January 2010 ~ Autism Society Philippines

Posted in: celebration,nacw

28 January 2010

ASP Dream Girls

During the ASP Family Day Celebrations last January 17, 2010, at SM Sky Dome, audiences were given a surprise treat from Vell Barria, Thara Marie Santiago and Nica Escasinas by their rendition of "To Love You More".

The girls did an impromptu rehearsal backstage, after singing their solo numbers. With just one practice of this song, they returned together on stage.

Vell, Thara and Nikka, the ASP Dreamgirls

Some people in the audience had their mouths and eyes wide open. Walk-in mall goers were astounded to find out that the trio singing sensation had autism.

Celine Dion, thanks for the inspiration. Click here to watch the ASP Dream Girls!

The ASP Dream Girls also did singing numbers during the Angels Walk for Autism at SM Mall of Asia. Keep checking the blog for more updates!

Posted in: 4pwas,celebration

22 January 2010

Wings in the Fire

By: Cathy Genovia

A frightful thing happened on the night of January 19, 2010 at the third floor of #47 ML Building Kamias Road, Quezon City.

This is the ASP office

“Cath, yung office niyo nasunog kagabi!” (“Your office building was on fire last night!”) were as the first words I heard from my friend John early in the morning. He kept calling me last night, but unfortunately, I never heard my phone ringing. Maybe I was too tired.

After hearing him on the other line of my mobile phone, I felt so numb. John is a fireman and was personally there when the 3rd floor of our building was on fire.

On my way to the office, I still couldn’t believe what had happened. When Abby, my co-worker and I entered the building, it was so dark. The whole building’s electricity was turned off. We can still smell something burning. (The building was declared fire out the previous night.) We ran up the stairs to check on our office unit to find out if everything is still ok.

The ceiling of the other rooms after the fire

Sir Ranil Sorongon, our Executive Director, Ms. Lani, our accountant and volunteer, Kuya Jojie were already inside. They all looked okay, but in their eyes were so many questions of why this thing happened. No one uttered a single word. We just looked at each other to assure ourselves to feel alright.

the room full of wooden materials

I couldn’t contain myself, went out the room to check on the other tenants. I felt sorry about our neighbors. Their rooms were all drenched with water. Some rooms were blackened from the fire. But what made me cry was seeing the unit where the fire started. The family living there managed to escape. Their unit was totally burned.

When I got back to our office unit, I immediately shared to them what I saw. Kuya Jojie uttered: “may pakpak kasi rito sa ASP, kaya nasave"(There are wings here in ASP, that’s why we are saved.”

The power was restored later during the day. We all went back to work, thankful that our office unit was safe from the fire. Our files and things are safe. And most especially, everyone is safe.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.... and no disaster will come near your tent...." from Psalms 91

The Lord covered us with wings through His Angels, in the middle of the celebrations of the Autism Consciousness Week. Walk with Angels on January 24, 2010 at SM Mall of Asia. No other Walk comes close to an Angels’ heart. Click here to find out more.

Posted in: 4public

2010 ACW Activities

Posted in: nacw

21 January 2010

What Autism Is and Is Not

By: Tiffany Tan ASP Board Secretary

The Autism Puzzle Piece

Autism Puzzle Piece

We enter the 2nd decade of the 21st century. From the time of Leo Kanner to the present, scientists still can not agree to a single cause for autism. Biomedical, physiological, psychological, hereditary, dietary-therefore, the puzzle remains to be solved.

Autism is a puzzling and complex condition. People (parents, friends, family, professionals and institutions) must come together to help solve the challenges of autism, literally and figuratively, by piecing pieces together.

Autistic persons however, are not puzzle pieces. They are people first, before their autism.

The umbrella as a symbol for autism

A website classifies autism into the following categories with the umbrella as a symbol for autism: Autism Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Childhood Disentegrative Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not Otherwise Specified.

We need umbrellas to shelter us from the heat and rain. Families of children with autism and people with autism need to be sheltered from the ignorance of the people around them.

Autism. See the potential, not the disorder.

Spectrum is a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order. Spectrum of colors adorns the rainbow.

Autism is a Spectrum Disorder. Spectrum, arranged in order. Disorder, the opposite of order.

Rainbows appear after the heavy rain

Confused? Rainbows appear after a heavy rain, God’s covenant with man.

Remember Dorothy’s song? Let’s sing together.

When all the world is a hopeless jumble
And the raindrops tumble all around,
Heaven opens a magic lane
When all the clouds darken up the skyway,
There's a rainbow highway to be found
Leading from your window pane
To a place behind the sun,
Just a step beyond the rain

See beyond the spectrum. Take the Giant Leap and Expand Boundaries for Autism.

How to celebrate the Autism Consciousness Week with your family?

During your free time make a simple art work using the 3 symbols of autism. Stick your artwork on the refrigerator door or on the cork board of your study. Bring out the karaoke and sing Over the Rainbow.

Join the Angels Walk for Autism this January 24, 2010 at SM Mall of Asia. No other Walk comes close to an Angels’ heart.

Posted in: awareness

19 January 2010

ASP Family Support Group for January 2010

Ms. Fredeswia Javier

Share your hopes and dreams with us. We will listen.

This month’s facilitator is Mrs. Fredeswina Tantengco-Javier, a mother of 4 boys and 1 girl, married to Romeo for 23 years. Her oldest son Conrado was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 ½ year old and now a 22 yr old Senior Business Management student at the New Era University.

Fredes finished her MA Special Education at the University of the Philippines. She was a trainer/ facilitator of Leadership Development Forum in their Church. A member of the Executive Council of the Ateneo High School– Parents Union for School and Hope for 3 terms; Vice President of the Society of Parents, teachers and Friends in O.B. Montessori Center , Greenhills for eleven years; proponent, prime mover and consultant of The Special Education Program of the New Era University. She is also a member of various Parent Support group and SpEd Consultant in some other schools.

She was a member of the Board of trustees of ASP from 1990 to 2003. And now back as member of the Board.

FREE Registration!

Date: January 23, 2010, Saturday
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
Venue: ASP Office, Room 307, ML Bldg., #47 Kamias Road, Quezon City

Hurry! Call now at 7-903-5496
Only 15 seats available!

Posted in: 4parents,fsg

Angels Walk in Davao City

In celebration of the 14th National Autism Consciousness Week from January 17 to 24, 2010, the ASP Davao Chapter, in partnership with SM City Davao, invites everyone to participate in the first ANGELS WALK FOR AUTISM in Davao City which will be held inside the mall of SM City Davao on January 23, 2010, Saturday, at 2:00 PM. This is open to the public with no registration fees. All we require: walkers with angelic hearts for people with autism. Everyone is welcome – bring your family, your friends, your neighbors, your barangay!

Angels Walk for Autism now serves as the highlight during the annual national Autism Consciousness Week celebrated by all ASP Chapters nationwide. The National Autism Consciousness Week aims to promote awareness on autism and the provision of appropriate social services to persons with autism.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Giant Leaps….Transcending Boundaries.” Our Angels Walk will start and end at the Ground Floor, at the area between Goldilocks and Turquoise. There will be a Drum and Bugle Band that will accompany the participants. Schools and SPED centers, organizations, offices and other groups are encouraged to bring their banners/streamers and to wear green t-shirts/green baller bands and bring green balloons or flaglets.

Please confirm if your family/school/center/group/office/organization will participate in the ANGELS WALK by texting Jane Ann Gonzales at 0917-705-5075 or email to janeannngonzales@yahoo.com or Mr. Eric Dela Costa at 0917-905-8739 or email to aspdavao@yahoo.com. Please indicate your estimated number of participants.

Start a new decade by being an Angel for Autism. Support the 14th National Autism Consciousness Week. Take a giant leap and transcend boundaries for autism! Remember: “It takes an angel to embrace autism.” “No other walk comes close... to an angel's heart.” “Be an Angel. Take A Walk.”

Posted in: angels-walk

Highly Recommended: What to wear on Angels Walk for Autism

ASP Products for sale, Angels Walk shirt and ASP Baller

You can Register online or be our Early Bird participants. ASP will be giving free Angels Walk t-shirts to children with autism whose parents are Active Members. You have to register quick because stocks are limited to the first 100 registrants. Free t shirt of registered CWA participants will be given during the walk after presentation of valid ID of parents.

Posted in: angels-walk,merchandise

15 January 2010

Truly Artistic, Proudly Autistic!

2 comments

By: ASAP News Team

Andrei Macapagal

Although non-verbal, Andrei communicates with us through his masterpieces. His private collections awed some mall goers in last year’s exhibit asking if they were for sale. Andrei’s works are also available in gift cards. His mom Mrs. Mariter Macapagal, incoming ASP Board of Trustee, runs Cupertino Center for Special Children, one of the oldest schools for children with special needs. The school has a paper recycling business and turns the recycled papers to stationery and cards.

Andrei (middle) with his parents, Mommy Mariter and Daddy Arthuro

Kenrick Cheng

Helen, Kenrick’s mom, noticed his fondness for coloring activities when he was 10 years old. She enrolled Cheng three years ago in an art class. Ken’s mentor used a structured method in painting and the result is a series of exquisite paintings of still life, animals and landscape. Ken, flashes a shy smile when people come up to congratulate him for a job well done.

Both Andrei and Kenrick are under the tutelage of Mr. Erwin Jara. Exhibits are on going at the Atrium, The Block of SM City North EDSA from January 17 to 24, 2010.

Kenrick with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista

Vico Cham

Vico started painting when he was 6 years old. At 8, Vico painted in a 24X36 canvass a house of Blues Clues cartoon. This made his parents, architects Victor and Catherine, decide to harness his artistic skills. At 13, he mentored under Gabby Atienza, another PWA artist and learned to draw people.

Vico Cham (left) with mentor Gabby Atienza (right)

Today, Vico boasts of a collection of as many as 50 computer generated drawings. His decorative art works are displayed in Trotezz Wine Bar and Dancing Hall at Greenbelt Makati. His new obsession is Egyptian themes. Vico won painting contests in his school, Shine Special Education Center. His parents are proud of his private collections. His wish someday to have a one man exhibit finally comes true.

* Vico's Exhibit will be at SM Marikina City from January 17-24, 2010. Come visit the main lobby of SM Marikina. Other featured artworks by children with autism: Jonjon, Raph, Aiko, and Chico Luke will also play the guitar during the closing ceremonies Jan. 24, 2010 this Sunday at 5pm.

Posted in: 4pwas,exhibit

Angel Wings Unfold

By: ASAP News Team

Have you seen angels descend and come together to walk for autism awareness? This year, thousands will be walking, not only here in Metro Manila, but around the country as well. Autism Consciousness Week, a mandate by former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, Presidential Proclamation no. 711 aims to promote awareness on autism and the provision of appropriate social services to persons with autism.

Now on our 21st year, ASP takes Giant Leaps to Transcend Boundaries, renewing our commitment, expanding programs and services to reach the far flung areas of the country where services are badly needed.

Chapters are fired up jump-starting the ACW celebrations. On January 10, ASP Cebu Chapter with this year’s first Angels Walk at SM City Cebu gathering 200 members and supporters. A week long line-up of activities culminates on January 15, with a Party for Children with Autism.

ASP Cavite Chapters (Bacoor, Carmona, Cavite-North, Dasmariñas, Tanza, Trece Martirez and Molino) hosts the First Regional Conference on Autism, partnered with St. Brother Miguel Febres Cordero Neurodevelopmental Center of De La Salle- Health Sciences Institute for the successful two-day conference from January 9 to 10.

ASP Lucena Chapter’s Angels Walk will be held on January 17 at SM City Lucena. ASP Iloilo and Davao Chapters will simultaneously walk with ASP National on January 24; where else but in SM City Iloilo and SM Davao, and SM Mall of Asia, respectively.

The Week’s Events

January 17 - Holy Mass at The Block of SM North EDSA and “Fun Fair For Families (loving Autism)” at SkyDome, also at the same mall. Art exhibits by persons with autism: Andrei Macapagal and Kenrick Cheng in the Atrium of SM’s The Block; and Vico Cham in SM Marikina.

January 18 – orientation on “Early Detection of Autism” in Elsie Gaches Village, Makati and in ASP Tacloban City; “Understanding Autism” in NAPOCOR Hall, QC and DOTC Conference Room in Mandaluyong City; autism will also be discussed during flag ceremonies of government agencies and local government units

January 19 – Panel discussion on “The Role of Professionals in the Management of Autism” in DSWD Central Office Auditorium, QC.

January 20 - an orientation on “Understanding Autism, UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, and the Magna Carta” at the Social Hall of DENR Central Office, QC.

January 21 – “Quiz A” contest for students with autism at the DOTC Conference Room in Mandaluyong City.

January 22 – “On-the-Spot Painting Contests” for students with autism at the Social Hall of DENR Central Office, QC; seminar on Developmental Assessment in PICARD, Paete, Laguna; motorcade by ASP Angeles City Chapter; and a lecture on Autism in SM City Clark

January 23 – Lectures on “Effects of Autism on the Siblings of PWAs” at Ann Arbor Montessori in Paranaque; “Understanding Autism” in Sacred Heart College of Lucena City, and “Pre-Vocational Assessment” in Autism Resource Center of Laguna; plus a family support group session at the ASP National Office in Kamias, QC.

January 24 – Angels Walk for Autism SM Mall of Asia, SM Davao and SM Iloilo.

February 1 – Laguna Friendship Games in UPLB grounds, and a Sensory-friendly Movie Showing at SM City Baguio.

Hurry, it’s now time to do your share. Forward this email to 10 of your friends or loved ones. Spread your wings and be an Angel for Autism. Hyperlink to Walk website

Partners and supporters of the 14th ACW

SM Committee on Disability Affairs (headed by this year’s Honorary Chair Engineer Bien C. Mateo), SM Supermalls, SM Prime, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Buhay Party List, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and Liliane Foundation.

Posted in: advocates,nacw,sm

14 January 2010

Autism in their Hearts and MINDs

Brilliant minds converged as the Philippine team presented our country’s history and state of neurodevelopmental disabilities on two-day packed visit to the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, Sacramento.

“It was a gift to visit a Center of Excellence on Autism". Dr. Alexis Reyes, President of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, who also heads the Philippine Team.

Autism Hearts Foundation, founded by Lynda Boromeo, a grandmother of a child with autism, invited a team of doctors to San Francisco on December 2, 2009.

Traveling together with her are Drs. Stella Manalo, Tippy Tanchanco, Rita Villadolid and Eva Cutiongco-Dela Paz, with the main objective of bringing together the group with the pool of speakers and resource persons from the MIND to the upcoming International Autism Conference to be held in Manila on February 3-5, 2010.

MIND or Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute research and treatment center is affiliated with the University of California, Davis, with facilities located on the UC Davis Medical Center campus. The institute is a consortium of scientists, educators, physicians and parents who have joined together to unravel the mysteries of autism spectrum disorders, fragile X syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr. David Amaral, MIND Institute’s Director for Research, together with great scientific minds offered new and exciting research on autism:

o Signs of autism may not be present at birth and those who will be diagnosed with autism will show diminishing social engagement, eye contact and social interest between the 6th to 18th month period. (Ozonoff)

o Infants at high risk should be offered intervention even if they are not diagnosed and screening for autism needs to be done multiple times in the first several years of life. (Ozonoff)

o Cost effective screening test for Fragile X (30% of Fragile X individuals have autism and that 2-6% of all those with autism have Fragile X) and a possible cure for this previously incurable condition. (Hagerman)

o There is no significant difference in the outcomes of children receiving therapies from center-based therapist vs. those receiving intervention from parents coached by the on-line modules.(Rogers)

Good news for Filipinos with Autism

Autism is on the rise, recently research suggests, 1 in 110 children is being diagnosed with autism. In the Philippines, PWAs and their families still experience social stigma plus added burden on lack of professionals, programs and services especially in the provinces.

On-line training for parents to provide behavioral coaching and intervention for their children with autism is good news for developing countries like the Philippines where therapy centers are confined in large urban areas and are very expensive.

“This visit reminded us that research should be prioritized and we will continue to provide service and intervention,” said the Philippine Team.

Click here to keep reading on the latest scientific developments and breakthroughs in the field of autism.

For the past 20 years ASP has been working to provide a better future for persons with autism and their families. We have 42 chapters around the country that families can contact. ASP will organize more chapters to reach out to more families especially in the far flung areas.

Sign up now for the International Autism Conference: The Science of Autism: New Directions and Priorities at the Philippine International Convention Center from February 3 to 5, 2010. Register now and be part of this landmark conference. Click here for more details.

The IAC is a joint partnership of Autism Hearts Foundation, Mind Institute, Autism Speaks, Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP), and Autism Society Philippines (ASP).

Posted in: advocates

Planetiful Hope

Cebu Pacific Airlines invited ASP last January 11, 2010 to discuss how the airline can improve their services for PWDs.

Our blog “Straight from the Heart”and also this article click here, contains ASP’s offer on informing and educating commercial establishments, their management and employees, on how to be more understanding and sensitive to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

In a press statement, Cebu Pacific submitted “We deeply regret the incident and are looking at ways to make sure that this will not happen again in the future.”

Incumbent ASP National President Dang Koe, Executive Director Ranil Sorongon and incoming Board Trustee Gina Bermudo (formerly a flight attendant for another airline) met with Cebu Pacific VP for Marketing and Distribution, Ms. Candice Iyog. With Ms Iyog are CPA’s Corporate Communication Specialist Michelle de Guzman and Training and Development Supervisor Keith Regala.

ASP representatives shared their experiences in partnering with other commercial establishments and gave their suggestions. Ms Iyog said she will be submitting to their top management recommendations for a “wholistic” PWD program.

The ASaP news team lifted this corporate statement from the Cebu Pacific’s website: “The Cebu Pacific Spirit is defined as a compelling passion to treat all customers and each other with a true heart and soul for service.”

Our hearts go out to the families who face the challenges and difficulties raising children with special needs and the daily struggle for acceptance.

ASP is passionate in spreading autism awareness, committed to work harder, remains vigilant in educating others to be more compassionate and understanding of our children.

And we await, with planetiful hope.

Don’t miss the celebrations of the 14th Autism Consciousness Week this January 17-24, 2010. Click here for more details on the activities around the country. Join the Angels Walk for Autism this January 24, 2010 at SM Mall of Asia. No other Walk comes close to an Angels’ heart. Click here for more details.

Posted in: 4parents,airplane

11 January 2010

CBTL supports ASP

By: Cathy Genovia, ASP Program Assistant

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s Give in to Giving has chosen Autism Society Philippines as one of its beneficiaries, on its 2nd year. CBTL Advocacy Fair was formally launched to the media and public at Glorietta 3 On December 5. ASP, together with the nineteen (19) other beneficiaries were welcomed warmly by organizers.

ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon (in green shirt) together with the other beneficiaries

To educate the public on autism awareness, ASP brochures were distributed to patrons and autism merchandise were also sold like bookmarks, books, cds and shirts. Taupauline and posters of ASP programs and services are also displayed in the outlets: like the Family Support Group, Early Detection and Early Intervention Programs and Seminars.

During the concluded Autism Beyond Borders Conference, CBTL representatives gave a surprise visit to turn over a donation of Php25,000. The proceeds came from the CBTL Art Auction last year.

The said amount will be used for the expansion of the ASP Library which houses the largest collection of books and videos on autism in the Philippines and abroad. Visit our ASP Library at Rm 307, #47 ML Bldg. Kamias Rd., Quezon City or call 7-903-5496 for more details.

This year, two branches are designated to host the advocacy for ASP, Glorietta 3 and The Residences of Greenbelt Makati. For every 24 Cups of Goodwill with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Every qualifying drink you purchase at CBTL Glorietta 3 and CBTL The Residences at Greenbelt Makati will help Autism Society Philippines. The promo period ends on January 31, 2010.

Click here for the mechanics.

Posted in: advocates,awareness

"Like a Piece of Paper"

By: Ms Donna Lim

From one mother to another, may this story strengthen our hope and encourage us to face our daily challenges.

Someone said that a person’s life is like a piece of paper. Written are the words to describe his/her persona. Words, making up the wholeness of the person. Words, giving meaning and life to his/her world.

But, what about people with special needs? Children with conditions like autism and developmental disorders? Will the words written on their paper be as comprehensive as those any typical persons’? Or will they just read through the words, without savoring the meaning of what’s written? These questions, I have pondered for quite sometime. And it is through a pivotal experience that I have found the answers.

Like any ordinary day, I started planning out my daily activities. One of the itineraries was to take my two girls to watch Disney on Ice at Araneta Coliseum. My youngest, 5 years old, has already packed her things. My eldest, 16, carefully arranged her essentials for the trip. She has autism.

My autist child, Desly, is self-sufficient and tedious in choosing what’s needed for the day. Simple tasks like these make me feel blessed to have a functional child, despite her condition.

By mid-afternoon, off we went. Since it was the Christmas season, the heavy traffic made my driving miserable. But the long drive was all worth it, when I saw the girl’s excitement in their untainted smiles.

The crowd gave applauses for the lights, sound, visuals, and spectacular performance. This is one of the moments that will forever be in their hearts, a document written legibly in their life journal – in their “paper “, especially Desly.

When the curtain call ended the show, I held tightly to each of my girls’ hands, got up from our seats, made our way through the thick crowd; squeezing our bodies in every available space.

We headed straight for the exit, but it was overwhelming. It was impossible for everyone to exit with ease. We were almost near the exit gate, when the unthinkable happened. Despite my efforts to hold on to Desly, we got separated. She got further away and got mixed up with the crowd.

I had to compose myself, not panic and mustered the strength to push through the crowd, as I clutched my other daughter’s hand out from the sea of spectators. I had to stay alert and focused; knowing in the back of my mind, my austist child must be terrified, wandering in the unfamiliar place.

To help look for my missing daughter, I sought the assistance of the nearest security officers. They alerted the other security personnel and started the search. I taught of going back our designated seats, hoping to catch a glimpse of Desly. When all of a sudden, my other daughter, tugged my hand and said “Mommy is that Ate?,” pointing towards the exit gate.

A burden was released from my chest. Desly stood near the exit gate where we got separated. It was a miracle! We ran towards Desly and I hugged both my daughters so tightly like I would never let them go. I could hear our hearts beating. Thankful and relieved, we all went home-intact and safe.

Someone up there must always be watching us. Maybe God was telling me something? I guess, God was answering the questions that pondered me lately. I mean, how else could my daughter gather the initiative to stay put in one corner? Let alone, stay in the same place where she got separated in the middle of an unfamiliar territory? Made her own solution and gathered great logic when the utmost urgency arose?

When we look at children with special needs, we often see the superficial. Maybe it’s time we see the bigger and deeper picture.

A child with special needs is like a piece of paper, wherein we write down some random words that they read over and over without comprehension. Please fill them instead with beautiful and meaningful words. Color their lives’ journal, figuratively, for they know how to read between the lines. They will astound you with their own little wonders.

Desly Alvarado

Desly Bianca Lim Alvarado is the keyboardist of SPARKLE Band, a band composed of children with autism. For more information on the sparkle band click here.

Posted in: 4parents,4pwas

08 January 2010

Straight from the Heart

In 2004, a teen with autism was “mishandled” inside a branch of the country’s biggest chain of malls. But instead of just releasing perfunctory statements and public apologies, the mall management started an aggressive program for persons with all kinds of disabilities, straight from the heart.

Today, SM Supermalls are recognized, here and abroad, as one of the most PWD-friendly commercial establishments.

Cebu-Pacific Airlines, and other commercial establishments, can take their cue from SM Supermalls. ASP, and perhaps other PWD groups in the future, will be more than willing to partner in educating their management and employees on how to be more understanding and sensitive to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Yes, there are laws like the Magna Carta for PWDs or RA 7277 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), protecting the rights of PWDs. But more than abiding by the laws, decent people and companies know that respecting everyone, including those with disabilities is a basic human right.

ASP will be celebrating the 14th Autism Consciousness week from January 17-24, 2010. Join Angels Walk for autism at SM Mall of Asia on January 24, 2010. No other Walk comes close to an angel’s heart. Click here for more information.

Posted in: uncrpd

Plain Discrimination?

By: Tiffany Tan ASP Board Secretary

A mother and special child were asked to disembark the plane from HK to Manila due to a misinterpretation of their airline policy on not having 2 “special children” on the same flight.

Apparently, the flight attendant misinterpreted their airline policy on “person with mental illness” with “person with disability”.

Click here to watch video

The airline allowed the family to fly to Manila after more than an hour’s delay and has issued an apology for the incident.

What you should know:

1. The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons or RA 7277 Chapter 2 Section 34 states “It shall be considered discrimination for the franchisees or operators and personnel of sea, land, and air transportation facilities to charge higher fare or to refuse to convey a passenger, his orthopedic devices, personal effects, and merchandise by reason of his disability.”

2. IATA International (Air Transport Association) and its Member airlines fully support efforts to assure nondiscrimination and to remove barriers to access to travel for passengers with disabilities. Air carriers and airport managing bodies must ensure that their personnel has appropriate knowledge of how to meet the needs of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility, and should where necessary provide training to that end.

3. Click here for Autism and Travel Safety Tips

If your company is interested to know more about autism or needs training on how to handle/understand children and families dealing with autism, please contact us at 7-903-5496 or write to autismphils@gmail.com.

Posted in: awareness

Giant Leaps for the 14th Nat'l Autism Consciousness Week Celeb

Considered the fastest rising developmental disability in the world, autism prevalence in children rose from 1:150 last year to 1:110. This is the latest information released by Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in 2009.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how an individual interprets what he sees, hears, and touches, thereby impairing his understanding and use of language and his adaptation to his environment. Autism is not curable but is treatable. When a child is diagnosed and receives intervention early in life; given the appropriate education and therapy; they can become self-reliant and productive members of society.

More will be diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined in the coming years. Recognizing the gravity and urgency of this situation, United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2008.

In the Philippines, at least 600,000 Filipino families are estimated to be affected with autism. Autism Society Philippines has grown from the 11 mothers who bonded together for the causes of their children in 1989, to more than 7,000 members, with 42 chapters all over the country. And ASP has been in the forefront of providing services to families affected with autism.

Mandated in 1996 by former President Fidel V. Ramos, Presidential Proclamation No. 711 or Autism Consciousness Week aims to promote awareness on autism and the provision of appropriate social services to persons with autism. Every third week of January, ASP spearheads the celebration.

The theme for this year, “Giant Leaps….Transcending Boundaries,” reflects ASP’s unprecedented growth for the past 21 years and renews its commitment to continue expanding programs and services to reach the far flung areas of the country where services are badly needed.

The event is in partnership with SM Committee on Disability Affairs, SM Supermalls, SM Prime, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Buhay Party List, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and Liliane Foundation.

The Honorary Chair for this year’s celebration is no other than one of our greatest Guardian Angels – Engineer Bien C. Mateo, Chair of SM Committee on Disability Affairs.

(R) Engr. Bien Mateo, (L) Mr. Dennis and Ms. Annie Garcia (2nd from left last row)
with the CWAs and their teachers during the Angels Walk 2009 at SM Mall of Asia

Start a new decade by being an Angel for Autism. Support the 14th National Autism Consciousness Week. Take a giant leap and transcend boundaries for autism!

Here is the schedule of the ACW activities. (kindly click the image below to view clearly)

For more information, call us at 7-903-5496 or email us autismphils@gmail.com

Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay!

*A glimpse of our Autism Consciousness Week last year, Jan 18-25, 2009*

Angels Walk, SM Mall of Asia, Jan. 18, 2009

Launching of Colors of "A" Spectrum with Autism Angel John Chua

NACW celebration at SM Mall of Asia, Jan. 18, 2009

NACW celebration at SM North EDSA, Jan. 18, 2009

Understanding Autism and Its Co-Morbidities; Maximizing Parent- Professional Partnership

Speakers from Autism Society Norway Tage Lien and Knut Eric Baalerud @ the Social Hall of DENR

On-the-spot drawing contest, Jan 23, 2009 @
the Social Hall of DENR

Posted in: celebration,nacw

ASP Cebu’s Autism Consciousness Week Line-Up

From January 9-15, 2010, ASP Cebu Chapter starts the year with the following line-up of activities for the 14th Autism Consciousness Week slated at SM City Cebu.

For more details on the activities of Cebu, please click here for the article of Phil. Star

Saturday, 9 January 2010
9:45-10:30 AM PRESS Con @ SM City Cebu Entertainment Area
10:00-12:00 AM Launching of 14th Autism Consciousness Week
SM City Cebu Entertainment Area (near Food Court)
By: Special Schools with CWA
Note: 10 minutes Sinulog Group Presentation or Talent show

Sunday, 10 January 2010
10:00-11:00 AM Autism Walk of SM City Cebu with special Schools
Note: Schools should prepare school banners.
11:00-11:30 Opening/ Ribbon Cutting of Colors of “A” Spectrum” SM City Cebu
By: Cebu Digital Photographers/ Image Camera Club
11:30-11:45 Opening/ Ribbon Cutting for “ CWA Art Exhibit” SM City Cebu
By: Special Schools

Monday, 11 January 2010
4:00-6:00 PM Fashion Show by ORA and PWA
SM City Cebu Entertainment Area
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
10:00-12nn Autism Hour
SM City Cebu Mall Tenants
CWA accompanied by an adult

Wednesday, 13 January 2010
1:00-4:00 PM Autism Chat by Doctors and Therapist SM City Cebu Conference Hall ABC
Inviting : Teachers, Parents, Medical Affiliates, Students, SPED/OT/PT/Schools to attend

Thursday, 14 January 2010
8:30-9:30 PM Orientation on Autism with SM Staff, Guards, and Merchants
By: ASP Cebu Chapter VP- Heide Fajardo
SM City Cebu

Friday, 15 January 2010
10:00-1:00 PM Chidren’s Party (CWA) @ SM
SM Story Land – Entertainment Area
By: CWA and Parents

For more information on ASP Cebu and their activities contact ASP Cebu Chapter President Ms. Sandra Espina. Contact details: 0917-320-7425. Email: slespina@globelines.com.ph

Posted in: nacw

06 January 2010

ASP Cebu launches the 2nd Colors of A Spectrum Project

ASP Cebu Chapter and the Digital Camera Club of Cebu converged for the 2nd Colors of A Spectrum Photography Workshop on December 20, 2009 @ SUGBU Complex, South Reclamation Project.

participants of the Colors of A Spectrum with Jollibee mascot

Our PWA Photographer with his guardian

Certified Autism Angel John Chua, a professional advertising photographer is the visionary of The Colors of A Spectrum Project. Since the pilot project started during the summer of 2008 in Manila, Colors has traveled to different ASP Chapters around the country.

Cebu Colors formally opened with two of the participants from REACH Center. The crowd was led to prayer followed by a short message from the ASP Cebu Chapter President, Ms. Sandra Corazon L. Espina. Mr. Paul Gotiong representative from the Cebu Digital Camera Club, photo enthusiasts, and students from REACH Center Foundation, Prime Foundation, ILLC, M-ZED and Zapatera Special Education Center also participated.

Our Advocate Photographer mentoring the PWA

The initial project had professional photographers coaching children with autism in capturing pictures. This activity gave them a chance to understand the CWA as well as have special bonding moments with them. But this time, the kids took over the photography. Together, they explored nature and took snapshots of things or activities. The day ended with the kids being treated to lunch. The kids had a wonderful time dancing with the Jollibee mascot.

The following day, December 21, families and their children with autism from different school flocked to SM City Entertainment Plaza for a jolly Christmas Celebration.

The New Life Sounds Choir graced the event by singing the Invocation and the National Anthem while Eli, the Elephant and Alex the Lion entertained the children after 3 presentations.

ASP Cebu Chapter President, Sandra, briefly gave a report of the chapter activities lined up for coming year and children from PRIME Foundation, ILLC, Zapatera Special Education Center, M-ZED and REACH CENTER Mandaue and REACH CENTER Main performed song and dance numbers.

People in the audience who knew nothing or little about autism became aware of their plight as they allowed the performers to meet and greet the audience. The children gave their best as they sang and danced their hearts out, making the parents and teachers proud.

The presentation ended with a short message from the ASP Cebu Chapter-PRO, Ms. Babylin Roa. A parents’ meeting followed wherein officers recruited volunteers to form committees for the up-coming events for the Autism Consciousness Week on January 9-15, 2010.

For more information on ASP Cebu and their activities contact ASP Cebu Chapter President Ms. Sandra Espina. Contact details: 0917-320-7425. Email: slespina@globelines.com.ph

Posted in: 4pwas,colors

The UPS and Downs of a Fruitful Life

By: David Michael Lopez

2009 was an exciting and fun-filled year for me at the Autism Resource Center. The ARC is located at Intan Street in Santa Fe Subdivision across Barangay Batong Malake in Los Baños, Laguna province.

My journey started at the Autism Resource Center or ARC on March 17, 2008. I attended a pre-membership seminar, which aimed to spread awareness of people regarding the principles of cooperatives.

After which, I did a series of activities with Michael Cansanay, another PWA. We took turns in typing documents dealing on different autism-related issues. The book took almost 3 months to finish. It centered on the social skills, common symptoms, and frequent intervention to children and adults who were diagnosed with autism since early childhood.

Later that year, I learned how to make Christmas Décor and spent the remaining 1-½ months in making beaded angels, bracelets and merchandise storage boxes. I also learned how to process different meat products. All were distributed to customers.

On June 1, 2009, I hosted the turn-over ceremonies of “A sustainable Work-Live-Play Program for Young Adults with Autism,” which was held on ARC. UPS or United Parcel Service gave ASP Laguna Chapter a US$40,000 grant for this program.

Under the “Work” program, I went through a skills training program at ARC, with Ms. Marivic Ramos and Ms. Riza Cansanay as my trainers and Ms. Cathy Lopez as my job coach. They gave me assignments in preparation for work from Mondays to Thursdays. My work ranged from typing of documents to sorting copies of books, receiving phone calls, and photocopying of documents, among others.

At the Center, I learned to obey my superiors. I concentrate on my work by following instructions, do step-by-step procedures and cooperate with my peers.

By mid-October, I went through apprenticeship programs on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I was given allowances at the end of the week for doing well in my work.

Under the “Live” program, I did household chores ranging from washing of dishes to cleaning of surroundings, sweeping of floors, and arranging of beddings. And I learned to become obedient at home by following my parents’ advices.

Instead of taking part in Friday activities, I attended gym classes at Ma Gym Fitness Center located near Agapita Center in Barangay Batong Malake, Los Baños in Laguna province. I first attended aerobics classes there back in the summer of 2001 during my high school days.

And under the “Play” program, Sir Paolo Aquino served as my personal trainer for four months. He gave me exercise activities and introduced to me equipments consisting of machines, weights, and dumbbells. I met friends such as Kuya Alex Bagalanon and Kuya Erick Mauleon during my regular meetings.

My experience as an apprentice at the ASP Laguna Chapter – Autism Resource Center does not end here. Sometimes, I have to work overtime to meet the deadlines and perform necessary working assignments.

But a little help goes a long way, as the saying goes. As I enter the New Year 2010, I will face more challenges and shoulder more responsibilities. I want to become successful in the world of work someday, become more independent and responsible, have more friends and lead a better life.