Angels Walk for Autism 2020 Icon Shirt Design Competition

Autism Society Philippines has been creating unique tshirts for Angels Walk for Autism participants since the walk first began in 2007. These shirts which were designed as souvenir items back then, have metamorphosed to icon shirts which reflect the aspirations of our community. The signature green has become an ASP trademark in disability community events. They have also become a favorite item of clothing for advocates, individuals with autism and their families who wear them year round.

ASP is launching the search for the Angels Walk for Autism 2020 TShirt Design!

Who can join?
1. The contest is open for all members of ASP, with or without autism, regardless of age.
2. An artist may submit as many entries as he wants.
3. Multiple artists may collaborate on entry/entries.

What must be submitted?
1. Digital artwork, which may be scanned versions of art in any medium
2. Design must include the text “Angels Walk for Autism” -- the central theme
3. Dimensions: Max 10 inches x 10 inches
4. Resolution: 300dpi
5. Maximum of 3 solid colors and must be suitable for rendering on a green shirt

How do we enter the contest?
1. Digital artwork and video must be submitted to autismphils@gmail.com as attachments or Google Drive links. Other services like Dropbox or Box.be will NOT be accepted.

2. Subject line MUST read: ANGELS WALK TSHIRT CONTEST / Name of Artist.

3. Body of email MUST include the following (The text can be edited to suit the number of artists who worked on the entry):

I/We, Names of Artist/s, acknowledge that the attached entry is (a) wholly original; (b) does not incorporate or include any material that would require the consent of any third party; and (c) does not violate any copyright, trademark, publicity right, privacy right, or any other right of any third party.

I/We agree that ASP shall have the right to edit, composite, scan, duplicate or alter the entry design for any purpose which it deems necessary or desirable, without the need for any further compensation, and/or permission.

By entering, I/we acknowledge/s, agree/s and understand/s that the winning design will become the exclusive property of Autism Society Philippines (ASP), which retains exclusive rights to the reproduction.

4. Please send one email per entry.

5. Submission must be received before 5pm of 30 July 2019.

How will winners be selected?
1. The winners will be selected based on the following criteria:
• Originality (30%) - Design innovation and uniqueness.
• Creativity (30%) - Artistic and appealing arrangement of the design elements.
• Relevance (20%) - Suitability to theme and purpose of the event.
• Manufacturability (20%) - Can be rendered on fabric at best cost and quality

2. The names of the judges will be announced shortly.
3. Winners will be announced by 6 September 2019, Friday.

What will the winners receive?
1. The winning designer/s will receive P10,000.00.
2. The winner/s will be recognized and featured on the ASP blog and social media channels.

Read more »

Posted in: angels-walk,contest,nacw

Voting for an Autism-OK Philippines

The 2019 Philippine general election will be conducted on 13 May 2019. The following is a list of House and Senate bills on autism; including the legislators who authored them (not all of them are seeking re-election). Many have track records for working with and for the autism and disability communities -- by engaging us in meaningful discussions and by filing relevant bills in the 17th Session of the Congress and the Senate. This factual list is arranged in reverse chronology.

(This is not an endorsement.  The Autism Society Philippines is a non-partisan organization working for the betterment of the lives of persons on the autism spectrum and their families.)

1. House Bill 7670, an act creating the Philippine Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Office of Autism Services was filed in Congress by Gary Alejano who is running for Senator under the Magdalo Party List. This proposed legislation has been pending with the Committee on Government Reorganization since 15 August 2018.
(http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB07670.pdf)

2. Senate Bill No. 1809, an act instituting a Philippine National Autism Care Plan for the support of persons with autism and for other purposes was filed by Risa Hontiveros. This was developed in consultation with the Autism Society Philippines. This proposed legislation has been pending in the Committee on Health and Demography since 21 May 2018.
(https://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/2786824177!.pdf)

3. House Bill 7538, an act instituting a comprehensive program for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of person with autism spectrum disorders and for other purposes was filed by Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. who is running unopposed for Congressman of the Second District of Camarines Sur. This proposed legislation has been pending with the Committee on Health since 15 May 2018.
(http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB07538.pdf)

4. House Bill 6934, an act instituting a Philippine National Autism Care Plan for the support of persons with autism and for other purposes, was filed by Tom Villarin who is running as a party list representative under AKABAYAN. This was developed in consultation with the Autism Society Philippines. This proposed legislation has been pending with the Committee on Health since 17 January 2018.
(http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB06934.pdf)

5. Senate Bill No. 1433, Autism Care Act of 2017, an act instituting a national comprehensive program for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorders and for other purposes was filed by Leila de Lima. This proposed legislation has been pending in the Committee on Health and Demography 8 May 2017.
(https://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/2583722214!.pdf)

6. Senate Bill No. 1403, an act establishing a Center for Autism and for other purposes was filed by Joseph Victor Ejercito, who is running for another term in the Senate. He served as the Chairperson of the Committee on Health. This proposed legislation has been pending in the Committee on Health and Demography since 2 May 2017.
(https://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/2577622146!.pdf)

7. House Bill 630, an act creating the Philippine Center for Autism and for other purposes was filed by Scott Davies Lanete MD, as a Congressman representing the Third District of Masbate.  He is running for Governor of Masbate. This proposed legislation has been pending with the Committee on Government Reorganization since 28 November 2016.
(http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB00630.pdf)

8. Senate Bill No. 589, an act creating the Philippine Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Office of Autism Services, was filed by Sonny Trillanes who is running for a seat in Congress under the Magdalo Party List. This proposed legislation has been pending in the Committee since 9 August 2016. (https://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/2406220712!.pdf)

9. House Bill 1457, an act requiring health insurers to provide full coverage for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders was filed by Harry Roque, as a Congressman representing the KABAYAN Party List. He is running as a party list representative under Luntian Pilipinas. This proposed legislations is pending with the Committee on Health since 01 August 2016.
(http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB01457.pdf)

We must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. We must vote for people who stand for values we believe in, for people who will work towards our shared vision for an future that is genuinely autism-inclusive.

Read more »

Posted in: elections,government

ASP PWAY Day for the month of May and June

I might hit developmental and societal milestones in a different order than my peers, but I am able to accomplish these small victories on my own time. -- Haley Moss

The Autism Society Philippines Wednesday "PWAy Day" aims to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PWAy Days 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 PWA members, 16 years old and above.

On May 8 - we will prepare Leche Flan - a traditional Filipino dessert that is commonly served at Fiestas and other special occasions. It is caramel custard made of milk (‘Leche’ in Spanish), sugar and eggs and usually flavored with vanilla and key lime zest.This will teach the PWAs on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, own food containers and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On May 15 - we will have DIY Canvas Pouch Art. We're always looking out for unique and special DIY canvas pouch design. This simple and fun activity make an ordinary pouch into something special. This session will enhance the creativity of the PWAs and develop their natural artistic abilities. PWAs will just bring their own paint brushes, acrylic paints, glue gun and extra shirt. Please wear proper clother, no sando.

On May 22 - we will have a fun Indoor Games for Adults with Autism. This activity will help adults with autism to increase and develop the following: social interaction among other PWAs, help your PWAs 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 29 - we will have a Sensory-Friendly Movie - This will provides a sensory friendly environment for individuals with autism for whom the environment is suitable and their families to watch the movie. These screenings will allow bringing up the lights, turning down sound volume, allowing families/PWAs to bring in their own snacks. PWAs can get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the room. Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site.


"Adults with autism 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 PWAs 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."

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas

Facilitating Communication in the Home Setting

Facilitating Communication in the Home Setting: Parent Roles and Family Involvement

25 May 2019
9:00am - 12:00nn

Communication is key for everyday interaction across different settings. In children with ASD, speech, language and communication are skills that need to be developed. When a child with ASD is referred for speech therapy, some parents are clueless about this type of intervention and how they can help their children.

This seminar is geared towards educating parents and families of children with ASD about speech therapy. It aims to help parents and families understand their role in helping their children develop and improve speech, language and communication skills. It also aims to empower parents and families by helping them identify everyday opportunities and learning strategies that would facilitate communication in the home setting.

About the Speaker:

KARLA MACARAEG-CABOTAJE, CSP-PASP
Teacher Karla earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology at the College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines-Manila in 2003. She is a member of the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists (PASP) since 2006. She was a home-based speech pathologist working with families of children with ASD early in her practice. She has undergone trainings on Oral Placement Therapy (OPT), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS Basic Training), PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) Level 1 and DIR Floortime (DIR 101). She is certified to provide It Takes Two To Talk (ITTT) the Hanen Program for Parents. She is a senior Speech Pathologist at Center for Exploration and Experiential Development Co. (CEED) and currently serves as Operations Manager of the center. Teacher Karla believes that family involvement is crucial to the success of their child’s intervention. She aims to inspire parents and empower the family as a whole to take an active role in the development of speech, language and communication at home.


Seminar Rates: (certificate and snack included)
The Seminar is exclusive to members of the Autism Society Philippines
P 400 - Seminar only (For existing ASP Members)
P 900 - Seminar + ASP membership

Seminar fees may be deposited 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 02-9035496.

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,4public

Family Support Group for the month of May

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.

Mommy Jeng with son Rolo

Our facilitator for this month is Ms Jennette Rodriguez or Mommy Jeng. Mommy Jeng is a mother to 3 kids, including a 15 years old boy with autism. She is currently the President of ASP UP CAMP Manila Chapter and a Parent-Volunteer at the Padre Gomez SPED Center. A graduate of BS Commerce major in Economics at University of Santo Tomas, she has been organizing several events for the chapter and has given talks on Orientation on Autism and ASP to different schools and colleges, and PWD Ministries under the Archdiocese of Manila Ministry on Persons with Disabilities (AMMPD).

Date: 18 May 2019, Saturday
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Venue: Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters
Address: #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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents