The Miller Method: A Different Approach

Dr. Lucille Montes with Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo and Dr. Stephen Shore

The Miller Method has a cognitive-developmental approach and incorporates developing capacity for using language. It uses the child’s behavioral repertoire and transforms these, even if they don’t seem to serve any purpose, into something functional, instead of extinguishing them. The child’s organized “‘chunks’ of behavior, perception or thought” are called “systems” and the key to this method is understanding how systems work. What I like best about this method is that it does not stop at the child’s rote compliance that gives the appearance of meaningful functioning but rather aims to see evidence from the child of real understanding.

Those who have been working with individuals in the autism spectrum know that there is no “one size that fits all” in terms of intervention. I am fortunate to have come across the Miller Method introduced to me by my Filipina friend Denese Dumol, who is based in Canada and herself is mother to JB who has ASD and is now an adult. Denese has an M.A. in Special Education and has over 30 years of experience as clinician, educator, and consultant in Toronto on developmental disabilities. She studied the Miller Method® under its proponent Dr. Arnold Miller himself in the U.S.A. After reading Dr. Miller’s book that Denese lent me, I was convinced this is my method of choice in giving interventions to my clients before trying anything else. I therefore decided to study it myself in Dr. Miller’s Language and Cognitive Development Center. Sadly, Dr. Miller passed away last year. His son, Ethan, nevertheless, proceeded with organizing a training workshop conducted by Dr. Miller’s very expert therapists who personally trained under him for many years.

This article is a contribution of Dr. Lucille Montes: Lucille A. Montes is a certified family physician and a registered psychologist. Her clinic, Familiaris Counselling Center, is in south Metro Manila. She also teaches graduate subjects in De La Salle University-Manila.

**********

Learn about more interesting modalities of therapy at the 2013 Philippine National Autism Conference on 26-27 October 2013 at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall. Themed “Hope for ‘A’ Nation,” the confab will tackle issues and experiences relevant to an autism community that is striving for acceptance and inclusion in Philippine mainstream society.

The event is designed to provide information on developments relevant to allied medical professionals, social servants and community workers who work with autism. Most importantly, the event was created for the growing community of parents, family members and individuals on the autism spectrum who are seeking answers, quality support and fellowship. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/philnac2013.

Read more »

Posted in: best

2013 Philippine National Autism Conference

Hope for Autism. Hope for "A" Nation. This is the message of 2013 Philippine National Autism Conference. Join us on 26-27 October 2013 at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall. Register today -- http://bit.ly/philnac2013-regn.

Globaltronics, a leader in digital marketing solutions, has partnered with ASP for our conference. This 15-sec ad will be seen in major digital billboards all over Metro Manila.

Read more »

Posted in: nac

Ban Ki-Moon on Inclusive Development

Disability comes in many forms -- some outward, some unseen. The United Nations is one with organizations like the Autism Society Philippines in rallying behind the belief that “disability is not inability.” There is hope.

Our 13th Philippine National Autism Conference, entitled "Hope for 'A' Nation" looks beyond individual needs for therapy and intervention and braves questions on the integration and acceptance of individuals with autism in Philippine society — in education, law, media, employment, and other societal institutions.

UN Sec. Gen. Ban Ki Moon

The following message of at the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at the UN High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on 23 September 2013 runs parallel to ASP’s aspirations for genuine, inclusive national development.

------------------------------

This is the most important period of the year at the United Nations.

Leaders from around the globe are gathering to focus on peace and security, development and human rights. I believe there is no better way to begin this momentous week than with this historic High-level Meeting.

I want to extend my warmest welcome to all of you -- especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations. Thank you for bringing your strength and energy. Together, we are here to break barriers and open doors. We are here to forge the way forward and build a disability-inclusive development agenda towards 2015 and beyond.

Disability is part of the human condition; almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point in life. More than 1 billion persons live with some form of disability. Eighty per cent are of working age; 80 per cent live in developing countries. Yet far too many people with disabilities live in poverty.

Too many suffer from social exclusion. Too many are denied access to education, employment, health care, and social and legal support systems. Women and girls with disabilities often experience double discrimination – and so we must emphasize the gender dimensions of a disability-inclusive development agenda. All of us suffer when communities are divided; just as all of us benefit when communities are united.

The International Labour Organization found that excluding persons with disabilities from the labour market in some low- and middle-income countries costs economies as much as 7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product. We must remove barriers to equality of opportunity so that all people can be free from poverty and discrimination.

Let us proclaim in the loudest voice possible: Disability is not inability.

As I said in my report A Life of Dignity for All, persons with disabilities are integral to our forward march towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals and shaping the post-2015 agenda. The landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a powerful tool for inclusive development.

I urge all countries to ratify it without delay. I know you agree with me and Stevie Wonder -- we need it signed, sealed and delivered!

And we need more. We must further strengthen the international normative framework on
disability and development. We must build capacity and improve data and statistics on persons with disabilities. We must act now to remove barriers to access to physical environments, transportation and information and communications. And we must not only lift the physical barriers – but also the barriers in attitudes that fuel stigma and discrimination.

You are here to do more than change laws or policies or regulations. Ultimately, you are here to make sure every member of the human family has a chance to live their lives fully.

I think of the director of a programme for special needs children in Haiti who said “you should see the children’s faces when they put on their uniforms—money couldn’t buy the feeling of happiness.”

I think of the young football players I met in Sierra Leone a few years ago. Their limbs had been amputated during the war. And yet, there they were, playing soccer. To my eyes, they were even better than the World Cup soccer players.

I think of the Syrian mother in a refugee camp who finally received a wheelchair for her daughter with disabilities. She said “Now we can take her to see the doctor…now we can take her out. She has a right to see the sun.”

Everyone has the right to happiness… to score their own goals… to see the sun… and expand their horizons.

That is why you are here. That is your message and mission. I am proud to be at your side.
Together, let us turn a new page in the history of the United Nations by giving full meaning to the outcome document of this meeting. Let us work together so everyone, everywhere has the chance to live their dreams and use the gifts that they have been given. Let us advance disability-inclusive development, inspire change on the ground and ensure a life of dignity for all.

I thank you.

Ban Ki-moon is the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. His priorities have been to mobilize world leaders around a set of new global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and increasing pressures involving food, energy and water. He has sought to be a bridge-builder, to give voice to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and to strengthen the Organization itself.

Read more »

Posted in: international,nac

Autism and the Law

By Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus

President Aquino ratified into law RA 10627 or the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013” this month — a celebrated milestone for many children and parents with autism and other disabilities. Beyond what this law addresses is the improvement of the learning environment for our children. We welcome the emerging culture of awareness, inclusion and acceptance in the most basic of our society’s institutions. This month, the Autism Society Philippines was also honored with an invitation to consult with the Senate Committee on Education, Culture and Sports on eight bills currently in the Senate. This move is a reinforcement of special education in the country — a welcome development in our journey as an advocacy group.

With Senator Sonny Angara
and Team ASP

ASP National Secretary Mona Magno-Veluz, a regular Angels Talk contributor, collaborated with Fortunato Agbayani to bring you this week’s article. Nato is the Chapter president of ASP Project 3 Quezon City and is an active officer of the Quezon City PWD Federation. Our writers looked at the needs of our community and how lawmakers can create laws that will spark societal change. These changes will hopefully matter most in the lives of families affected by physical and developmental disabilities.

For many years, the Philippine disability sector has developed a strong advocacy community that has played a pivotal role in the passage of laws and policies that have made an impact in the lives of PWDs. One glaring area of improvement is the inclusion of the priorities of not just those with physical or mental difficulties, but also those with developmental disabilities that manifest as behavioral, communication and cognitive deficits.

Throughout its 25-year existence, the Autism Society Philippines has attuned its efforts to the concerns of the passionate parents, family members, physicians, educators and allied medical professionals who advocate for the welfare of individuals with autism. Taking our experience with international disability groups, ASP has been an active proponent of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which articulates basic principles of equality.

Below are fundamental needs of the autism community that we hope our leaders can consider in engineering laws and policies that will truly be inclusive.

Mandatory developmental screening. A law that requires early childhood developmental assessment will provide the government the necessary statistical data on children with developmental challenges. Our hope is that this can be institutionalized in the same manner as newborn screening for physical and genetic disorders. Beyond screening, children on the spectrum may need specialist intervention, which may not be urgent enough to be life-threatening, but may spell the difference between being a functional member of the community or a burden to it.

Comprehensive needs assessment. Information from the mandatory screening and from the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Offices (PDAO) of PWD registration (for adults) can be a powerful tool for government to outline social maps of the disabled populations — the numbers, their locations, profiles and status. This, in turn, becomes a compass to understand how our leaders can provide the government resources necessary to meet the needs of this marginalized sector. This statistical basis is necessary to track the growth of autism, which US-based advocates have already labeled to be a global epidemic.

Inclusive education. We enjoin our public education sector to open its doors to techniques and principles long espoused by non-traditional schools. Individualized teaching, capability-based placement (as opposed to one based on chronological age) and hybrid programs for adult learners are a few of the developments our community longs to see in the Philippine public education system.

Public servants with special skills. Our public schools require more occupational, speech and behavior modification therapists to meet the needs of children on the spectrum. We need more public hospitals with developmental specialists and physicians. We need transition specialists to develop programs that can help usher in adolescents on the spectrum to either higher education or vocational training or the workplace. It is important for the DOH, DepEd, CHEd and TESDA to co-develop programs that will address the needs of a growing population of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Community-based rehabilitation. Because of their unique deficits, children with autism require individualized education plans, support in community living, continuous and regular therapy and vocational training. Government-backed programs, coupled with designated public facilities, that can help parents, barangay volunteers and the private sector to supplement the efforts of the SPED educators, will be valuable to enriching the lives of special learners.

Comprehensive sensitivity training for schools and workplaces. There is a need to inculcate programs on disability sensitivity in the bureaucracy for disability sensitivity through government-supported train-the-trainor programs. While gender-sensitivity has been fully integrated in many LGUs and even the private sector, consciousness of the many physical and developmental disabilities remains almost unheard of in many schools and workplaces, hence the prevalence of jokes and derogatory references to PWAs and PWDs.

Creative mechanisms for funding. The parents of the individuals on the spectrum would welcome reforms that will help them fund the interventions for their children. One hundred percent tax-deductibility of intervention expenses of parents for their children with disabilities, Philhealth-supported therapy, interventions included in HMO coverage are only some of the creative solutions our sector would like our leaders to champion.

DIWA Party List Representative and autism sibling Emmeline Aglipay, will speak on “Autism and the Law” at the 13th Philippine National Autism Conference on October 26 and 27. Themed “Hope for ‘A’ Nation,” the confab will tackle issues and experiences relevant to an autism community that is striving for acceptance and inclusion in Philippine mainstream society.

The event is designed to provide information on developments relevant to allied medical professionals, social servants and community workers who work with autism. Most importantly, the event was created for the growing community of parents, family members and individuals on the autism spectrum who are seeking answers, quality support and fellowship. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/philnac2013.a

This article appeared on 23 September 2013 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk" under the by-line of Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

Read more »

Posted in: angels-talk,government

Will you consider stem cell therapy for your child with autism?

By Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus

There is no doubt that parents of persons with autism will exhaust all possible means to look for ways to improve the lives of their children. Some will even look for the “cure” at all costs literally, especially if they can afford it.

The buzz word for possible autism cure these last few years is stem cell therapy, a medical intervention that involves extracting the body’s repair cells and injecting them back to the body to replace old cells. The controversies about this therapy as autism “cure” include its high cost.

Angels Talk recently asked parent members of Autism Society Philippines the following question: If money was not an issue, will you consider stem cell therapy for your child with autism? Some were willing to take the chance while others were either cautious of trying “cures” that still need to be validated, or consider their children’s autism as a gift. Here are some of their sentiments.

“Yes, I would. Whatever will help my nine-year old Sean, I will take the chance. I accept Sean and his condition but not everyone is accepting of autism. If stem cell therapy will give Sean a chance to enjoy life like an average kid, then I will pursue this.” — JASMINE NADJA PINUGU, a parent who represents the views of 22 other respondents.

Medina Olivia and Lorenzo

“Not at this time but I am open to the possibility. I attended Dr. Samuel Bernal’s talk on this topic at Medical City early this year and even this expert is not making claims that stem cell can “cure” autism. They are still doing further studies. I have also not heard about the results on the six children who’ve undergone the test for it. The procedure is quite scary and there will surely be side effects. Until such time that the procedure becomes less invasive, I will not agree to have this procedure done to my child. I appreciate though the efforts of all the people trying to find solution to improve the lives of our children. I pray that God may guide them well.” — OLIVE MEDINA

“No. I would not subject my child to a treatment that has questionable therapeutic claims and safety issues. What we read in the news now are anecdotal reports from celebrity parents that include endorsement of a certain clinic or doctor. Our son Jorel, is doing well trying to adapt in the “normal” world. We would rather spend the money for his job or independent living training later on.” — MENCHIE ALEGRE

“NO! I love him for what he is and he was born unique. Autism is not an illness; all special children need love, support and understanding from family, friends and especially our society. Special children are God’s gift to society, to help us be humble, happy and content of what we have.” — BERNADETTE TABARES

“No, I have two autistic sons and I have learned to respect their condition as God allowed it. I asked God for wisdom in rearing them and I enjoy their company. They showered me with so much attention and love. After 20 years of searching for solution for my two boys to act normal and be able to conform to the norms of society, I have witnessed that each one of us also have abnormalities. Being with them at all given time is the best treatment. Integrating them in all house activities boost their self-esteem.”— LOURY JACOB

“Autism is not the problem. Only acceptance can "cure" autism.” — WHENG DOLLENTE

“What is the point of compelling your child to be someone he is not?” — GERARD ATIENZA

“I am happy for what I am. I am proud to be an autism angel.“ — ANDREI MORALES

No, stem cell therapy may give good results but the procedure of subjecting the child to several (about six times) general or even local anesthesia may post long-term negative effect on my child’s brain and memory retention.” — MARY ANN LAUREANO

Asinas Claudine

“I will consider it if there has been extensive scientific research on stem cell therapy and its effectiveness on autism like peer reviewed scholarly work and a considerable sample size for accurate conclusion. Since each child with autism is unique, responses to this kind of therapy will definitely be varied. That’s why it’s important that the research be extensive before it can be touted as a “cure.” However, as of now, there are no researches yet that have reached this level. I do not want my son to be used in an experiment that has not really looked into its possible side effects in the future.” — CLAUDINE ASINAS

Dr Antonio Dans, an epidemiologist and the president of the Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine will discuss “The Truth About Stem Cell Therapy and Autism” at the 13th Philippine National Autism Conference on October 26 and 27. Themed “Hope for ‘A’ Nation,” the confab will tackle issues and experiences relevant to an autism community that is striving for acceptance and inclusion in Philippine mainstream society.

The event is designed to provide information on developments relevant to allied medical professionals, social servants and community workers who work with autism. Most importantly, the event was created for the growing community of parents, family members and individuals on the autism spectrum who are seeking answers, quality support and fellowship. For more details, visit http://philnac2013.wordpress.com/

This article appeared on 9 September 2013 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk" under the by-line of Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

Read more »

Posted in: angels-talk

ASP Family Support Group for September 2013

ASPs monthly family support group sessions bring together parents, siblings and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism. Participants share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others going through the same challenges. We welcome members and non-members to this intimate gathering.

Ms. Janette Peña with son Muneer

Our facilitator for the September 21, Family Support Group session is Mary Janette I. Peña, the current President of ASP National. She was the former President of ASP Bacoor, Cavite chapter and is fondly called the “Gobernadora of ASP Cavite Chapter.” Jan is one of the movers behind the meteoric rise in the numbers of ASP chapters nationwide. Her exemplary efforts have gathered hundreds of members from Cavite alone. Tita Jan and Al, her supportive husband and overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East, are doting parents to her three children, Thea, Muneer (an adolescent with autism) and Milli.

Date: September 21, 2013, Saturday

Time: 1:00-5:00PM

Venue: ASP Office, Room 307, ML Bldg, # 47 Kamias Road, Quezon City

Sign up online for the Family Support Group or call 7-903-5496. Only 15 seats are available.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,fsg

A Seminar on "Addressing Medical and Parental Concerns of CWA’s"

Autism Society Philippines, in partnership esteemed members of the medical community, is inviting ASP members in good standing to this FREE seminar EXCLUSIVELY for parents (no professionals or educators please) on 15 September 2013, Sunday from 8:00am to 12:00nn at the Conference Room of the Perpetual Succor Hospital, 836 Cayco St. Sampaloc, Manila. (If you are coming from Quiapo go down in front of UST España, Cayco is the street right after the overpass. If coming from Welcome Rotonda go down in front of UST and cross to other side to get to Cayco.)

Physicians from various fields of specialty will discuss family concerns relevant to parents of children on the spectrum:

“Working with Families of Children with Autism” by Dr. Maria Isabel Quilendrino (Developmental Pediatrician). Dr. Quilendrino is a fellow of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She took up her residency in Pediatrics and fellowship training for Developmental Pediatrics at UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and is currently practicing in the UP Medical Center (FMAB), Perpetual Succor Hospital and soon in Diliman Doctors Hospital.

“Epilepsy in Autism” by Dr. Jacqueline Vea (Neurologist and Epileptologist). Dr. Vea took up her residency in Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and took up fellowship in adult neurology, EEG, video EEG and epilepsy at UP - PGH.

“Allergies and Autism” by Dr. Mary Anne Castor (Pedia Allergologist and Immunologist) is a fellow of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and an Associate Professor in Section of Allergy and Immunology at Department of Pediatrics, UP - PGH. Dr. Castor served as Chair, Research and Publications Committee and Head of Food Allergy Council in Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She is also a group leader Bible Study Fellowship International, Manila - Alabang Day Women’s Class.

“Teaching Sexuality to Children in the Autism Spectrum” by Dr. Nenacia Ranali Nirena P. Mendoza (Family Medicine). Dr. Rana is a diplomate in Family Medicine and a professor at San Beda College of Medicine and a member of Continuing Medical Education Committee at Philippine Academy of Family Physicians.

An open forum will be held after the lectures, giving parents the opportunity to ask questions specific to their children. A short self-administered survey regarding parents perceptions on autism will also be run after the seminar.

Fill out the form below to register for this free event today! For inquiries, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,seminar

ASP receives Metrobank grant

Team Metrobank and ASP Family

The Autism Society Philippines received a grant from the Metrobank Group on 05 September 2013, together with 41 other development organizations. Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) Chairman George S.K. Ty and MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña led the awarding of a total of P10 million to legitimate and credible non-government organization and foundations, during the company’s annual grants turn-over ceremony.

Grants are allocated for programs and projects that contribute to the attainment of Philippine Millennium Development Goals -- such as to eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and discover creative intelligence.

Metrobank Arts and Design Excellence Network of Outstanding Winners (MADE NOW) will lead the propagation of awareness of arts and culture and conduct of art workshop among the disadvantage groups. The Autism Society Philippines will roll out an Art Therapy workshop with MADE NOW in the last quarter of 2013.

Read more about the Metrobank Foundation grants here.

Read more »

Posted in: community,metrobank,special

We Speak Colourway

The College of St. Benilde's School of Design and Arts recently featured a collection of visual art works by established and aspiring artists with special needs. "We Speak Colourway" was inspired by Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore's "Artism" visual arts project in March 2013 and was CSB's response to the advocacy of a better understanding and appreciation of the creativity and potential of individuals with disabilities.

Arts Management students Carina Alejandrino, Ken Lim, Mark Patiag, Ed Sumakaton, Billie Tiongson, May Valderama and Bianca Yuson, in cooperation with Autism Society Philippines and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, organized the exhibit which ran from July 31 to August 9 at the 6th Floor hallway of the SDA Campus.

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe and ASP National Treasurer Evelyn Go with Mr. Robin Serrano. Chairperson, Arts Management. School of Design and Arts, DLS-CSB.

Read more »

Posted in: community,ndpr,ndprw,special

ASP hosts Pediatric Dentistry Seminar

During The Dental Home for Persons with Autism seminar

Autism Society Philippines hosted “The Dental Home for Persons with Autism" seminar last 31 August 2013 at the Lecture Room of Quezon City Hall.

Ms. Cecile Sicam, ASP Co-Founder and incumbent National Vice-President opened the event by introducing the resource speakers Dr. Manuel Vallesteros, who serves as the Executive director of the Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines, and Dr. Jasper Tago, a licensed dentist and training staff in PDCP.

Dr. Noel tackled the fundamental of dental care like the causes, prevention and treatment if we faced oral health difficulties. He mentioned the first seven effective brushing habits for children. The participants were amazed at the wealth of practical information shared, such as how to choose a right toothpaste. Dr. Jasper led the discussion on the services PDCP provides, and articulated the benefits of the newly-established ASP-PDCP partnership to the members of ASP.

The ASP-PDCP agreement stipulates:

Under Pay Scheme 1, ASP member-parents may pay only for materials used for procedures on their child/children with autism, if they are classified as indigent. Indigent patients must present a DSWD Case Study and proof of ASP membership or a referral letter from an ASP Chapter President. The child will be treated by licensed dentists under training in pediatric dentistry, supervised by an experienced consultant.

Under Pay Scheme 2, ASP member-parents are entitled to a 40 percent discount on professional fees (full charge for materials) for procedures on their child/children with autism. The child will be treated by licensed dentists under training in pediatric dentistry, supervised by an experienced consultant.

Under Pay Scheme 3, ASP member-parents may chose to be treated by a PDCP consultant or staff-on-duty. The ASP member must present a PWD card to avail of discounts to be applied to the full cost of professional services and materials.

ASP members may set an appointment with the Pediatric Dentistry Center by calling 02-740-7728, 02-711-3234 or 0917-899-7336.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,4siblings,seminar