performance as they sang “You Raised Me Up” to the accompaniment of Macky on the piano. A father and son Jun and Vico Cham as they sang “Can’t help Falling in Love.” Joseph, played the song “Canon” on flute with Macky on the piano. The Segui Family (mom Dra. Marie and Frederick, with Paula on the guitar and Gabby on the piano) performed the song “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.”

During the main act, the guest star, Noel Cabangon sang many different songs that everyone enjoyed, such as “Ako ay Mabuting Pilipino.” For that night, he specially sang “I Want to Live” by John Denver. He also shared a musical number with the ASP Diliman teens and parents with the song “Kanlungan.” One special teen Buddy Castro, had duet songs with his idol, Mr. Cabangon. A budding musician, Bolo Pascual shared his original song composition and entertained everyone as he sang and played the guitar. Bolo also shared that his special brother is now learning how to play the piano.

It was a special night of music. It was made extra special with the presence of family members and friends, who boosted the morale of the special teens. The Board of Trustees of ASP also graced the occasion -- Dang Koe, Peng Koe, Evelyn Go and Grace Adviento. President Mona Veluz. Ms. Veluz also officiated the Oath Taking of ASP Diliman officers.

That night was another success for ASP Diliman. It highlighted the musical talents of ASP Diliman teens. Despite the challenges imposed by autism, these special teens are evolving as good musicians. That night also successfully raised seed funds for the Autism Center of Kaakibat ng ASP Cooperative.

About the contributor: Vania is 10 yrs old, Grade 4 in St Mary's College, Quezon City. She is a proud sibling to her Kuya Vincent who is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: chapters,community,music,performance

ASP CSFP in an Animal-Assisted Therapy for PWAs feature

The ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga Chapter members were honored guests at ABS-CBN’s “Salamat Dok” episode which tackled animal-assisted therapy for individuals with autism.

It was a gratifying experience as we were treated, as genuinely special guests. Our Chapter President, Joyla Ofrecia and her son and four more kids with autism and their companions were able to join the location shoot. We reached Camayan Beach Resort at 9:30pm where cozy family rooms were reserved for us and a sumptuous dinner was prepared by the shore.

The cameras started rolling at 9am the following day. We were directed to go to Ocean Adventure for the Dolphin Encounter; while the hosts, Bernadette Sembrano, Alvin Elchico Dr. Francis Samonte and Joyla Ofrecia talked about autism, its nature, signs and symptoms; and how dolphins and other animals can help children with autism.

Ms. Joyla Ofrecia interview in Salamat Dok

In the background, the kids and mommies enjoyed a very close encounter with Zack, the smart dolphin -- assisted by dolphin trainers led by Kuya Paulo. We made him sing, waved hello, tickled its tummy, and the coolest trick was the water fight! The kids won’t stop hugging and kissing Zack. It was indeed, a very memorable experience for both mommies and the kids.

From picking us up in San Fernando via ABS-CBN van, up to driving us back home safe, we were all treated very well! Thank you, “Salamat Dok” for making our kids feel more special than they already are.

The episode aired on 18 April 2015, Saturday at 6am.

About the contributor. Melanie Liang is ASP CSFP Chapter Secretary and mom to 7-year-old Josh.

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Posted in: chapters,media,regional,therapy

ASP Sta. Rosa celebrates World Autism Acceptance Month

In commemoration of World Autism Acceptance Month, Autism Society Philippines Sta. Rosa Chapter held various activities on 18 April 2015 at SM Sta. Rosa. The day started with an Autism Walk inside SM Sta. Rosa Mall, a first for ASP Sta. Rosa! We started with an opening song "Heal our Land," beautifully sung by one of our angels, Trisha Angelica Cardino.

The Autism Walk of ASP Sta. Rosa

After the walk, the exhibit where artworks of our talented persons with autism are displayed was formally opened, with SM Sta Rosa Mall Manager Marius Cortez, ASP Sta. Rosa President Olive Medina and some of the exhibitors cutting the ceremonial ribbon. This is the second year we are doing our art exhibit at SM. This years exhibitors are: Caryll Angela Alvarez, Lorenzo Miguel Medina, Justin Erolin, Giannelle Amandy, DJ De Jesus, Lauriel Lambon, Ethan Zamora, Paolo Mendoza, Matthew Romero, Sean Tiu, Yshi Garcia and Jose Antonio Tan.

Guests, SM managers and ASP members made their 1Pangako pledge and signed in the 1Pangako sign board. SM frontliners attended our Autism awareness orientation conducted by our very own Marigin Cinco.

We are thankful to all our supporters and sponsors headed by Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Barangay Captain Aldrin Lumague. We are also thankful for the presence of ASP Biñan and ASP Laguna in our activities. It is our hope that through these activities we can create a more caring and accepting society for our persons with autism.

About the contributor: Olive Medina is mom to CWA Enzo and his baby sister Lizzie. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, she works as General Manager for a logistics company, a part time college lecturer and part time yoga instructor. She is also the president of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter.

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Posted in: angels-walk,chapters,community,laguna,sm,WAAD

Staying the course: A Man’s Journey with Autism

Serendipitous. That bests describes the chance meeting we had with Allen, the author of this article. He was among the attendees of the UST LENSES Seminar last 10 April 2015, where ASP National leaders Mona Magno-Veluz and Gina Luna Bermudo were guest speakers. Amid the 200 faces that listened to the autism awareness talk, Allen’s smile stood out -- a smile of understanding, as he was intimately familiar with the sensations and feelings discussed during the lectures. Allen has autism; but as his empowered piece will let you know, autism does not have Allen.

Every person’s journey from infancy to adulthood follows a certain pattern of events that happen; a pattern of expectations that one must fulfill; a pattern of norms and mores that one must obey. This is the journey that each parent envisions for each child that is born; but not for my mother. It was made clear to us when I was diagnosed with autism as a young boy many years ago. I was completely unaware of this different pattern that I had to follow until mid-2002 -- that I was different; that a lot of storms awaited the years ahead. I just eventually understood that I had autism and that I couldn’t do anything but live with it.

Allen Garcia with ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz.

Once I studied alongside neurotypical children. I was unaware of what I was doing. The storms had begun to rage on. Many new obstacles had popped up. Little by little, most of my peers started to become skeptical of what I can do -- who I am. I can say that my elementary and high school years have been the most stressful time of my life so far. I faced a lot of struggles I never anticipated – this ranged from bullying to social frustration, to failing a whole year of school. My family recognized all this and together, we worked past each obstacle. We stayed the course despite all the skepticism.

The efforts slowly began to pay off in the acknowledgements that my teachers gave me. By 2013, I started my applied math program at University of Santo Tomas – a place a lot of the same peers who ridiculed me long to study at. I had friends who had my back – friends who didn’t judge me for who I was. It turns out that this university’s nursing students have now facilitated something I should have done a long time ago – stand up for people with autism... people like me … people who don’t deserve to be second-class people simply for who we are.

As I compare myself to my peers now, I can spot a lot of differences. Yes, I’ve never had a significant other, nor do I live a lifestyle like most youth have. I do not have a lot of friends, nor can I understand social protocols as well as they can. No, they haven’t given much thought about their future, nor have they done much to ensure a secure financial future. They haven’t bothered to find out many things beyond academic matters and popular culture, nor have they bothered to see things without the “groupthink” that society imposes upon all. I can say that the score is even, yes? I can say that I’ve accomplished as much or sometimes more than my peers have.

I can say with firm conviction that if I was given a chance to live life again, I wouldn’t change the fact that I have autism. I am thankful that God has cooperated with my family and enabled me to get this far. Yes, I have a lot of work ahead of me. Everyone does. As Facebook’s culture says: this journey is 1% finished.

Allow me to tell all of us people with autism and our parents and advocates this: Thank you very much for staying the course.

About the contributor: Allen Christian Garcia, 19, is currently a second year applied math student at the University of Santo Tomas. He is currently living with his mother in Marikina City. His interests include mathematics, computing, personal finance and the sciences.

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Posted in: education,nurses,self-advocates

Planting a seed at DILG

The ASP National leaders Mona Magno-Veluz and Alex Cabason met with DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero on 22 January 2015 to lay the groundwork for a strategic patrnership. Usec Panadero engaged in an open exchange on how a national advocacy group such as the Autism Society Philippines can best engage with DILG and the LGUs. He identified the League of Municipalities of the Philippines as an important partner in moving our agenda forward.

The meeting ended with action planning towards partnering with the National Police Academy to train policemen-to-be in dealing with citizens with autism, and creating a recommendation for central reporting of LGU-gathered data on disability incidence.

The ASP National leaders Mona Magno-Veluz and Alex Cabason met with DILG Usec Austere Panadero

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Posted in: autismokph,government,police

ASP Family Support Group for April 2015

ASP monthly family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges. We welcome members and non-members to this intimate gathering.

Ms. Josephine Palomares

Our facilitator for the April 18 Family Support Group session is Josephine Palomares. Jo Palomares has long been the face of autism advocacy for ASP Diliman chapter. After serving as the President of the chapter for multiple terms, she continues to serve the disability community as she leads the Kaakibat ng ASP Quezon City Credit Cooperative; and contributes as an active member of the Association for Adults with Autism. She owns and personally manages a thriving model airplane export business in Bulacan. Her son Macky is on the spectrum.

Date: April 18, 2015
Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
Venue: ASP National Office, Room 307, ML Building No. 47 Kamias Road Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/asp-map

Sign up for the Family Support Group below or call 7-903-5496. Only 15 seats are available.

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Posted in: 4parents,4siblings,fsg

ASP Welcomes Its Newest Chapter

ASP recently added ASP Biñan to its growing family with the induction of the Chapter
officers by Biñan City Mayor Marilyn Alonte-Naguiat last 7 April 2015 at the Office of the City
Mayor.

ASP Biñan Officers with Mayor Naguiat

The oath taking ceremony marked the beginning of its partnership with the City
Government of Biñan and various government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare
and Development, Department of Health and the People with Disability Affairs Office.

In her message, Mayor Naguiat challenged the officers to do their best in making a
difference not only in their organization but most especially, in the community they are in. She
expressed her delight in welcoming the formation of ASP Biñan Chapter which she said will be the City Government’s partner in the promotion and protection of the welfare of her
constituents with disabilities. The Lady Mayor assured the officers of ASP Biñan that the City
Government will extend its full support to ensure the success of ASP Biñan Chapter’s programs
and projects.

About the contributor: Carolyn Sumague is a housewife and mother to two boys. Mommy Carol, as she is fondly called by her friends, is a graduate of computer programming and a desktop publishing artist. She devotes most of her energies to the care of her family, especially Karl Robert Sumague, a boy diagnosed with autism at the age of and to her duties as ASP Binan Chapter President.

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Posted in: chapters,government,regional

Teaching Measurement and Sanitation to Teenagers with Autism

Teaching Measurement and Sanitation to Teenagers with Autism was an 8-session program implemented by four Graduate Students from the Department of Special Education, College of Home Economics, UP Diliman as part of their requirements in their EDSP 205 class. Teacher Maidi Asuncion, Teacher Inna del Mundo, Teacher Trina Libron and Teacher Tricia Raralio all found the idea of having baking activities an interesting way of teaching measurement and sanitation to teenagers with Autism. With this idea in mind, the teachers agreed to have teenagers as participants because of the prerequisite skills needed and the basic knowledge and interest of teenagers in food particularly in baking. The next step was very crucial for the implementers as they needed to look for six (6) participants who are interested in the proposed activity. As suggested by other school administrators and professors, they asked for assistance from the Autism Society of the Philippines in inviting and gathering interested participants. In two weeks’ time, the required number of participants for the program was reached and the program pushed through. The program had six teenagers as participants, 5 boys and 1 girl, of ages 12 – 17 years old.

Participants of the program

The 8-session program was implemented in four different days, having two sessions per day, at Kiddy Joy Learning Center, Kamuning Quezon City. Each session lasted for 1 and 1/2 – 2 hours. The first session was done on March 31, 2015 to check the current skills and understanding of the children in measurement and sanitation involved in baking. The basic variant made was Chocolate Chip Cookies. Through the first session, it was seen that most of the teenagers were able to fill the measuring cups with the needed ingredients, yet they still had to be taught how to properly measure the ingredients. They were also guided in choosing the appropriate measuring tools to use. The succeeding sessions of the teenagers yielded different variants of the Chocolate Chip Cookies. For each session, the implementers try to limit the extent of how they facilitate the activity, checking if the teenagers will be able to follow through the procedures with just having the Baking Manual as their guide. The 2nd session was their time to bake the second variant, White Chocolate Chip Cookies. It was done on the same day when the first session was implemented. The teenagers baked Peanut Chocolate Chip Cookies and Raisins Chocolate Chip cookies for the third and fourth sessions respectively on April 6, 2015. For the fifth and sixth sessions, they were all excited to bake Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies and Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies on April 8, 2015. On the last day of the implementation, the 7th session was used as an evaluative session in baking Chocolate Chip Cookies as the implementers gave little to no verbal instructions to the students as they followed the procedures in the Baking Manual. The 8th session became a festive session for the students as it was set as the Culminating Activity done through a Cookie Party where the participants and parents were thanked for their valuable participation in the program. The students got to take home cookies that were baked for them by Teacher Tricia.

The whole baking experience with teenagers with Autism was a very fun-filled and fulfilling experience for everyone. The experience became worthwhile because the implementers had the chance to implement a free program to these students and it was very rewarding to see the students learn how to properly measure dry and wet ingredients, including the term “leveling.” The best thing that this implementation had to offer was the implementers seeing the glow and the smiles on the students’ faces whenever they see the finished products after each session. It became a fun and meaningful program because of the enthusiasm of these teenagers to learn different concepts through baking.

About the contributor: Trina Libron is a Preschool Teacher and College instructor and is currently a graduate student of Special Education in UP Diliman.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas

ASP Sta. Rosa’s Lakbay Aral at Yusen Logistics Center

ASP Sta. Rosa PWA members and their families went on an educational tour “Lakbay Aral” at Yusen Logistics Center, located at the Laguna Technopark in Binan, Laguna last 30 March 2015. The aim of the activity is to expose our PWA’s to an actual workplace and see whether there are opportunities for summer activity for them and use or develop skills that will be useful for employment in the future.

The ASP Sta. Rosa members during the lakbay aral

Our member PWA’s had a wonderful time going around the logistics center in their safety vests and hard hats. They were also given a chance to try out cutting the labels for shipment and learn some Nihonggo words.

About the Contributor. Olive Medina is mom to CWA Enzo and his baby sister Lizzie. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, she works as General Manager for a logistics company, a part time college lecturer and part time yoga instructor. She is also the president of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter.

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Posted in: chapters,community,employment

ASP Family Support Group for May 2015

Autism Society Philippines' monthly family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges. We welcome members and non-members to this intimate gathering.

Ms. Cecile Sicam

Our facilitator for May 1 Family Support Group session is Cecile Sicam. She is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as President from 2000 to 2004; and as its current Secretary. Inspired by her PWA son Likas, Ces has been instrumental in the founding of Professionals for Autism Foundation, Inc., Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the Philippine Association for Behavioral Analysis, and Bridges Foundation where she is currently its Directress. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara, California; and came back to serve Filipino children with special needs. Her adult son is employed full time as RnB Ice Plant.

Date: May 1, 2015, Friday
Time: 2:00-5:00PM
Venue: Servants of Charity, Pinkian Road, Brgy. Pasang Tamo, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1HdW05h

Sign up for the Family Support Group below or call 7-903-5496. Only 15 seats are available.

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Posted in: fsg

Parent Insight: Structured Teaching at Home and in School

In my pursuit to learn more and to help my child develop into an independent individual, I try to attend selected seminars conducted by ASP. The Seminar Workshop on Autism-Friendly Teaching Environment (Structured Teaching at Home and in School) held last 21 March 2015 at Pasay SPED Center has given me concrete information and impact.

Ms. Dang Koe during the seminar

With the energetic speaker Ma’am Dang Koe sharing her personal experiences and knowledge, it served as a reminder and guide to the parents and teachers who participated. As a parent who personally attends to my kid’s developmental needs, it helped me to figure out what’s missing in my present strategy to teach my son the daily living skills and at the same time made me realize I’m on the right track. Surely, it helped the participants come up with new ideas. It will serve as a reminder that we are raising children with autism to become an independent adult and not a child
forever.

What a great time I had at the seminar! Thank you to the organizers, the ASP Pasay City Chapter and the ASP UP CAMP Manila Chapter and most especially to the speaker Mrs. Erlinda U. Koe!

The seminar was attended by 11 Parents, 1 Relative and 12 Professionals. The seminar was conducted as part of the training for the ASP Early Steps from ASP UP CAMP Manila and Pasay chapters.

About the contributor. Marjorie Gepulle-Bartolome is a licensed teacher-parent of a 9-year old boy with autism, who has been an ASP member since 2011. She searched about developmental delays even before her little boy was diagnosed with ASD. She believes that acceptance, action, and involvement are great factors to help children with autism.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar

Wandering and loss

We hear about it happening in other countries. Persons with autism are sometimes lost to their families forever after they wander away from home. But this happens in the Philippines too.

Joey*, who just turned age 8, is the child of an ASP member from Marikina. He left their home in Montalban, Rizal undetected on a Sunday in February 2015. He was found lifeless days later near a flowing body of water, with a head injury. Authorities suspect that he might have fallen off a bridge.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved family at this time of profound loss. We all mourn deeply for Joey's passing; but angels in Heaven are very likely rejoicing at the arrival of such innocence.

*Not his real name

-----

For us who continue to be surrounded by worldly dangers, what precautions should parents take to keep our children from wandering?

- Go over the rules with your child everyday. Give him visual cues near the exit (like a red stop sign). Work with your OT on techniques that will help.

- Update your locks. Kids with autism are very intelligent. They are able to figure out how to open locked doors over time. Change your approach as their capabilities improve.

- Introduce yourself and your family to your neighbors. Register your child as a person with a disability with your baranggay. Give them your number so they can call you, in case they see your child unaccompanied. Educate your neighbors about autism and help inspire kindness and compassion for families who live with autism.

- Put his name and your cellphone number on your child's underwear, clothes or shoes. Some even ask their children to wear ASP shirts exclusively to let people know that their child has autism, in case they are separated.

- Assign a "hintayan" zone. If a child is separated from you in your neighborhood or in places where you typically go, assign a safe place where he can wait.

- Find out where he wants to wander off to and bring it closer to home.

- Teach them how to swim. Many children with autism are attracted to water. Swimming can be a life-saving skill.

In case a child wanders, you should go to the barangay or the police first before going to social media. And once you decide to post on social media, include relevant details about the child and the circumstances (where last seen, clothes, unique behavior) and a number that will be reachable at any time (phone always charged and with load). If your child is found, update your status and take down the "Lost" poster.

Remember that Risk = Hazard x Exposure. Precautions should be taken based the risks in the environment and not the intensity of a parent's fear.

The three boys walking in the street

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Posted in: community,education,hazards,wandering

Employment: The Autism Advantage

April 2 was unanimously declared by the United Nations General Assembly as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

Employment poster

It is estimated that more than 80% of adults with autism are unemployed -- this is the crux of why this year's theme is "Employment: The Autism Advantage." Research suggests that employers are missing out on abilities that that people on the autism spectrum have in greater abundance than “neurotypical” workers do – such as, heightened abilities in pattern recognition and logical reasoning, as well as a greater attention to detail.

The Philippines shares the many hurdles that global community needs to overcome to unleash this potential. We need to work on the shortage of vocational training, the inadequate support with job placement, and the pervasive discrimination.

The UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon shared his thoughts:

"We are here to call for greater access and work opportunities for persons with autism. While there has been a good deal of progress, much more needs to be done.

I am hugely encouraged by the growing public awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the improvement in public services to many of those affected. World Autism Awareness Day not only fosters greater understanding, it empowers parents into seeking early intervention therapies and calls for the full integration of persons with autism into society. It also invites policy-makers to encourage schools to open their doors to students with autism. With adequate support, they can -- and should -- be educated in the heart of their communities.

This year, my wife [Yoo Soon-taek] and I are delighted to launch an employment “Call to Action,” inviting businesses to make concrete commitments to employ people on the autism spectrum. We encourage public offices, corporations, and small businesses to have a closer look at the way they perceive people with autism, to take the time to learn about the condition and to create life-changing opportunities.

People with autism have enormous potential. Most have remarkable visual, artistic or academic skills. Thanks to the use of assistive technologies, non-verbal persons with autism can communicate and share their un-tapped capabilities. Recognizing the talents of persons on the autism spectrum, rather than focusing on their weaknesses, is essential to creating a society that is truly inclusive.

Yet even where awareness is high, more than 80 per cent of adults with autism are unemployed. That is why it is so important for companies to understand their unique and often exceptional skills, and to enable work environments where they can excel.

This requires appropriate vocational training and adequate support alongside a recruitment process that can allow people to successfully integrate into workforces around the world."

Read the full speech here.

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Posted in: WAAD

One with Kamp Pagkakaisa

ASP Trustee Jan Peña and Chair Emeritus Dang Koe gave a lecture to 45 aspiring and seasoned volunteers, composed of SPED and regular teachers, students taking up SPED, Psychology and other courses, parents and a grandmother, of Kamp Pagkakaisa Volunteers (Charity) Inc. (KPVI) last February 8 and March 8, respectively. The participants gave their 1Pangako Pledge, in support for ASP’s campaign to stop the use of the word “autistic” in a derogatory way.

Trustee Jan Peña talked about “Handling Campers with Autism” (CWA). Ms. Peña came with her son Muneer, also a camper of KPVI since 2010. For the participants to understand CWAs better, Ms. Peña used the exclusive template for KPVI made by one of ASP’s EDEIP Trainers, Teacher My Sorongon. She also gave a talk on “Love and Commitment” the night before her birthday, March 21.

Ms. Jan Peña during the talk in KPVI training

Chair Emeritus Dang Koe talked about “Leadership and Communication.” Being a leader herself for three terms as the National President and now the first and only Chair Emeritus of ASP, Ms. Koe gave inspiration to all participants as she shared her knowledge and expertise. The participants also enjoyed the said lecture because of the many exciting games that Ms. Koe prepared for them.

Ms. Dang Koe with the KPVI Volunteers during the training

Aspiring and seasoned volunteers also have the opportunity to hear from the expert, former Executive Director Ranil Sorongon, talked about the “Rights of Children with Disabilities.” Parents and a grandmother of a CWD were so glad to hear it from the expert; while most of the participants said that it was their first time to learn about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The group also invited speakers from the different Parent Organization Group like Mr. Pong Tee of ADHD and Ms. Nieves Reyes of DSAPI came with sister Clara, a smart girl with Down Syndrome. Professionals such as Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia, Teacher Mark Anthony Padil, Ms. Mayumi Gonzalez, Ms. Chat Paran, Ms. Grace Barcelona, Mr. Aries Burgonio, Mr. Tam Austria, Ms. Faye Roderos, Mr. Ryan Cachola, Dr. Gomez and Ms. Catherine Genovia were also on hand to provide guidance to the participants.

KPVI or formerly known as PVI Foundation Inc. is a non-stock non-profit organization, composed of volunteer students and professionals committed to the welfare and development of children with special needs: children who are intellectually and physically challenged; children with autism or with Down Syndrome; street smart children, and the abandoned from different government and private institutions, special schools and private homes.

The KPVI members are actively and regularly volunteers in ASP’s special events. Its founders Derly Salud, Emmy Cura, Reynaldo San Agustin, Jun Salengga and Penny Perfecto, together with its officers encouraged all the volunteers to join and assist ASP in special events.

The 37th Kamp Pagkakaisa, dubbed as “Mga Batang Espesyal Kaisa ng Barkadahan sa Binangonan” will be held in Binangonan Rizal. Kamp Director, Ms. Lea Lou Bautista will lead the almost 350 delegates for a 10-day Therapeutic Summer Camp. Trustee Jan Peña and son Muneer and Benjamin “Budong” Gaban of ASP Diliman, former ASP Program Assistant, Abby Mendoza and Cathy Genovia will be part of the delegation.

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Posted in: community,seminar,volunteers