The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

18 September 2009

Ten Reasons to attend Autism Society Philippines' 11th National Conference on Autism

By: Pinky O. Cuaycong


SM Supermalls Official Logo
10 — ASP’s 11th National Conference will be held at the SMX Convention Center within the SM Mall of Asia Complex; with post-conference workshops at the Sky Dome of SM North EDSA. As we all know, these sister malls are the largest (SMNE) and second largest (MOA) malls in the Philippines and the third and fourth largest in the world. With Manila Bay by SMX, you can make this a “destination conference.” And if this is your first time to get inside Sky Dome, why not take a leisurely stroll around the Sky Garden in SM North EDSA, too? With autism-friendly malls like these, shopping after learning is divine!

VS&F Catering Official Logo
9 — Your conference registration comes with free food from VS&F Catering (I don’t know why, but the words “free” and “food” seem absolutely delicious to me!) and it’s bound to be good. Trust me, when it comes to food, I haven’t complained to ASP in any of its recent conferences. When you meet me in person, you’ll know why I am such an authority when it comes to food.

8 — You can have your books autographed. (Una ako sa pila, hehe.) Ms. Paradiz is the author of “Elijah’s Cup” and “The Clever Maids,” both of which are available locally.

Elijah's Cup Book
7 — You can get a wide variety of books and toys educational materials during conferences. Vendors’ Fair is always something to look forward to for parents and teachers looking for quality teaching materials and aids. Not to mention all those cute conference merchandise.

6 — When our children perform for us onstage, they always bring the house down. Wouldn’t you want to be part of such a proud moment?

5 — You can take the opportunity to thank and laud our ASP Board of Trustees, conference committees and ASP office angels who work tirelessly year-round on our behalf. It’s also time to vote for ASP’s new set of Board Trustees, so use your ASP membership privileges wisely!

4 — This is a rare opportunity to see our local autism experts, without the long waiting time. Did it take you a year to see your target doctor, therapist or teacher? Of course, it won’t be an official consult, but you can at least say hi and wave to them in person. And chances are, you’ll get the opportunity to hobnob with them too.

Our Foreign Guest Speakers
3 — Did we tell you about our foreign guests who are coming from their part of the world to share with us their experiences? Our keynote speakers will share with you years of experience and advocacy. You can’t get any more up-close-and-personal than this.

2 — Meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends are always enriching experiences. Autism is not merely a diagnosis; it is a community. You can learn a lot through reading and research, but nothing beats real-life understanding.

1 — Value for money. In these days of recession and trying to make ends meet, a four-day package for the price of one is definitely worth your money. Two whole conference days and two post-conferences with whole day lectures — amazing! How did ASP make it so affordable?

So come and join us on October 25-26 for the 11th National Conference on Autism, and on October 27-28 for the Post-conference lectures. Hurry, you only have three more weeks to avail of early bird rates! Don’t miss a chance of a lifetime!

Pinky Cuaycong is Kittymama, full time mom of two boys (a 16-year-old high school junior and a 14-year-old with profound autism), part-time writer, and blogger. In Okasaneko Chronicles, she writes about her life’s deepest passions: her husband of 18 years, her teenage sons, autism advocacy, and Hello Kitty.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Sweet Tomatoes Printable Coupons