Seminar on All You Need to know About Autism

19 May 2018, Saturday

8:30AM - 12:00NN

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. 1 in 68 children are now diagnosed to be within the Autism Spectrum. Our speaker is Dr. Ermenilda Avendaño who will expound on the process of diagnosing autism. This is also ideal for parents of children newly diagnosed with ASD as Dr. Avendaño will include all the facts about autism that every parent should know and explain the different interventions and what can and should be done at home. Parents will have the opportunity to ask anything they have wanted to know about autism.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Mimi Avendano

Ermenilda L. Avendaño, MD, FPPS, FCNSP, FPNA, FPSDBP is a Child Neurologist-Neurodevelopmental Pediatrican. She is the consultant and currently the Assistant Chair of Child Neuroscience Center and the Section Head of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics in Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC). She is also the consultant in St. Luke’s Neurodevelopmental Center at St Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City.

Dr. Avendaño graduated Cum Laude of University of Santo Tomas with a degree on Bachelor of Science in Biology-Accelerated. She attained her Doctor of Medicine in University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine and Surgery with Postgraduate Internship at Santo Tomas University Hospital.

She has a training in Residency in Pediatrics, Chief Residency, Neurology and in Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics at Philippine Children’s Medical Center. She also attended Child Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics at Newcomen Centre, Guys Hospital, London and Training in Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales at Tumbatin Clinic, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Australia. Her professional affiliations include the Philippine Pediatric Society, Child Neurology Society Philippines, Philippine Neurological Association, Philippine Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, International Child Neurology Association, Asian and Oceanian Child Neurology Association and Association of Research in Infant and Child Development.

Seminar Fees:
Pre Registration (is until May 15 or until slots last)
ASP Member – P 400.00
Non-member – P 600.00

Onsite Registration
ASP Member – P 500.00
Non-member – P 700.00

Seminar Details:
Date: 19 May 2018, Saturday
Time: 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please email the scan copy of your deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s and contact numbers to autismphils@gmail.com and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants or walk- in will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 70 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who do not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 02-903-5496

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.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,4students

ASP PweDay for the Month of May 2018

“What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school, but a different way of looking at the world and learning,” --- Chuck Grassley

The Autism Society Philippines Wednesday "PweDay" aims to provide enrichment for teens and adults on the autism spectrum who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun. This will be every Wednesday, from 2pm to 4pm at ASP Headquarters. This is open to all Persons on the autism spectrum members, 16 years old and above.

Our Pweymates - Nisha, Nina and Paulo

On May 2 - we will have Fun Games for Adults on the autism spectrum. This activity will help our Persons on the autism spectrum to increase and develop the following: social interaction among them, help them to seek out lifelong friendships while learning how to take turns and partake in socially appropriate behaviors, build the skills required for communication through playing and interacting, physical activity is also suggested to improve self-esteem. Participants must wear comfortable shoes, bring extra shirt, water and a simple snacks.

On May 9 - another MixxedFit session with our very own Certified MixxedFit Instructor Donna Lim as she will lead this innovative dance-fitness. A fun energetic dance fitness workout program which is typically about an hour long. It will involves dance fitness and aerobic movements performed to energetic music. Attendees will wear comfortable workout clothes, such as leggings, workout pants, or shorts, wear appropriate footwear, do NOT wear sandals, flip flops, ballet shoes and hiking boots. Bring water and towel.

On May 16 - we will have Origami - This can help our Persons on the autism spectrum to increase self esteem by learning and completing an origami model that gives a sense of great accomplishment. The process of learning a new model and duplicating it on his own provides an opportunity to improve multiple cognitive skills. Sequential memory, concentration, ability to follow directions, eye/hand coordination, spatial perception and fine and gross motor skills are some examples.

On May 23 - we will have a Cooking session - Persons on the autism spectrum will prepare Pangkabuhayang Recipe - Home Made Yema, simple and one of the favorite Filipino candy. Cooking can be an opportunity to increase independence, learn basic academic skills to use in a functional way. Persons on the autism spectrum who have sensory processing challenges can benefit greatly from the smells, textures and tastes involved with the cooking process. This will teach them on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P150 donation when you get on-site.

On May 30 - there will be a session on Coloring - A simple activity that helps to improves motor skills, stimulates creativity, color awareness, improve focus, self esteem and others among our Persons on the autism spectrum. Coloring could be interchanged with various other calming activities

"Persons on the autism spectrum who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where a individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum. By keeping our Persons on the autism spectrum active and engaged outside the home, we are also training the society to be more aware of what autism is, to be more appreciative of their gifts and to be more accommodating of their deficits."

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Posted in: 4pwas

Awakening flames of hope

This was the second time my son and I attended the ASP Autism Family Prayer Jamboree on World Autism Awareness Day. Last year, my entire family attended. I was slightly surprised and happy to know that this event existed, and that families of persons with autism were to be prayed over and blessed in an ecumenical gathering.

I thought the venue was brilliant! Quezon Memorial Circle is the perfect place for kids to romp around and explore, while the adults can sit or walk lazily about. There are plenty to see and buy from the vendors, with the breeze and the trees cooling us down. Since April is the start of summer, the 4:00 pm program was also ideal. We watched the performers rehearse onstage and then there was the program proper. The audience became excited with the songs and performances. Parents clapped and cheered seeing their children perform. There was variety and balance in the performances, we did not become bored. The emcee this year spoke in Filipino and connected.

Our Adults with autism blessed during the mass

But what riveted us and touched our hearts were the prayers from the various ministers and priests. I think it was consoling and gratifying to know that these people share our burdens and fears. There are people who understand us. We became conscious that we belong. Hearing these men and women of God lifting our cares heavenward choked us. One minister read from the Bible about Jesus letting the little children come to Him. As the families were being blessed, we can almost feel an invisible hope and strength. God is with us in our daily struggles to understand our children with autism. Our hardship in living with persons with autism is our charism, our mission in life. Maybe this is our family’s contribution in making the earth more Christ-like. We gained a deep peace and spirituality in accepting this truth.

The colossal Quezon City Memorial Monument was lit up in blue at 7:00 pm. The countdown felt anticlimactic. The real event were the blessing and prayers. The pretty blue lights seemed symbolic of the awakened flame of hope and spiritual strength in our hearts. I thank the organizers for this remarkable event - they were even thoughtful enough to know how famished we were and provided food! No wonder my son never forgets and looks forward to the next World Autism Awareness Day!

About the contributor. Mary Aileen S. Valera is a homemaker, educator and a member of Kaakibat ng Autism Society Phililippines Multi-purpose Cooperative (KASPI-MPC). She teaches Values at a public high school and observes little difference between kids on and off the spectrum. She is a mother to four children and her third son, Rupert is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: WAAD

Happy and Independent

When Kerstian was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old, we thought he would only stay at home as he grew old and would need round-the-clock care. But with the guidance of professionals and special schools, Kerstian developed, was mainstreamed and even graduated high school. We are proud that he learned to be independent. We decided to send him to attend Independent Living Learning Center Cebu, and enrolled for their Job Readiness Program.

Kerstian Menguito with his ILLC coach

Our whole family is so happy, after Miss Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President of ASP, came to Cebu to introduce the Autism Works program. She assessed several young adults with autism for employment -- and Kerstian qualified! We thought it was impossible for Kerstian to work in a company as big as SM Markets! Over the last year, he worked in SM Savemore in Parkmall and SM Hypermarket in JMall. With the help of ILLC, ASP and SM, Kerstian is now working -- included with typical employees -- happy and independent.

According to Ms. Mona, "I can see Kerstian works hard! I also see his struggles; but what's great is that Kerstian is working constantly on improving himself."

About the contributor. Noel Menguito is a gifted photographer and a member of ASP Cebu.

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Posted in: autism-works,journey,parenting,sm

Autism Unfiltered

Let me tell you my unfiltered story.

Rexdel Mallari

When I was younger, I remember experiencing emotional and physical pain -- like feeling uncared for, falling to the floor as I was seated in the crib, and being smacked on the hands with a stick. I was four years old when I was initially diagnosed at the Philippine General Hospital as hyperactive. I was seven when I had a series of evaluations and tests at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. It all ended up with an autism diagnosis.

I disclosed my disability during that time when I was still studying. I graduated in a private Christian school; but I still have "attitudes" here and there, as the years went by. I enrolled and studied in a private college, but I dropped out in January 2011. I pursued finding a job; but I had no callbacks in all jobs that I applied for -- retail, fastfood, radio stations, among others. To be honest, madlang people, I felt bullying, not only in school; but also outside.

But I choose to enjoy life as an independent man. I have traveled all by myself -- enjoying events at BGC, SMX, MOA, World Trade Center, Splash Island -- watched free movies with my mom, visited radio stations to claim prizes, etcetera. But all this is not enough.

During the first week of September, my adoptive sister and BFF, Virginia, referred me to the Autism Society Philippines. It was the first time I heard of them; but soon, knowing about them gave me an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement. I visited their website and Facebook page; and as I scanned their posts, I found that they were having an open house activity for Autism Works program at their National Headquarters. I searched the map and on 16 September 2017, I walked from Timog Avenue all the way to 11th Jamboree; where the people welcomed me. On the same day, I had exams and a hot seat interview with the National President Mona Magno-Veluz. It was all a welcome experience!

I asked God when the perfect time to tell the people about my situation. And on November 26, 2017, during an anniversary of our community, I declared that I was diagnosed with Autism; and earned big respect. Thanks to the people around me, this paved the way to prepare for the "real world" -- work and adult life. Outside of my daily grind, I am an expert when it comes to developing audio-visual contents, and blog posts on my activities and issues/concerns on our country.

I am nearing my 27th year, and what a joyride it has been -- from zero to a modern hero! Falling in with the ranks of those in the autism spectrum has been an emotional journey. I have met others like me -- boys who have different strengths and challenges.

Madlang people, I know that having autism does not mean your life is over. God has plans in store for you.

About the contributor. Rexdel Mallari is an autism self-advocate who is passionate about creating web content. If he isn't working at SM Markets as a Retail Sales Associate, he develops videos about his travels and writes a blog called "Kuya Rexdel Diaries". This article first appeared at http://bit.ly/2F3yhqz.

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Posted in: journey,self-advocates

Precious

I have three children. Two are now working, and the youngest, still a boy. They are my joy and inspiration in life.

We noticed Kim was not focused and his speech patterns was not typical. Several tests were accomplished. The doctor confirmed he had autism. The idea of my child having autism made my heart halt and my knees buckle. I cried. We cried.

There were frantic Internet searches, and seemingly endless inquiries with friends and experts. Every effort was geared into finding out what this condition is. Grabbing every opportunity to be enlightened, I took the time to attend seminars and conferences. Strangers become kindred spirits, whenever we meet people who live with the same condition.

Autism has been the most overwhelming challenge for my family. Finances were strained, especially when Kim’s two older siblings were in college. His therapies, schooling, and a long list of needs, cost more than what my two other children needed, combined. Yet how the Lord provides! The two elder siblings learned to be diligent and saved as much as they could; so as not to strain the family funds.

God loves and sees the real Kim. Some people may call my son “special”; but I see him as “precious.” The Almighty chose us to be part of the nurturing this child. Even though we do not fully understand him, God does.

The author and her three children.

We live moment by moment. If something brought a smile to his lips, we try to remember and repeat the experience. If anything made him cry, we try to avoid that. We laugh over his smallest antics; and worry much when he looks upset – even more when he is sick. He cannot talk; but he shows us love in other ways.

My mind is still full of questions. What will happen to my youngest? How shall he cope with life? To what extent may we help him? What am I not doing? I do not have all the answers. Today I must trust the Lord’s will and strive to be the best parent I could be to my precious.

About the contributor. Marjorie G. Bartolome is a parent member of ASP UP-CAMP Manila.

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Posted in: journey,parenting

Jefrey 2.0

Jefrey Arcena Nava was born on April 5th, 1992, to Jose David Nava and Benigna Raynera Arcena.

Before he turned one, he slept all day and stayed awake at night. When he learned to stand with support, he’d climb the division of our old crib. He was one year old when he spoke his first two words: “Jefrey ko.” He did not have eye contact. He did not respond when called, but responded when music was playing, by humming along with the tune.

Out of the crib, he’d always tiptoed when walking. He climbed the jalousie windows as one would a ladder, and attempted to even climb the wooden divisions my parents made, blocking the staircase. He liked round things, like the wheels of toy cars; but he turned them upside down or sideways, to spin their wheels. He would also spin anything he could spin.

It was Ate June (Tatay’s older sister and one of Jef’s godmothers), who noticed, “He could be autistic.” The terms “autistic” and “autism” sounded “new”.

Jef had a strong grip and hyperactive. Until he was around six, both my parents had to hold him, when we go out. Jef was fast -- like a real-life "The Flash". One of us always had to watch him. The second we miss, he’s gone.

He was four when my parents brought him to a day care center in Barangay Bagong Silang. At Preparatory level, the teachers noticed Jef would separate himself from his classmates by going to the window; turning toys, glasses, and tin cans upside down; spinning round things. On the second day, the Prep teachers recommended we bring Jef to ERES, because they had a SpED section. A few hours after observing Jef, and an interview with two SpED teachers and the school principal, my parents were referred to the Mandaluyong Chapter of DSWD.

As a prerequisite to Jef’s admission at the DSWD Mandaluyong Day Care Center, Tatay and Nanay decided to have him evaluated at the National Center for Mental Health, where we got his first medical abstract, stating Jef was a trainable child with autism. He was turning eight at the time. He was then referred to Padre Burgos Elementary School for higher-level SpED, and PGH for the therapy, on his anniversary at Day Care. At the the Padre Burgos SpED center, he practiced the three R’s, discipline in the classroom, and eventually pre-vocational skills.

In PGH, he started at the Developmental Pediatrics section, where he was evaluated as a classic autistic. The doctor’s words that endured? “Autism is a lifelong condition. But it can be managed.” From there, Jef had undergone sessions of Occupational Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Speech Therapy.

He spoke again after two years in Speech Therapy, starting with one-worders. He was ten. Then he went on with Group Therapy at UP College of Allied Medical Professions at 11. The Psychotherapy continues to this day.

Out of years of intervention, Jefrey is now vocal and conversant. He knows how to reason out -- uncovering the “whys” of things, He can understand emotions. He can paint, can do some household chores under supervision. He is keen on personal hygiene -- taking a bath every day, washing his hands often. He joins group activities soccer clinics, cook-offs, arts and crafts, and the like. He still loves jolly music, singing along with them playing in his mp3 player on loudspeaker.

While the challenges associated with his autism remain, we are so happy he has gone this far. We are thankful for all the social workers, doctors, therapists, relatives, and friends, for their advice and support.

About the contributor. Rina A. Nava is Jef's older sibling, six years his senior.

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Posted in: journey,siblings

WeeComm takes a big step towards inclusion

Wee Community Developers Inc. is the premier developer of commercial projects in Metro Manila and several provincial locations. Their management team is composed of young and idealistic developers who still believe that development should not be profit but by client satisfaction. They have also taken the non-traditional path by committing to a disability inclusive workplace.

Ms Mona Veluz with Mr. Cesar Wee

Mr. Cesar Wee, Chief Executive Officer of Wee Community Developers, met with ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz in February 2018 to discuss his aspirations to enrich their company's workforce with neuro-diverse contributors. He has heard about the success of the Autism Works program; and wanted to leverage on the organization's experience across several industries. With support from the highest level, the recruitment process for the perfect candidate to fill an open role began.

Within two months, the job offer was made to JB Tiamson, an articulate Business major from La Salle College Antipolo, with a keen eye for details. He made an impression on his interviewers because he asked the right questions and passed the trade tests with flying colors. He signed on as a full-time employee, assigned to the Finance and Administration Group. With this hire, the doors to the real estate industry opened for Autism Works!

Ms Mona Veluz with Mr. Cesar Wee
during the MOU signing

In commemoration of World Autism Acceptance Month, a formal MOU signing happened at the WeeComm headquarters in San Juan, Metro Manila on 6 April 2018, attended by the company's top management. The partnership outlines each party's commitment to providing ample education and support towards the successful assimilation of persons with autism in the company.

The MOU signing was followed by a sensitivity training for the leadership team and the Documentation Department where JB will be assigned. The team gamely wore "ASP green," cementing our shared advocacy towards genuine autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in the workplace.

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Posted in: autism-works,corporate,partners

Lessons of Faith

My brother is a person with autism, and I am proud to say it. Kuya Brainard, throughout the years, has been inspiring many people, including myself. Our family is extraordinary because of him. Truly, we thank God for him. It is a privilege having him in the family, for he made our love stronger. Without my brother, I wouldn’t be here, sharing all of the great things he has done; because our journey with him is not as easy as it would be.

My brother was only three years old when my parents found out that he had autism. My parents were heartbroken about it; and they had no idea how to deal with his condition. My brother is the eldest, while I am the youngest; but our relationship as brother-sister seems the other way around. My whole life, I hold the responsibility of taking care of my brother and protecting him. I felt embarrassed at times; because he did not fit in. As a family, we struggled to keep up with him. We also struggled to accept his exceptionality. In hindsight, I realize now that he would be used by God to change us and our perception of him and others like him; and to open our hearts and minds.

God definitely uses other people and organizations to bless my brother, as well as my family. ILLC, the school where my brother learned to be independent, to relate with other people and to improve work skills. The Autism Society Philippines, through the Autism Works program, helped find my brother a job, and continue to look out for other opportunities for him in the future. SM Savemore Supermarket gave my brother the opportunity to be productive. He has worked in SM Savemore Light Residences in Mandaluyong; and in SM Savemore Mezza Residences in Quezon City. We are grateful for the efforts of the advocates working in these organizations; and also the people who are involved in my brother’s life, who keep on encouraging and praying for Kuya Brainard.

My brother has taught us one thing: BE PATIENT. Everything does not always go as planned; but with faith in God, all will be well. I believe my brother’s autism is not an accident; but is part of God’s plan to change and bless our family and the people around us.

About the contributor. Beatrice Tabije is Brainard’s youngest and only sister. She is a senior high school student at University of Asia and the Pacific.

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Posted in: journey,siblings

An Introduction to the Spokle App

“I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing at home.”

“I wish I knew how to handle him when he gets out of control.”

“I avoid public settings as much as possible.”

“My child struggles in school and in making friends.”

“I don’t know where to go for trusted help.”

"I expected some improvement after using Spokle App, but never expected to see progress so quickly! After doing Spokle I am more sensitive to my son’s response.” -- Mei, parent

“Excellent and very useful App, and it can be implemented at school. I have a better understanding of how to manage children with special needs.. The App is great, easy to understand by watching practical instructions as shown on the video.” -- Sophia, School Teacher

Spokle App is a mobile application that is founded on clinical best practices from Australia and New Zealand to help develop spoken language. The Spokle mobile app provides an easy to follow, self-paced program with clear learning goals and targets specific communication skills. The programs are progressive, building on foundation skills to more advanced speech and language abilities.

Learn more about Spokle during an interactive live session with its designers. The first 25 paid attendees will be given FREE ACCESS to the Spokle app. Have an hour and a half tutorial on how to use it and have a live Q&A and “mentoring” session with one its designers, Gia Kuek, Speech Language Therapist and Sensory Integration Therapist.

Ms. Gia Kuek

In 1996, Gia never imagined that having a son go deaf would take her on a path of adventure, from becoming an “accidental speech language therapist,” to now helping families around the world as a Communication and Sensory Integration expert. Ten years later, she and her family moved to New Zealand where she earned a degree in Speech Language Therapy from the University of Canterbury and provided speech therapy and literacy at various schools including the Atlanta Speech School in the USA. Gia is also a certified Sensory Integration therapist.

She works with a variety of ages and disabilities, ranging from hearing impairment, language delay, processing disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder and brain injuries.

Seminar Details:
Date: 28 April 2018, Saturday
Time: 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/asp-map2

Seminar Fees:
Pre-Registration (until April 24 or until slots last)
ASP Member- P 300.00
Non-Member- P 500.00

On-site Registration
ASP Member- P 400.00
Non-Member- P 600.00

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please email the scan copy of your deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s and contact numbers to autismphils@gmail.com and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants or walk- in will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 70 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who do not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 02-903-5496.

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,4public,4students

ASP Family Support Group for April 2018

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

April 21, Saturday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters

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

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

Sign up for the Family Support Group via the on-line form below or call +632 903.5496. Only 15 seats are available.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg