Discover God’s Purpose for Special Children

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

“Do you wonder why God gave you a child with special needs?” “Do you ask God why He chose you to be his or her parent?”

Autism Society Philippines accepted an invitation to a Special Parenting Seminar last September 24, 2011 at Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF), Mandaluyong City. The event had an unexpected turn-out of more than 180 people, which prompted organizers to book another room aptly called “Over-Flow Room”, to accommodate guests.

Participants of the Special Parenting Seminar last September 24, 2011 at Christ
Commission Fellowship (CCF), Mandaluyong City

The main speaker of the event is Malu Tiongson-Ortiz, author of Embracing God’s Purpose for My Special Child and currently serves as the Vice President of Down Syndrome Association Philippines (DSAPI). Last July 2010, Malu had a tandem seminar with Francis Kong, for ASP Diliman Chapter.

The speaker Ms. Malu Tiongson-Ortiz

An overwhelming show of support came from the CCF family: Pastor Martin Sanders and his wife Beth, church volunteers, and friends. Parenting journeys also filled the morning through young parents of DS kids, Wisdom and Betty Sy, Rene and Aisa Villacorta, and Elizabeth Sia. Representing families dealing with autism, Boy Valenzuela also shared his personal testimony.

An adjacent room was made available by CCF for children to stay and play, with volunteer carers assisting to their needs. Free flowing coffee and biscuits filled the hungry, and take home goodie bags filled with snacks, art and reading materials were also distributed for free.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11.

Malu said she gave up her promising career and began to work on educating Clarisse, her daughter with Down Syndrome, who is profoundly deaf and communicates through signs. While trying to teach Clarisse the ABC’s and 123s, Malu said she learned the real meaning of unconditional love.

Participants were also treated to Clarisse’s one woman exhibit, as her Picasso-like paintings (cubism) were displayed in the gallery Malu attributes the paintings to their mother-daughter bonding moments. She reminded parents to spend quality time with their kids. Children spell love as T-I-M-E, she said.

As most of the registered parents had children with autism, our gracious hosts also prepared an information booth area for ASP to assist on the inquiries on autism, ASP programs and services. Adjacent were the DSAPI booth and another from OMF, which also sold some Christian parenting books.

Autism information booth

To aid parents in seeking services for children with special needs, a copy of the ASP Directory of Resources, was given to CCF in its Special Needs Ministry courtesy of Malu.

ASP looks forward to collaboration with churches and other parent support organizations in the near future. Our special thanks to Malu Tiongson Ortiz, Evangeline Ong, (ASP member) CCF friends and 702 DZAS. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com for a similar activity in your church.

For additional information on how to help families of children with autism integrate in the church community, click here.