The Pinoy Autism Advocates Calendar

In the 25 years since the Autism Society Philippines began its advocacy, many international and local initiatives have been created for the benefit of persons with autism. Here are some important annual observances every well-informed advocate should know.

Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week
By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 711 , Fidel V. Ramos declared in 1996, the third week of January as National Autism Consciousness Week. “The aim of the Philippine Government to develop awareness of the problems of autistic persons and promote a supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity and enable them to function independently and contribute productively to society.”

A record 10,000 advocates came out en masse at the Angels Walk 2014,
held during the National Autism Consciousness Week.

Autism Sunday
Autism Sunday, also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism is observed annually on the second Sunday of February. It was initiated in 2002; and was first celebrated in the United Kingdom.

World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2. It was adopted by the United Nations in December 2007. The observance aims to raise awareness of autism on all levels in society and is participated in by UN organizations, member states, NGOs and private and public organizations.

Autistic Pride Day
Autistic Pride Day is an initiative by the self-advocate group called “Aspies for Freedom”. This annual observance on June 18 of every year is a celebration of the neurodiversity of people on the autism spectrum. “Autistic pride recognises the innate potential in all people, including those on the autism spectrum.”

National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week
As per Proclamation No. 1870 (1979), Proclamation No. 361 (2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (2002), the NDPR Week is being commemorated annually every July 17 to 23. It aims to stimulate public awareness on the issues and problems of disability, thereby encouraging every citizen of the country to take active responsibility in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of PWDs of our society. It culminates on the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini.

International Day of PWDs
International Day of People with Disability on December 3 is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Advocates should also bookmark the Autism Society Philippines’ calendar at http://bit.ly/asp-calendar. See you at our next event!

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Posted in: community,govt

Autism and Amazing Self-Expression

This article appeared on 10 March 2014 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk", edited by Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

The Autism Society Philippines was one with the nation in celebrating the National Arts Month last February. ASP partnered with NCCA, Metrobank Foundation, MADE and SM Supermalls to mount "The Art of Healing", a unique art therapy workshop given exclusively to ASP members at the SM Aura. The experience brought to the fore how art is a powerful force of self-exploration and healing for many young adults on the spectrum.

Self-expression through art is the apparent refuge of many whose communication is limited by autism. And for some, what they lack in social skills, they compensate for with a “great eye” and a steady hand. Artists like JA Tan, Gabriel Atienza and Tomas Perez-Rubio have been lauded for their unique perspective and enviable dedication to their craft.

ASP National Secretary Mona Magno-Veluz returns as this week's Angel Talker to introduce us to an up and coming artist on the spectrum and his gift of perspective -- Lance “Tikoy” Basilio.

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Lance Basilio, for the most part, is your typical 11-year old boy. Aloof and handsome, his long hair tied in a ponytail hints to non-conformist tendencies. This young man with autism has long been fascinated by cityscapes and spent many an hour drawing imaginary cities on pen and paper, since he was four years old. Without referring to the original, he can recreate a drawing he did a year back so well that you would think you are looking at a photocopy. Gifted with muscle memory, Tikoy can make replicas down to the stroke imperfections.

So exemplary is his passion and artistry that Lance was highlighted by the Museo Pambata as one of their featured artists. “Tikoy’s Gift of Perspective” ran from February 16 to 22, 2014; and attracted many visitors from the business and art communities. The exhibit was opened by socialite and art enthusiast, Tessa Prieto-Valdes.  [Erratum:  Due to popular demand, Tikoy's exhibit has been extended to March 15.]

Mimi Basilio, Lance’s mom, feels that the ability to recreate on paper the fascinating places his imagination takes him is what allowed Tikoy to better express himself. And this outlet made a difference in his academic work. From being in a special program in Bridges Foundation, he successfully transitioned to the mainstream of Maria Montessori in Pasay.

Without any formal training or strong artistic influences, Tikoy never felt his drawings were special. It took the prodding of his mother, an interior lighting designer, and his godmother Shoko Matsumoto, the Cultural Center of the Philippines resident lighting director to persuade him to mount a solo exhibit. In the end, Tikoy became convinced and worked feverishly to create the pieces that were displayed in his exhibit.

Aside from being an artistic endeavor, the exhibit also opened doors for Tikoy’s talent to translate to a future livelihood. Mimi Basilio transformed some of Tikoy’s sketches into elegant lamps. Some designs were also made into t-shirts which were sold to benefit the Museo Pambata. More interesting still, a Japanese fashion house expressed their desire to manufacture Tikoy’s art into fabric prints. It is clear that Tikoy’s art has a commercial appeal he can leverage on in the years to come.

“Am I a celebrity?” Tikoy innocently asked his mom, when an exhibit guest asked for his autograph. While Tikoy is not yet a household name, the future is looking very bright for this talented young man on the spectrum.

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The United Nations declared April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day. Advocate organizations like the Autism Society Philippines will commemorate the day with various events and activities. Get the latest updates on our Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/autismsocietyphilippines) and join us!

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Posted in: art,feature,pers

Behavior Management Seminar in Alfonso

The ASP Alfonso chapter conducted a parent seminar with occupational therapist Mr. Mike Kelvin T. Esguerra with Ms. Rose Ann Tuduc at the SPED Center, Alfonso Central School, in Alfonso, Cavite on 02 March 2014. The seminar tackled Behavioral Management and Sensory Integration Science.

With the guidance of ASP President Jan Peña, the seminar was designed for ASP members, parents from Alfonso SPED Center, and day-care workers. The seminar was so well received that Mrs. Jasper Alcedo, the MSWD/ PWD Coordinator, will propose a follow-up seminar, together with the local government of Alfonso.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,chapters,community,education,regional,seminar

Ormoc District 2 Chapter holds a Family Support Group

ASP Ormoc District 2 Chapter held a family support group meeting last 14 February with Mr. Ranil Sorongon and Teacher Lian del Valle of ASP Laguna as facilitators at St. Paul's School of Ormoc Foundation, Inc.

Among the concerns discussed by the members were how their children have been affected by the typhoon and its aftermath in different areas of development particularly on self-care and social skills, flexibility and adaptability; reasonable accommodations for those enrolled in the mainstream; the need for more trained speech aides and how parents can be encouraged to be more active in their child's various intervention programs.

Teacher Lian advised the members to address their children's needs with fresh eyes, as if "your children have just been diagnosed" to gain an accurate assessment of their learning behavior, social skills, and other life skills. "Tapos na si Yolanda. Panahon na para tayo ay bumangon at magsimula ulit. Let us start again."

Ranil further emphasized how parents need to be all the more empowered to take an active part in their child's intervention programs, which is the main objective of ASP. "The only people constant in our child's life are us, the parents. This is why we draw on the resources (OTs, SLPs, APED teachers, etc) to train the parents, to empower each other to become our child's own therapist."

The meeting being the first for the chapter to have Mr. Sorongon and Ms. Del Valle as facilitators, was truly enriching and heartening for the members. The five parents and two SPED teachers who attended certainly brought home a wonderful learning experience.

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Posted in: community,fsg,regional

Innovating Advocacy Campaigns for Children with Special Needs

The University of the Philippines and Advocata, an organization of professionals, parents and volunteers who advocate for special children and their families presented a two-day lecture-forum series over two days, “Innovating Advocacy Campaigns for Children with Special Needs,” with four major support groups for autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, at UP College of Education, Diliman Campus last Feb 19 and 21.

Rose Villasor, Advocata President, conceptualized the activity in line with the course, Introduction to Special Education (EDSP 101) which she teaches at UP Diliman. It is hoped that through this personal encounter with people who founded the organizations, the students in her class will be inspired to join or create their own advocacy groups.

ASP’s Gina L. Bermudo whose talk focused on how and why Autism Society Philippines was created and what its reason for existence. Gina shared ASPs vision of creating a society where Filipinos with autism become the best of their potentials -- independent, self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. She called on the students from different universities who are taking Special Education classes to be involved in ASP’s activities by joining or volunteering their time and services to the organization.

Gina spoke about one of Autism Society Philippines’ public campaigns, called “1Pangako” (http://bit.ly/1pangako), an example of an innovative advocacy campaign Rose can share with her other classes.

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Posted in: community,education