ASP Gen. Trias Chapter 1st FSG and Election of Officers

By: Nanette Custodio, adviser, ASP Gen. Trias Chapter

ASP Gen. Trias Chapter, one of ASP’s youngest chapters, had their first Family Support Group (FSG) last May 24, 2010. The FSG was facilitated by Jan Peña, President of the ASP Bacoor Chapter. The meeting was attended by parents and guardians of children with autism, enrolled at Early Wings Behavior and Therapy Center.

Parents from Gen. Trias sharing thoughts during FSG

Jan Peña, former ASP National Trustee, also heads the ASP Cavite Chapters (composed of 6 cluster chapters- Bacoor, Carmona, Dasmariñas, Molino, Tanza, Trece Martirez, and Cavite-North) and is also known as “Gobernadora”. Jan also serves simultaneously as ASP Bacoor Chapter President and ASP National’s Membership Committee Chair.

The meeting started with the presentation of Cavite Chapters 1st Colors of A Spectrum Workshop and Exhibit. Selected members from the Chapters and their children with autism had their fieldtrip at Manila Ocean Park; Manila Zoo; Science Discovery Center and Tom’s World at SM-Mall of Asia; through the partnership of Certified Autism Angel, John Chua and photographers from Digital Photography, Phils.

Family First
The 1st FSG was truly a memorable experience. Many concerns were immediately answered by Jan who generously shared her wonderful insights and experiences in raising up Muneer, her son with autism.

The parents and guardians were then asked to share their own experiences and feelings in relation to their own special children. Most of whom we did not expect to open-up during the discussion, eagerly shared their thoughts.

Parents dealing with CWA said it was an enriching and enlightening moment for them. Knowing that someone is in a similar situation, listening and understanding these feelings created so much impact on them. The FSG was also an avenue for self discovery, openness and truthfulness to oneself.

A brief background of the organization’s programs, services, activities and projects were also discussed by Jan. And the election of officers was held afterwards. A scheduled induction of officers and formal launching of the chapter will come soon.

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ASP continues to work hard, building new chapters to address increasing needs families of children with autism. ASP Chapters need your support. Be an Angel for Autism. The time is now! Donate now and help fund ASP Programs and Services. Call us at 7-903-5496.