Finding and Losing Angels

By: Abegail Mendoza

Mac-Mac Parayno, 16 years old with autism, was reported missing by ASP Board Trustee and Bacoor Chapter President Jan Peña last November 14. ASP immediately sent out Angel News Flash about the Missing Angel. It was heartwarming to receive emails from concerned members. After 3 days, the missing angel was finally found!

facilitator Ms. Jan Peña and the participants in one of their activity during the Family Support Group

So when Jan facilitated the November 21 Family Support Group meeting, she told them the story about the missing angel. Then she asked the participants to write down on a piece of paper how they would feel if the missing angel was their own child. The discussion after was expectedly very lively.

Jan also shared pictures of her 14 year-old son Muneer’s activities at home: laundering, cooking, cleaning the house and other household chores. The six (6) mothers, four (4) fathers, a grandfather who attended learned different approaches and techniques in dealing with their child with autism.

For the next monthly FSG, please watch out for next announcement.

P.S.

Another angel was reported missing last November 25, 2009. May of Cerebral Palsy of the Philippines phoned ASP: “We don’t know how to communicate with him because he doesn’t speak, and then I realized that the child has autism. That’s why I decided to call your office.” Fortunately, the Makati police who first found the child located the child’s family.

This is another reminder for families to be more watchful of their children with autism. ASP would like family members to share tips on how to avoid such situation. Please email us at autismphil@pldtdsl.net or call 926-6941 / 929-8447.

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