Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite holds an Immersion Program with CWAs

Senior year psychology students from the Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, the League of United Psychology Students and the Autism Society Philippines teamed up to organize an immersion program for a unique exposure event with children with autism last 26 September 2015.

As a project for the subject Exceptional Psychology, the students came up with a program that elevated their knowledge and applied the learned skills in handling exceptional children. With the guidance from their instructor, Ms. Ruby Heramia, and Ms. Mary Janette I. Peña, President of ASP Dasmariñas Chapter, the immersion was made possible.

A week before the conduct of the event, Mrs. Peña was invited in the class and oriented the students as they will be the main facilitators of the event. She emphasized the nature and characteristics of the children inspired from her own experiences as a mother to one and from other mothers like her.

CWAs during Immersion Program

On the big day, the student facilitators started the registration as the children accompanied by their parents arrivede. The program commenced with a doxology prepared by the students, the national anthem and the opening remarks from Ms. Ma. Alodia C. Mercado, the Coordinator of the Psychology Program.

Each student-facilitator was assigned to a respective child, and accompanied them throughout the program. To brighten up the mood, a Zumba number was presented by the students. The children danced and followed smoothly in the rhythm as well. After the warm up session, the kids were given a health break where they enjoyed the prepared cupcakes and juices for them. A couple of games participated mainly by the children and their ates and kuyas for the day followed. The children were surprisingly active and fairly competitive. The children received tokens after each games. The program ended with an appetizing lunch for everyone, and followed by a speech from the head of the event Ms. Heramia, who thanked everyone who attended the event; the parents, teachers, as well as the student-facilitators who worked behind the success of the immersion.

The respective representatives from the ASP chapters FROM Silang, Bacoor and Dasmariñas were awarded with plaques of appreciation for making the event possible. The event ended with a group picture with all the attendees.

About the contributor: Erika Imperial is a fourth year student from Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is the active Secretary of the League of United Psychology Students. She participated in several seminars in the past years including one in personality development (2014), as well as course-based conventions organized by Cavite Center for Mental Health (2014-2015).

Read more »

Posted in: chapters,regional,university

ASP Laguna Recognized as Most Outstanding Civil Society Organization

Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter was awarded as the Most Outstanding Civil Society Organization during Los Baños' commemoration of its 400th year as a town last 17 September 2015 at the covered court located inside the old municipal compound in Barangay Baybayin. The theme “Pagkilala sa Kasaysayan, Pagpupugay sa Kasalukuyan, Pagtanaw sa Kinabukasan” reflected the mood of the quadricentennial celebration. The commemoration of the town's founding anniversary was part of the annual Bañamos Festival, first held in the year 2001 and usually held on the third week of September.

Mona Veluz and Catherine Lopez receiving awards

A civic parade was held from Olivarez Plaza to Paciano Rizal Park in the same barangay, which started at 6 in the morning and ended at 9 in the morning. It was followed by the quadricentennial program, which was started by the entrance of colors by selected Philippine National Police- Los Baños. It was followed by a doxology lead by the Church Among the Palm and Los Baños Hymn was sung by Tunog Accapella Singing Ambassadors. Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez gave the welcoming remarks preceeded by an inspirational message by Mark T. Lapid, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Congressman Joaquin Chipeco, Jr. and Vice Governor Karen Agapay also gave their messages during the celebration.

ASP Laguna Chapter, along with other organizations, institutions, companies and people from Los Baños, were awarded. In between the awarding ceremonies, those present during the quadricentennial program were entertained by Los Baños resident and The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 contestant Mackie Cao.

ASP Laguna Chapter President Catherine Lopez, along with ASP National President Mona Veluz, received the Most Outstanding Civil Society Organization award on behalf of the organization. According to the citation, the chapter was awarded due to its “wholehearted and unwavering dedication to its community service, for their commendable invaluable and selfless assistance resulting to the establishment of the Los Baños Community Center, Therapy Intervention and Support Services [(LBCC-TISS)] through fund sourcing schemes which immensely contributed to the welfare of the less privileged, particularly the rehabilitation of children with special needs and their families.” LBCC-TISS celebrated its first year anniversary on the same day.

About the author: Ian Ferdinand Lopez is a scholar of the provincial government of Laguna, studying BA Sociology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Diagnosed with autism when he was three years old, he benefitted from the care of loving parents and early intervention professionals; and was successfully mainstreamed from pre-school up to high school. His started his advocacy as part of the Autism Resource Center and represented the PWD sector in the Philippine National Children’s Conference, the PWD Empowerment Seminar, the ASEAN Children’s Forum and the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD).

Read more »

Posted in: awards,chapters,regional

ASP Family Support Group for October 2015

ASPs 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. New ASP members are encouraged to join.

Ms. Carmel Almendrala with son Mike

Our facilitator for this month is Autism Society Philippines National Trustee Carmel Almendrala. A former ambassador’s wife and an Ulirang Ina Awardee of 2010, Carmel personifies diplomacy as she faces the world with poise, grace and intelligence. Over the years and in the many countries where their family has had to relocate because of her husband's work, she laboured tirelessly to advocate for her son Michael, now in his 40’s. Serving as Trustee for more than seven terms, she reminds young mothers of children with autism: Grab every opportunity and don’t take no for an answer. This is evident in her son Mike, who is a Special Olympian Medalist (who competed in 2005 in power lifting and in 2013 in bowling), a 2005 Apolinario Mabini Awardee, and an independent member of the community working as an administrative staff of the Philippine Information Agency.

ASP Family Support Group

17 October 2015, Saturday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters

#9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella Barangay Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City

Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

Sign up for the Family Support Group via the on-line form below or call 7-903-5496.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,fsg

Alex Cabason leads September Family Support Group

Alejandro Cabason, ASP National Vice-President, welcomed 8 participants to the ASP Family Support Group held in ASP Office National Headquarters last 19 September 2015. ASPs 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.

Alejandro Cabason leads Family Support Group

The parents who attended the session shared some insights:

“I need to be more patient, dedicated, and to be more willing to continue giving my best to support my daughter Bea for her improvement and development. Not only on (sic) my daughter but to spread this knowledge that I have in order to other people to understand what ASD is.”

“I have to accept the fact the having an autistic child is not a burden but gift of having a child and the fact that he is high functioning and there is so much hope in him.”

“I am much lucky in (sic) other parent with ASD because according to our sharing some of them have severe cases. Before this sharing I am much depressed for my son. I realized that we are not alone, I found a new family. I found the right place.”

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 part-time Program Assistant.

Read more »

Posted in: fsg

Researching on Autism with ASP

The Autism Society Philippines is appreciative of the the interest from researchers from all over the world on autism and the individuals and families who live with this condition. We can only hope that this search for knowledge on a misunderstood condition can fuel our aspiration to build an Autism-OK Philippines.

ASP receives volumes of thesis assistance requests all throughout the year. And to manage the overwhelming number and our humble resources, the organization shall pursue research proposals which can provide meaningful, genuine benefit for our members in partnership with visibly dedicated and vested researchers -- instead of being a one-way engagement.

This PWA soccer event was organized by UST students researching on nutrition and diet.

Interested students from all levels -- from grade school to post-graduate -- and researchers intending to publish must submit the following requirements. These requirement must be met if the student/s is/are conducting a focused group discussion, a survey or an interview with leadership.

1) A signed letter of introduction, articulating the study parameters of your thesis, your timeline and what you need from ASP in precise terms. This document must be created in the letterhead of your school and must include the name, signature and contact number of your supervising professor.

For example: “We are conducting a study of the effects of gaming on children with autism. We would like to request for ASP to assist in identifying 10 children who are gamers. We will distribute a 20-page survey to their parents. We also need an ASP staff member to fill out an evaluation form on how well we conducted the study. The study needs to be competed by February 2016.”

2) An explicit commitment that ASP will receive a copy of the final thesis and will be allowed to share it in the ASP Reading Room with interested parties and in our digital library on Scribed. This must be written out and included in #1.

3) A proposal for a simple event or project you or your group will organize for ASP members. This will be the basis of inviting your target audience to meet with you. The project must be connected to your field of study and needs to deliver tangible benefit to families and/or individuals living with autism. For example, if your project is on assessing the merits of non-traditional interventions, you can host a photography walk for kids with autism or a lecture for parents on the same subject. Parents will explicitly agree to participate in your study by signing up for the event. You are expected to provide a reputable resource person or expert who will moderate the activity or lecture. ASP will endorse your event to the chapter nearest you and help you promote the effort; but the project has to be driven and executed by the student researchers themselves.

Please send the requirements to autismphils[at]gmail[dot]com. Upon receiving your proposal documents, the ASP National Office will assess within seven (7) calendar days, if the request merits endorsement to an ASP chapter. Incomplete submissions will mean automatic rejection of the request.

Compliant to the Data Privacy Act of 2012, we cannot share membership data. We also cannot release a survey to sub-section of our membership that meets a research criteria. ASP had been entrusted with member information for the specific use of ASP -- and not third parties. We look forward to engaging with researchers in a manner that is equitable to both the researcher and the respondents; and respectful to privacy preferences of the respondents.

Due to the significant volume, we also no longer accommodate interview requests. Instead, we encourage students to attend the monthly New Member and Volunteer Orientation on the second Saturday of each month. Aside from getting basic questions about autism answered, researchers may ask their questions during the Open Forum.

Thank you for helping build a greater understanding of autism within the academic community.

Read more »

Posted in: guidelines,research

ASP holds Relationship Development Intervention

Autism Society Philippines welcomed 27 participants to the seminar Relationship Development Intervention spoken by Ms. Stephanie Sy held in Autism Society Philippines Headquarters last 29 August 2015. Participants attended were composed of parents, professionals and students.

Stephanie Sy presenting RDI Seminar to 27 participants

Ms. Stephanie started the seminar by stating that Autism treatment should start with “Defining and Understanding what autism is?” She spoke about how autism was affected people in terms of behaviour, communications, socialization, etc. But autism also has co-occurring conditions like sensory and sleep disorder, speech and language disorder, anxiety and ADHD or ADD.

In this seminar, Static and Dynamic Intelligence were defined. Static Intelligence deals with patterned, predictable and rule based information, ability to process information that produces the same result and has no element of uncertainty while the Dynamic Intelligence deals with grey area, inferential, our ability to manage day to day, changing, emotional information and uncertain events.

Examples of Static Intelligence are memorizing facts, following rules, logic, answering questions or completing a math equation and formulas. But on the other hand, Dynamic Intelligence are managing multiple roles, dealing with surprises, emotional regulations, solve problems, accurately appraise situations, share experiences and collaborate with others and allow having quality of life.

It is said to be that people need both static and dynamic intelligence however Children with autism often have deficits in dynamic intelligence, either because of a difficulty learning certain ways and a failure of the Guiding Relationship. In this case, Dynamic intelligence is the central focus of RDI. Ms Stephanie described the Relationship Development Intervention as a cognitive, behavioral and developmental method of intervention. RDI said to be focused on remediation and developmental issues rather than compensation and symptoms. The goal of RDI program is to innovate, systematically build up the motivation and tools for successfully interacting in social relationships, to correct core deficits in this area that are thought to be common to PWAs.

Ms Stephanie showed a video on how a parent taught his / her child on how to do communications and lessons as facing those challenges. Participants shared how people with autism acted their behaviors as they make sounds without talking. She let participants listen about the brain of people with autism and without as how it affected the children.

“The seminar is very eye opening and relate-able to the participants," according to one of the participants.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar

ASP holds first national town hall meeting

ASP Chapter Leaders bonding mid-afternoon videoke

A town hall meeting is an American term given to an informal public event that is open to everybody in a town community. Attendees generally present ideas, voice their opinions, and ask questions of their leaders.

ASP welcomed 26 chapter leaders from all over the NCR and nearby provinces to the attend ASP Leaders Town Hall Meeting held at the ASP National Headquarters last 05 September 2015. The event is envisioned to be a periodic discussion between the national and chapter leadership on critical concerns and upcoming impact projects. The event was broadcast over U-Stream for leaders who were based in provincial areas.

Leaders were engaged in topics geared towards a more energized organization, such as:

• Mona Magno-Veluz discussed the status of the A-OKPhilippines campaign; and the exciting partnerships in the pipeline towards PWD employment and livelihood.
• Jan Peña advised the team on chapter strenghtening strategies.
• Donna Lim, Zumba Instructor extraordinaire and a mother to a teen with autism, announced the schedules of Auti-Zumba classes.
• Ms. Cathy Lopez, President of ASP Laguna Chapter announced that the chapter will be receiving the Best Civil Society Organization honors from the Municipality of Los Baños at the Banamos Festival. She shared proposed that the Festival of Arts in December 2015 become ASP’s activity for International PWD Day.

The event also served as the kick off for the planning for the National Autism Consciousness Week 2016. The national leadership shared the major events for that week -- the ASEAN Autism Friendship Games, the Angels Walk for Autism, 1Bansa-1Pangako, the First Philippine Autism Expo, among others. Project teams were create and timelines agreed upon.

The team also had some time to discuss some organization matters -- contributing to the Chapter Toolkit, creation of a financial planning project team. Exciting work ahead! The event culminated with a simple meal and bonding time with mid-afternoon videoke.

Read more »

Posted in: chapters,leaders,planning

Cooking Class with PWA Chef Dacki atbp!

Cooking Class with PWA Chef Dacki

In April 2015, ASP launched Project Gourm-A [pronounced gur-'mey], a program which aims to showcase skills of individuals on the spectrum in the food and restaurant industry. In our first event, we brought the public a dining experience with a difference, featuring adults with autism at Gourmet Gypsy.

For the project's next salvo, ASP is proud to host a multi-faceted Project GourmA experience where kids cook, parents learn and the families dine!

The PWA Session

Kids may join a one-dish cooking class composed of 12 youth on the spectrum (from 13 and up), who are independent in the kitchen and would not need assistance in executing basic tasks. This special cooking class will be led by PWA Chef Dacki Sandiego and Project Gourm-A Manager Al Pena, dad of aspiring PWA baker Muneer.

PWA Chef Dacki Sandiego

The Dish: Arroz a la Cubana consists of ground meat sauteed with onions, garlic, tomato sauce, diced veggies, serves with white rice, a fried egg and a fried plantain, sliced length-wise.

The Teacher: Carmelo Sebastian "Dacki" Sandiego is an inspiring young culinary professional. Chef Dacki started off as a student in Community of Learners and moved on to graduate from the Center for Culinary Arts. A former Special Olympics Global Ambassador, Dacki continues to be a fitness enthusiast. He now works at Puzzle Cafe as a sous chef and nurtures his budding catering business.

The Family Session

Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco

While the kids are cooking, the parents and guardians may participate in an interactive forum on "Vocation Planning for PWAs" presented by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, founder of Open Hands School for Applied Arts and moderated by ASP. The session aims to empower parents in preparing their children with autism for an independent life despite—or with the help of—their exceptionalities. Angie Sandiego, mom of Chef Dacki, and graduates of Open Hands will share their experiences in finding a vocation.

The highlight of the family session is when the kids are ready with the meal. The plated food which the kids have prepared will be served to the families. During lunch, the certificates of completion will be awarded.

Registration

Class Fee: P1,000
Maximum Class Size: 12 students

Class Fee Inclusions:
- Cooking class for PWA
- Seminar for parents
- Arroz ala Cubana meal for 3 pax (including student)
- Apron, hairnet, kitchen towel
- Recipe card
- Certificate of Participation for PWA

Payment must be received to confirm slot. Please fill out the form below.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,autismokph,cooking,culinary,gourm-a,seminar,transition

Q&A with Autism Experts - September 2015

"It takes a village to raise a child." This African proverb rings louder for children with autism. The Autism Society Philippines believes that parents should build relationships with a professional compassionate support team who can advise and counsel them, in addressing the myriad of questions they have about raising a child on the spectrum.

"If you have met someone with autism, you have met ONE person with autism." There is no substitute for personal consultations with professionals, which consider traits and behaviors unique to the individual with autism.

As ASP continues to receive questions from parents and family members year-round, we have reached out to the following experts to help answer some concerns on health, education and intervention.

I have a friend, who got this condition and he was very sensitive in other things at times. I felt that it was so fast for him to get stubborn, mad. Frustrated in words that I said to him. Do you think it is also because of a bad experience from his childhood that is why it was so fast for him to get into this kind of reaction? Thanks! --- Arena R.

Maitanong ko po, diagnosed po ba ng doktor yung taong sinasabi ninyong may Asperger Syndrome o hinala lang po na mayroong ganitong kondisyon yung kaibigan ninyo? Ngayon po hindi na po ginagamit ang terminong Asperger Syndrome. Ito po ay bahagi ng Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) na isang kondisyon na mula sa kakaibang development ng utak ng tao. Hindi po ito nagmumula o dulot ng masamang karanasan ng tao. Ang taong may ASD, tulad ng sinabi ninyo, ay hirap umunawa ng ibig sabihin ng facial expressions, tono ng pananalita at iba pang social cues. Kaya maaaring mali ang interpretasyon niya sa sinasabi ng iba kaya hindi rin akma ang reaksyon niya. Nakakatulong minsan ang paggamit ng litrato, pag sulat sa halip na pagbigkas lamang ng gusto ninyong sabihin. Iwasan ang paggamit ng idioms at patalinhagang pananalita. May iba pang stratehiyang nakakatulong sa mga taong may ASD na ma-improve ang kanilang social at communication skills tulad ng "Social Thinking" ni Michelle Winner. Maaari pong sumangguni sa speech therapist tungkol dito.

Since my son turned 13, we started to have problems with his aggression (biting hitting head butting). Doctors even gave me anti tetano shots for his bites. He wasn't like that before. He was on sped and various therapies since he was 2. Is it puberty? When does it stop? --- Jeannie P.

Appearance of aggressive behaviors during adolescence has been observed in several teenagers with autism. It maybe due to hormonal changes but it could also be due to other factors. It would be best to also consult your child's developmental pediatrician to rule out any other physiological conditions. Also, if really disruptive, the doctor may prescribe medicine that will help decrease your son's aggression. We cannot foretell when it will stop, although aggressive behaviors may decrease as the teen ager gets older. Do consult your devped for appropriate management.

I am from Mie Japan working in an international foundation. Recently a number of Filipino children (preschooler) living here in are being suspected to have developmental disorder namely ADHD and autism but the basic concern of the Japanese medical professionals is how to clearly explain to the parents the mental state of their children because of the language barrier. Is it possible to ask for a copy of mental test sheet written either in English or Filipino so that they can review and compare it to the one they have. --- Marychel C.

You may download the MChat - a screening tool for autism - from this site: https://m-chat.org/mchat.php and https://www.m-chat.org/. You may also download a copy of the autism primer from this site: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism/autism-symptoms-and-early-signs.htm

Cecilia Sicam 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 Vice President. 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 at Santa Clara, California; and came back to serve Filipino children with special needs.

Read more »

Posted in: ask-experts