DSWD Sec Soliman Converges with ASP Laguna

By: Ms. Lian del Valle, Trainer ASP Laguna Chapter (ARC) ASP Laguna Chapter representatives were invited to the very fruitful and inspiring Laguna Converge Roadshow last October 20 & 21, 2010 in Bay, Laguna. The event was spearheaded by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon ”Dinky” Juliano-Soliman and was conducted by DSWD Region IV. The three-hour Roadshow was also attended by different NGO groups around the region. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon ”Dinky” Juliano-Soliman during the Laguna Convergence Roadshow The Laguna Convergence Roadshow aims are: a) to meet and interact with citizen beneficiaries of the Poverty Reduction Programs of the agency, specifically the...

Read more »

ASP’s Cebu Regional Conference spelled solidarity and success

The ASP 2nd Regional Conference on Autism proved to be a huge success, with more than 300 delegates attending. The conference was sponsored by ASP-Cebu Chapter and was held at SM City Cebu Trade Center Hall from October 23 -24, 2010. ASP-Cebu Chapter is headed by President Sandra Espina. ASP Cebu Chapter Representatives together with President Sandra Espina (seated-right) More than 300 attending delegates of ASP Cebu 2nd Regional Autism Conference at SM City Cebu Trade Hall To show solidarity with the conference, ASP National led by President Grace Adviento flew to Cebu with her entourage: VP- Peng So, Trustees Cris Estampador, Gina Bermudo and Fredes Javier. They were joined by Executive Director Ranil Sorongon. ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang...

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pros,cebu,conference

Stormy Stories of Children with Autism

(Preparing for Super Typhoons) By DANG U. KOE, ASP Chair Emeritus I was frantically texting and calling Gio’s yaya. While my youngest son and I were dry and comfortable in my mother’s QC house, the water in our Cainta home reached eight feet high during Ondoy. Gio and his other brother were trapped on our second floor, together with our household helpers. I was so nervous how Gio would react if they had to climb up our rooftop should the water reach our second floor. September 28, 2009. Tropical Storm Ondoy left the country with some 250,000 affected families. One of the hardest hit cities was the city of Marikina. Many residents were left stranded in their homes due to floods, some reaching up the second floor. For several days, there was...

Read more »

ASP Tacloban Chapter’s Seminar on "Home Activities for CWA”

By: Dr. Geraldine Abuyabor, President, ASP Tacloban Chapter Last September 25, 2010, ASP Tacloban Chapter held a seminar on “Home Activities for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.” The seminar was attended by parents, teachers, and UP college students and was held at the University of the Philippines’ Multipurpose Building, Magsaysay Blvd, Tacloban City, Leyte from 2-5 pm. ASP Tacloban Chapter President Ms. Geraldine Abuyabor during the lecture Our resource speaker, Mr. Oscar Javier, is an Occupational Therapist by profession. He graduated from Cebu Doctors College of Occupational Therapists and practiced OT for eight years in various centers in Cebu City. He also trained at the Child Can Foundation in Manila. Javier’s...

Read more »

AutiSM Marikina Partners to Harness CWA Talents

AutiSM is the coined name given to the partnership of SM Supermalls and Autism Society Philippines. The partnership started in 2004 and has led to an increase in PWD awareness and advocacy in different malls around the country. This time, ASP Marikina Valley Chapter collaborates with SM City Marikina for their activities. During the celebration of Book Month held in SM Marikina sometime last August 2010, 13-year-old Christian Ambion, a child with autism and member of ASP Marikina Valley chapter (ASP-MVC), amazed everyone with his energetic and enthusiastic reading of a story. Christian mesmerized the young audience composed of elementary school kids with his reading. Even the public school teachers and the beauteous Ms. Mitchell Martel, Mall...

Read more »

How to have a Triumphant Home Management Program

By: Thine Republica, ASP Program Assistant ASP National conducted a Seminar-Workshop on Home Management Program last September 25, 2010 at Asian Social Institute, Malate Manila. Peng So (VP), Evelyn Go (Treasurer), and Evert Malapad (Auditor) came to support the participants. ASP’s “suki” trainer, Ms. Rosalyn Marie Sorongon, gave a general orientation on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and expounded on Management of Developmental Disabilities at Home; while Ms. Apple Malapad, devoted wife of Evert (Auditor) and mom to Mae-Mae, (16) teen with autism, shared her personal experiences, stressing the importance of a HMP and giving practical tips to make it successful. Ms. Rosalyn Marie Sorongon, during the orientation on Autism Spectrum Disorders Ms....

Read more »

“Make Autism Your CSR”: A Challenge to TGTE Delegates

By: Abegail Mendoza, ASP Program Assistant ASP joined the Thomasian Global Trade Expo (TGTE) last October 15-17, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center. The 3-day exhibit is part of the preparations for the University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) Quadricentennial Celebration in 2011. ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe, was invited as special guest speaker. She expounded on the topic “Autism as a Corporate Social Responsibility.” The Thomasian Global Trade Expo (TGTE) last October 15-17, 2010  at the SMX Convention Center UST is Dang’s alma mater. She was also given The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Award for Humanitarian Service in 2009, for her competence, commitment and compassion in leading Autism Society Philippines to share hopes & build...

Read more »

Speakers’ Training on Public Speaking

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary Much sought after speaker-trainor, ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe trained a total of 15 PWD Leaders on October 1, 2010 at Asian Social Institute, Malate Manila. The Speakers’ Training for Public Speaking was part of the revitalization and expansion program of the Katipunan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI). The particular training was sponsored by KAMPI-NCR with the assistance of ASP. ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe (standing) with PWD Leaders during the Speakers’ Training for Public Speaking last October 1, 2010 The activity aimed to train PWD Leaders by equipping skills on Public Speaking to a general audience. Dang was joined by ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon and ASP volunteer Bing David. Ms....

Read more »

Training to Speak for Autism

By: Joy Ofrecia, ASP Parent Member I’ve always been a full-time mother to my first born son, Juris, who is now eleven. He was diagnosed with autism in October 2001. And because of my son’s diagnosis, I felt the need to equip myself on how to handle and manage a child with autism. ASP Laguna Chapter has been very instrumental in my journey with autism through the support group and the trainings and seminars they conduct. My engagements with the chapter helped me to become a fit mother to my child with special needs. But as time passed, a realization came to me. All the things that happened are preparations for a greater call. I took a course in Special Education and became a certified Sped Teacher. Later, I realized it is also my heart’s...

Read more »

Getting Ready to Shutdown on Nov. 1

Before you give up your social media habit for autism on November 1. Shutdown in an iphone What is Communication Shutdown? It’s a global initiative to raise funds and awareness for autism charities in over 40 countries. People around the world have been challenged to go without Facebook or Twitter, for one day, on 1 November 2010. In the month leading up to Communication Shutdown (1 October to 1 November) people can make a donation to receive a CHAPP (charity app) which signals voluntary shutdown across their networks. What is the link between communication and autism? Social communication is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism. By choosing to shutdown their social networks for one day, users will have some idea of what...

Read more »

4.5 Billion Social Media Users Challenged to Shutdown Networks

Today more than 40 autism charities and a team of celebrities worldwide are joining forces to launch a global campaign challenging the world’s 4.5 billion *social media users to shutdown their networks just for one day. The Communication Shutdown campaign encourages Facebook and Twitter users to make a donation and receive a charity app or (CHAPP) that will signal their support and intention to boycott their accounts on 1 November. Social communication is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism and by volunteering to shutdown the world will have some idea of what this is like. For a $5 donation, the CHAPP will connect with the user’s Facebook and Twitter accounts by placing a shutdown icon over their profile picture. From...

Read more »

ASP Tacloban Chapter Activity

WHAT: "Speech Therapy Evaluation of Children with Speech Delays" by Teacher Kate Reyes, Speech Pathologist from Manila WHEN: October 18 and 19, 2010 from 9AM to 5PM WHERE: Tacloban Center for Autism (TCADD), Brgy. Burayan San Jose Tacloban City WHO: Parents and Professionals. For Scheduling and inquiries, pls. txt or call to Ms. Ge Abuyador at 0917-306-3530 or 0994-946-5...

Read more »

FREE Screening of Alyana in Naga City

Digital poster of Alyana Help Learning Center, headed by Dr. Fe Delos Reyes, with the support of City Government of Naga and Municipality of Libmanan, will have a free back to back showing of Mirana Medina’s document films ALYANA - a study of Autism in the Philippines and SILENT ODYSSEY - a journey into the Deaf world. October 14 – Libmanan, Camarines Sur 10:00 a.m. – Silent Odyssey 1:00 p.m. – Alyana October 15 – Naga City Youth Center 9:00 a.m. – Silent Odyssey 1:00 p.m. – Alyana Help Learning Center also invites you for a free Seminar on Structured Teaching and How to Raise a Child with Autism by ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe on October 14, 9am-5pm. Fondly known as Mama Dang, she has been an indefatigable autism advocate. She served...

Read more »

PNoy’s 100 Days Signals Freedom of Speech & Focus on Education

ASP Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon joined 15 PWDs from the Katipunan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), to attend President Aquino’s 100 Days Address at La Consolacion College, Manila last October 7. ASP Executive Director, Ranilo Sorongon (right) with other PWDs from KAMPI The address “Report Kay Boss” (Report to the Boss), is the tag line chosen from PNoy’s Inaugural Address last July, “Kayo ang Boss Ko” (You are the Boss). The President’s accomplishment report focused on the administration’s success in bringing back the trust and confidence of the Filipino people, the business sector and the foreign investors in the government. One of the highlights of the report is his “Matuwid na Daan” slogan, which signified his political...

Read more »

No Child Left Behind…Including Those with Autism

Education for all, no child is left behind…this includes children with autism and other special needs,” said Ranil Sorongon. Ranil is the ASP executive director and chairman of the Education Committee of the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s Persons with Disability Sector (NA PC-PWD). UNESCO ’s Education for All (EFA) aims to meet the learning needs of all children, youth and adults by 2015. This includes expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Angel Talker Lei-lani David contributes this report from the Chapter Leaders Conference of ASP held last August. Lei-lani, or Bing, was ASP’s project coordinator for Early Detection and Intervention Program...

Read more »

State of the Art Facility for Children with Special Needs

ASP National Office, represented by Chair Emeritus Dang Koe, and Executive Director, Ranil Sorongon, was invited by the Rotary Club of Makati, last September 17, 2010, for a consultation of a planned “State-of-the-Art, One-Stop-Shop” Facility for children with special needs. Visiting together were Mr. Tony Pasia and Ms. Adette de la Paz of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), Mr. Raul Manaligod of AD/HD Society of the Philippines (ADHDSP). (from right) Ms. Adette Dela Paz and Mr. Tony Pasia of DSAPI, Mr. Raul Manaligod  of ADHD, Ms. Dang Koe of ASP (center), Mr. Dayal Nandwani  and Mr. Mundy Gonzalez of Rotary Club Makati (left) Rotary Club of Makati is one of the many organizations responding to the call of...

Read more »

ASP- Dipolog City Chapter Seminar Workshop

ASP Dipolog logo WHAT: "Free ABA Seminar - Workshop" By David Eisenhart, MA, PCV 267. WHEN: October 18-22, 2010 - non-verbal ( GPRehab Dumaguete City) October 25-29, 2010 - verbal (GPRehab Dumaguete City) November 20, 2010 (ASP Dumaguete City Chapter) - Seminar and Induction of Officers. November 21, 2010 (ASP Dipolog City Chapter) - Seminar and Induction of Officers. For more information, kindly contact our ASP- Dipolog City Chapter President Ma. Lizetta A. Manago at 0908-527-2646 or email her at lizettamanago@yahoo.com **...

Read more »

Sleepless in Autism

By: Pinky Cuaycong It is one of the most beautiful things in the world, the sight of a child sleeping the sleep of innocents. In those few hours when the conscious mind voluntarily surrenders to rest, the whole world stops for the child and lets him be who he is. Young, carefree, untroubled, unburdened. Sleep lets him put his guard down. It removes his defenses from the world around him. And on those few hours of dormancy, he is simply a child. Sleep is the universe where there is no autism; it does not exist. Yet, for many children with autism, sleep is often the one thing they miss out on the most. Our family was lucky for many years. For all of Alphonse’s aggression and self-injurious behaviors, we could always count on him to fall asleep...

Read more »

Bataan “Rocks” for Autism

Soon-to-be ASP Bataan Chapter conducted an Autism Awareness Program at Balanga Elementary School. Special guests included Sparkle Band and ASP Dream Girls and Guest Speaker Mr. Rommel E. Arellano, Guidance Counselor in Limay Polytechnic College, Bataan. The activity was conducted last July 31, 2010 as part of the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week. The SPED Awareness Program aimed to open the minds and hearts of the people in the province to children with different disabilities. “Bataan is not ready to embrace children with autism. Many people laugh at their condition, tease or even hit them.” Program organizer, Teacher Randy Tallorin, who is also a Special Education Teacher and Occupational Therapist,...

Read more »

October 10 ASP Marikina Valley Chapter "This Kid Has Talent!"

ASP Marikina Valley Chapter will have an activity on Sunday, October 10 Sunday, entitled: "This Kid has Talent!". It will explore talents of CWAs as well as regular kids in art, music, language and movement. There will be 4 stations representing each of these areas, with separate activities. All kids will go through each station and the kids who complete the 4 stations get a prize. At the end of the activity, there will be a program showcasing the talents of selected kids. This activity will be held at 2:00 pm in the SM Marikina Event Center. Admission is free. It is open to kids from age 4-17. For details, please contact Mr. Alex Cabason 0939-466-8...

Read more »

October 16 Seminar - Workshop

Caring for the Caregivers (Equipping the caregivers with proper knowledge, skills and attitude in managing autism) 9:00am - 4:00pm This seminar-workshop is designed for caregivers (yayas, yayos and house parents of institutions caring for children with autism). It will discuss the proper caring for children with autism (CWA), 24/7 can be a roller coaster ride of emotion and often, it leaves the caregivers exhausted and drained in all aspect of their lives. As a result, they have high levels of stress and get easily burned out which lead to the caregivers’ irritability, impatient, lack of self confidence and commitment in constantly nurturing a CWA. To help our caregivers accept and embrace their crucial role in the life of a CWA, proper training...

Read more »

ASP Family Support Group for October 2010

Tell your hopes and Dreams to us and we will listen This October, don’t miss the chance to meet Ms. Christine C. Roa, author of Federic’s Flight (one of only two local books authored by mothers published on autism) as she facilitates this month’s FSG. Mom Chrissy is a communication and education specialist, part owner of South Kids International School, and Program Consultant of Brighter Beginnings Daycare Center in Unilever, Phils. She served as ASP’s Vice President (2005 to 2007) and continues to contribute to the success of some of ASP’s major programs and events. “After Grade School, High School. After High School, College. After College, work. After work, eat chicken,” says her son Federic Christian. Fedi, now 15 years old is an 4th...

Read more »

October 10 ASP Naga Chapter Photo Workshop

WHAT: ASP Naga Chapter Photo Workshop WHEN: October 10, 2010 WHERE: Penafrancia Resort, Carolina, Naga City Output of this workshop will be exhibit at SM City Naga from October 18 - 22. Same day, ASP Naga Chapter will give Talk for Autism - Learning experience for PWD Kids and Fun Day with Jollibee Mascot Contact: Ms. Nina Sibulo (President) 0939-465-3...

Read more »

October 9 ASP Batangas Chapter Seminar "What’s Life After School?"

Ms. Rizalinda Cansanay WHAT: Seminar on "What's life after school? Live, Learn and Play Program for young adult with Autism" WHERE: Teacher Conference Center, P. Herrera St Batangas City WHEN: October 9 Saturday 1PM - 5PM Speaker: Ms. Riza Cansanay CONTACT: Ms. Raceli de Castro 0908-874-1...

Read more »