ASP AUTISMALL: INCLUSION IN ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

For youth with disabilities, traditional employment is not always a good fit. For some, they must tread their unique path towards economic empowerment and financial literacy.

This is the spirit behind the Autism Society Philippines' AutisMALL. What started as a virtual marketplace, ASP AutisMALL has opened doors for Filipinos on the autism spectrum to explore product creation, development, and online selling. ASP members are welcome to consign their products to ASP's online stores, which can be found on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok under @autismphils.

Purposeful Passion

When a person on the spectrum is not cut out for employment, that’s not a limitation. It’s merely a consideration we need to understand and leverage. Some individuals thrive in structured environments with consistent routines. Others are more productive in familiar, quiet spaces, such as the home. Still others have passions and talents that simply don’t fit into a standard job description.

Instead of forcing a square peg into a round hole, ASP AutisMALL offers another path. We encourage creativity, autonomy, and entrepreneurship. It’s a virtual space where people on the spectrum can sell their own handmade goods, art pieces, and more. But beyond just being a shop, it’s a laboratory for learning -- where they can experiment, grow, and even fail, until they are ready to branch out and take risks on their own.

ASP AutisMALL also offers ASP-branded merchandise, such as shirts, bags, and pins, that speak the language of autism inclusion and support. These products promote acceptance, accommodation, and inclusion in a society that is eager to inspire action, not simply “awareness”. One of the most popular items in the store is the ASP Angels Walk for Autism icon shirts, which have become an annual collectible for participants.

Economic Empowerment

Behind every successful entrepreneur on the autism spectrum is a village — a family, a therapist, a teacher, an ASP chapter. For many of our entrepreneurs, especially those who are nonverbal or require extra guidance, family members often take on the roles of business partner, mentor, and cheerleader. When families collaborate and co-create opportunities, they model what inclusion truly looks like. They teach budgeting, inventory management, and customer service — but also resilience, confidence, and pride.

Financial inclusion isn’t just about having money. It’s about knowing how to use it, manage it, and grow it. ASP AutisMALL is a gentle yet firm introduction to financial literacy, encouraging sellers to consider pricing, budgeting, and saving. It also exposes them to e-commerce concepts, like packaging, delivery logistics, and online marketing. These are survival skills in the 21st-century economy. We are raising entrepreneurs and autism self-advocates. Sellers begin to see the value in their work, and eventually, the value in themselves.

ASP AutisMALL is not just about selling products; it’s about changing narratives. It tells the world that people on the autism spectrum can participate, produce, and prosper beyond sheltered workshops or government programs -- but in the real, competitive marketplace.

The public also gets a powerful opportunity to practice “conscious consumerism”. When you buy from ASP AutisMALL, you are recognizing talent, affirming dignity, and investing in inclusion.

Powerful Possibilities

Are you ready to start your journey? Gusto niyo rin bang SUMAKSES?

Join the FREE FREE FREE seminar SUMAKSES SAGABAL-FREE, TikTok Shop Basics on 18 July 2025 at the Quezon City MICE Center. Sign up today!

Get FREE tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sumakses-sagabal-free-tiktok-shop-basics-for-pwds-tickets-1406899918529

Event Profile: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGp6-h1WmU/tzG7DMsKe2nTtsM-6ECVJA/view

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Posted in: 4public,autismall

WHY PLAY MATTERS FOR KIDS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

By Cecilia Sicam

What does play look like for a child who sees the world differently? For children on the autism spectrum, play may not always follow the usual rules, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. It might just hold the key to deeper learning, connection, and self-discovery.

Why does play matter to kids on the spectrum? Play is more than just fun and games. It is how children explore the world, express themselves, and build relationships. For children and youth on the autism spectrum, play is essential, even if it looks a little different from what we might expect.

Play for learning and development. Play allows children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to engage with the world around them. Atypical play may manifest as repetitive play, focusing on specific toys or topics, or a preference for playing alone. What matters is that they’re engaged, learning, and enjoying the activity in their own way. Play helps build critical skills, such as communication, social interaction, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. It’s also a way for them to express feelings they might not yet have the words for.

Play in their way. The best kind of play is child-led and pressure-free. We don’t need to change how children with ASD play to fit a mold. Instead, we can join them in their world. If a child loves lining up toy cars, sit beside them and talk about the vehicles they're lining up. If they’re fascinated by trains or dinosaurs, build on that interest with stories or drawings. These moments open up opportunities for connection and learning.

Play helps communication and socialization. Inclusive play is also essential. When children of all abilities play together, with understanding, respect, and support, it helps build empathy and acceptance. Structured playgroups, sensory-friendly environments, and patient playmates can make a huge difference.

Play is meaningful. As caregivers, teachers, and community members, let’s celebrate play in all its forms. It’s not just a break from learning. It IS learning. And for children and youth on the autism spectrum, it can be a powerful bridge to communication, confidence, and connection.

Let them lead. Let them laugh. Let them play. Every child on the autism spectrum deserves the joy and growth that play brings.

Cecile S. Sicam is one of the 11 founders of the Autism Society Philippines, where she has held various leadership roles. Cecile has been teaching children with disabilities for over 20 years in the Philippines and abroad. Before her retirement, she served as the Directress of the Bridges Foundation, Inc. She is the Country Manager of the ASP Homepowerment Program.

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Posted in: 4public,4pwas

UPCOMING FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING: CONNECT, SHARE, SUPPORT

Date: 12 July 2025, Saturday
Time: 10:00am

Register here to get the zoom link: https://bit.ly/4nAToqW

The registration deadline is Friday, 11 July 2025, at noon.

ASP’s 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.

The Autism Society Philippines, together with this month's host, ASP Laguna, welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience: autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

Important: Please send an email to autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by Friday, July 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Diana de Ocampo is a single mother of two and has a younger brother on the autism spectrum. She graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Computer Studies and is currently working as a Program Manager. She has been an active member of ASP since 2017, and is currently the cluster head of the ASP South Luzon Cluster.

Ma. Victoria "Marivic" Ramos, is the current Vice-President of ASP Laguna and a Community Development Professional. Marivic empowers families in the care and instruction of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as a valuable resource to the Autism Resource Center in Los Banos, Laguna. She is a single mother to Mico, a young adult on the spectrum.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

PROVINCIAL CHAPTERS HELP FUEL THE ASP ANGELS WALK FOR AUTISM 2025 SUCCESS NATIONWIDE

By Dang Koe

The ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2025 brought together thousands of advocates, families, organizations, and individuals from across the Philippines in an inspiring show of support for the autism community. A total of 41,000 people participated in this year’s celebration — a landmark achievement that reflects the growing awareness and collective action towards autism inclusion nationwide.

Record-Breaking Reach. In April, 10 Autism Society Philippines (ASP) chapters held their local Angels Walks in the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Lipa, Lucena, Butuan, Malaybalay, Tuguegarao, and Iloilo, drawing a combined crowd of over 10,000 participants.

These regional events culminated in the flagship ASP Angels Walk, held on May 18 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, which over 31,000 advocates attended. The event was supported by SM Cares, with nine chapters also hosted by SM Supermalls in their respective regions, reaffirming our continued partnership towards diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.

Growing Communities. This year’s events saw a significant rise in participation nationwide. Several chapters, including Baguio, Tuguegarao, and Cebu, noted increased support from local governments, NGOs, schools, therapy centers, and private partners. Notably, Tuguegarao’s debut event tripled its expected attendance, and Cebu drew the largest crowd with over 2,500 participants. Collaboration with organizations like JCI and consistent backing from SM Supermalls were key to the turnout.

Engaged Volunteers. Events became more dynamic and inclusive through improved production and community contributions. Volunteers played key roles across chapters, from distributing materials to organizing logistics. Parents were tapped for their talents in hosting, PR, and event coordination, while individuals on the spectrum took center stage as performers, enhancing inclusivity and impact.

Optimizing Humble Resources. Chapters like Iloilo emphasized the value of shared resources, structured guidance from the ASP National Office, and cross-chapter learning. These centralized efforts helped ensure consistency, smoother execution, and empowered local organizers.

Vibrant Allies. Several chapters saw turnouts far exceeding expectations. Bacolod welcomed over 1,600 attendees, exceeding the anticipated 600. Longtime sponsors stepped up their contributions, notably providing snacks and logistical support, thereby reinforcing their ongoing commitment that dates back years.

Collective Success. The ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2025 was a nationwide affirmation of solidarity, diversity, and shared purpose between our interconnected community of 106 chapters nationwide. Through continued collaboration among chapters, long-time and new partners, government agencies, and volunteers, ASP continues to lead the way in shaping an autism-inclusive Philippines.

The Autism Society Philippines sends its heartfelt thanks to all its chapters, partners, and advocates who made this year’s Angels Walk such a meaningful and memorable event. Because of your efforts, every step we took brought us closer to a more inclusive future. Together, we continue to move forward—stronger, united, and full of hope.

Dang Koe is the Chair Emerita of Autism Society Philippines (ASP). She is a well-known advocate for autism inclusion in the Philippines and in the region. She was the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize in 2019 and has served as the country’s representative on the board of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN).

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Posted in: awalk,chapters

HISTORIC ASEAN AUTISM CONGRESS IN LAOS UNITES MEMBER COUNTRIES IN INCLUSION

By Dang Koe

Vientiane, Laos – Southeast Asia recently took a significant stride towards a more autism-inclusive future with the successful ASEAN Autism Congress 2025 and the accompanying ASEAN Autism Games, held from June 21 to 22. This landmark event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders at the Landmark Mekong River Hotel in Vientiane, Laos, marking a powerful regional commitment to championing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons on the autism spectrum.

Organized by the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), in collaboration with its 10 member organizations, including the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), the Congress served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration and sharing vital insights. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at sharing best practices in advocacy, education, and community inclusion. A core objective was to strengthen regional ties among autism-related organizations and institutions, while also raising visibility for individuals on the spectrum through community engagement, sports, and cultural expression. Ultimately, the gathering aimed to foster a deeper acceptance and understanding of autism within ASEAN communities.

The Congress drew a diverse range of attendees, fostering inclusive dialogue. Delegates came from various countries across the region, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The participants themselves were diverse, encompassing policymakers, educators, researchers, families, self-advocates, and youth leaders. The event included stakeholders on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), NGOs like Humanity and Inclusion (HI) and CBM, and regional and international development partners.

Inspiring messages and stories resonated throughout the event. The opening featured a welcome from Ms Mannivan Kittilah of Laos' Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW). Ms Jasmine Nadhira also shared a message of solidarity and commitment to disability-inclusive development from the ASEAN Secretariat’s Office of Poverty Eradication and Gender. Leaders from various AAN member countries showcased successful advocacy models.

ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe, representing the Philippines, delivered an inspiring address reflecting on ASP’s 36-year journey. She highlighted the recent success of the Angels Walk for Autism, which gathered over 40,000 participants across the Philippines, symbolizing powerful community solidarity and awareness.

Preceding the Congress, the ASEAN Autism Games, held on June 21, celebrated the unique strengths and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum. Athletes from across ASEAN competed in a spirit of friendship and fun, demonstrating how inclusive sports and culture can effectively break barriers and build lasting bonds across borders.

This two-day celebration of advocacy, ability, and action marked a significant progression in the ASEAN-wide movement for autism inclusion. With renewed collaboration and a shared vision, the ASEAN Autism Congress 2025 reinforced the shared belief that a more inclusive future is not just a possibility, but a reality already actively unfolding.

Dang Koe is the Chair Emerita of Autism Society Philippines (ASP). She is a well-known advocate for autism inclusion in the Philippines and in the region. She was the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize in 2019 and has been the country’s representative to the board of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN).

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Posted in: aan,asean,inclusion