Karl at Kidzania

Experiencing Kidzania is often a fun, educational opportunity for many kids who have entered this community of imaginative play. Through interactive play, young children learn social skills such as sharing and taking turns; but the opportunity for "make believe" play takes a more significant turn for Karl Robert, an adolescent with autism.

Karl Robert, together with his mom, Carolyn Sumague of ASP Biñan Chapter, won in the ASP Kidzania Manila Raffle held at the ASP National Headquarters on 2 June 2016 -- together with 24 other pairs. Thanks to a generous gift from Cebu Pacific, the chapters of the Autism Society Philippines were able to experience a day of whimsy.

Karl assembles a burger with the McDonald's crew.

Karl was excited, upon entering this labyrinth of fun -- and his unbridled delight could be seen as he lined up for the different career tracks. His parents were mindful of the activities he enjoyed -- food service was on top of the list!

Karl taking in the sensory delights of working in a kitchen.

We feel this exposure helped him better understand the concept of work and career. Observations on what he enjoyed will be important inputs to his IEP and his pre-vocational class teachers at the Biñan SPED School.

About the contributor: Engr. Ariel M. Sumague is the proud father of Karl Robert Sumague, a kid with autism. He is currently connected with Colegio San Agustin Biñan as the Head of Marketing. He is also an active founding member of ASP Biñan and helps the group in their dealings with the LGU and DEPED.