National Autism Consciousness Week 2022

Duty-bearers from government agencies and rights-bearers from civil society organizations and advocate institutions are one with the nation in celebrating the 26th Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week to be held from 24 to 30 January 2022. This annual observance was made possible by President Fidel Ramos' Proclamation 711 of 1996 – in inspiring genuine and organic acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons on the autism spectrum in our society and our global community. 

The activities of the week promote action by the public and private sectors towards enabling persons on the autism spectrum to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and access, function independently and contribute productively. Society should strive beyond “consciousness” or “awareness” and inspire genuine inclusion -- through acceptance, accommodation and appreciation! Public and private institutions are encouraged to spearhead creative activities, events and programs, towards building opportunities for our neurodiverse population, all over the country. 

Read more about the NACW 2022 Game Plan for the week at: http://bit.ly/NACW2022-gameplan. This is a live document that continues to be revised as additional inputs are receives from advocates from all over the country.

This year's theme "Nurturing Public-Private Alliances towards an Autism-OK Philippines" intends to:

1. nurture partnerships between the government and the private sector to help Filipinos on the autism spectrum and those who care for them, rise above the challenges of the condition and the current economic and health situation;
2. grow a community of allies within the country, the region and the rest of the world, supportive of programs towards genuine inclusion; and
3. cultivate individual self-awareness, self-expression and feeling of belonging to a compassionate society.

The absence of the puzzle imagery in our materials is deliberate. The Autism Society Philippines does not support the use of the puzzle icon to represent autism, as persons on the spectrum should neither be illustrated as "mind-boggling" nor "incomplete".

In contrast, the sunflower that lives by facing the light, is a fitting representation of a community that finds strength and hope amid life’s challenges.

Sunflower Field

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for hidden or non-apparent disabilities -- such as autism. People living with hidden disabilities often face barriers in their daily lives including a lack of understanding and negative attitudes. So some choose to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to discreetly identify that they may need support, help, or just a little more time in shops, transport, or public spaces. Although one may not be able to see these challenges, they’re still there.

Download the sample NACW Banner here: https://bit.ly/3tuD9Cj

Does your agency or institution want to join the national commemoration? Do you need tools, resources or assistance to bring your initiative to a wider audience? Send us an email at autismphils@gmail.com, if you feel we can help. Or drop us a DM via any of our social media channels -- Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Calendar of Activities

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Posted in: nacw

ASP Antipolo had a great year-end blessings!

We had a great year-end event and blessings from the Autism Society Philippines National HQ through our Trustee Ms. Donna Lim last December 29, 2021 at the New Rizal Capitol Annex Building, thanks to the support of our very own Mayor Andrea Ynares.

McDonalds Staff hosted the parlor games (c) ASP Antipolo

 

McDonald’s Unciano branch hosted the event. We had a short program and quick games for the children on the spectrum to enjoy while practicing proper health protocol.

our children on the spectrum with their supported parents (c) ASP Antipolo

Thank you so much, McDonald's Kindness Kitchen with Ronald McDonald's House of Charity, for giving us meals and toys to take home, especially the socializing they were able to enjoy with fellow members since they have been cooped up at home for a long time.

McDonalds staff gave the food to our children on the spectrum (c) ASP Antipolo

The kids were very happy and enjoyed the activity. Thank you so much! For more pictures, click here.

#McDonaldsPH
#ASPAntipoloChapter
#AutismOKPH
#AutismSocietyPH
#AutismOKAntipolo
#webleedgreenasp

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Posted in: 4public,chapters

ASP National President Mona Veluz, Christmas Message 2021

Mona Magno-Veluz

Hello po sa inyong lahat!

Naka isang taon na naman po ang Autism Society Philippines. Bilang isang pamayanan na binubuo ng mga pamilya, marami po tayong paghihirap na nadaanan ngayong taon. Mahirap kumita, hindi tayo makalabas, nasa bahay ang mga bata, hindi makapasok sa eskwela, walang therapy, kulang sa socialization. Pero dahil na rin sa pinag kaloob sa ating lakas, tayong mga pamilyang may kaanak na may autism, nkakaraos tayo. Laban lang!

Ngayong pandemya, talagang lumalabas ang galing ng mga magulang, mga kuya't ate, mga tito't tita, mga lolo't lola, na nagpapalibot sa atin ng pagmamahal para tuluy-tuloy ang pag ganda ng kalagayan nating lahat.

Sa ASP, wala man tayong face-to-face events, tuloy ang mga virtual monthly seminars, family support groups at ASP Homepowertment trainings, counseling and therapies. Bonggang-bongga ang ASP PweDay na nagbibigay saya sa mga kabataan may autismo bawat sabado. Ang ASP AutisMALL na tumutulong sa kabuhayan ng ating mga pamilya at ang ASP Autism Works na rumarampa para makahanap ng pang matagalan trabaho para sa mga taong may autismo na handa na.

Hindi rin po nawala ang pag-katawan ng ASP sa Pilipinas, sa ASEAN Autism Network at sa ASEAN mismo. Tuluy-tuloy po ang pag-wagayway naten ng bandilang Pilipino sa ASEAN. Bilang isang halimbawa ng effective na community driven and family centric advocacy.

Salamat po sa mga chapters na sukdulan ang kayod para tumulong sa mga members naten, para ramdam pa rin nila na katuwang nila ang ASP. Kahit maraming ginagawa at pinagkakaabalahan ang gobyerno, salamat po sa patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan sa LGU para mabakunahan ang mga gustong magpabakuna at para kasama pa rin ang mga issues ng ating mga pamilya sa pagpaplano ng direksyon ng mga lungsod at bayan sa 2022 at lagpas pa.

Ngayong Pasko, sana po masarap ang ulam ninyo, sana masaya, malusog at ligtas ang mga mahal ninyo sa buhay. Let us continue to join hands in inspiring acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of the Filipinos on the spectrum and in building a genuinely autism-ok society.

On behalf of the hardworking leadership and staff of Autism Society Philippines, and my family, happy holidays!

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Posted in: leaders,members

Nurturing Social Skills in children and youth on the spectrum

Date: 27 November 2021, Saturday
Time: 9:00am (we are not accepting late-comers)
Register below to get the zoom link.
Deadline of registration is 26 November 2021, Friday at 12nn
This learning event is EXCLUSIVE TO ASP MEMBERS

November 2021 Poster

Social Stories are tools that can help learners better understand themselves, others, and the world in general. It will help them become better at problem solving and making decisions for themselves and by themselves. This webinar will cover what Social Stories are and how to use them. There will be opportunities for participants to distinguish a social story from other types of stories, to contextualize available social stories, and even create their own social stories.

IMPORTANT: Validated members will receive an email with the Zoom details. Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by Friday, 26 November 2021 at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderator:

Ms Cecile Sicam

Cecile S. Sicam is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as Secretary, President from 2001 to 2004; Vice President.

Cecile has been teaching children with special needs for more than 2 decades. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara County, California; and upon her return resumed her position as Program Coordinator of Bridges Foundation Inc.

Our Speaker:

Ms Jonellie Reynes-Santos

Jonellie Reynes- Santos or better known as Teacher Joji is a Special education and literacy specialist. She has worked with a diverse group of learners: children to adults, neuro-typical and neuro-diverse learners, teachers, peace and inclusion advocates, and even prisoners from the maximum compound of the New Bilibid Prison. She not only coaches neuro-diverse learners to improve their quality of life but coaches their family as well. She does this through one-on-one coaching for parents, transition planning workshops for parents and family, siblings and friends support workshops, inclusive camps, and through the books she has written.

She is a published author of textbooks and children’s literature. She has contributed in the BASA Pilipinas leveled readers for grade 3 and picture books for kindergarten. Her book about a boy with autism, Inside Daniel’s Head, is available in Adarna Publishing House. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Master’s degree in Reading Education in the University of the Philippines. She is currently completing her PhD in History and Philosophy of Education also in the same university. Her research works are focused on literacy and the philosophy of inclusive education. She has been a consultant for various organizations and has designed and implemented modules for teacher training in literacy, inclusive education, and inclusive disaster response and reduction modules.

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Posted in: 4parents

A Vaccination Day for the PWDs of Marikina City

The City Social Welfare and Development Office scheduled a vaccine for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ages 12-17 years old on November 6, 2021 at Marikina Sports Center, thanks to the initiative of the Autism Society Philippines Marikina. The Marikina City Government has consistently been a partner and supporter of ASP Marikina's programs and projects for our children on the autism spectrum.

Vaccination Procedure for PWDs (cto) ASP Marikina

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Marikina granted the request.  Together with FiND Phils President Alex Cabason, coordination for the special condition and guidelines implemented on the vaccination day. Beneficiaries are PWDs from ASP Marikina, Bright Beginnings Therapy Center, Children's Therapy Hub, Milestones Therapy Center, Barangka SPED Center, San Roque SPED Center and Parang SPED Center.

Special thanks to Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Ms Maan Teodoro, Dr. Lito Llabres and Mr Mark Castro of IATF Marikina and to the whole vaccination team for the assistance and opportunities.

To read the full story and experience, click here.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas