ASP Alfonso hosts Free Therapy Sessions

ASP Alfonso was blessed on 21 September 2014 for being able to host free therapy sessions held at Sanghiyang, Alfonso Central Elem. School, through the support of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Municipality of Alfonso.

Ms. Janette Peña, Mr. Evert Malapad and therapists with educational materials

We are very thankful to Mr. Evert Malapad, active ASP parent member and SPED practitioner. Through his kind effort, he brought in a team of occupational and speech therapists to our municipality of Alfonso. They are T. Liza Gozo (OT), T. Michelle Rafols (OT), T. Joie Brillantes (ST) and T. Julie Rimanado (ST). The team also donated educational materials to the SPED Program of Alfonso Central Elementary School, where most parents are ASP members. About 36 children with special needs from this school and the community were given assessment and recommendation services.

Mam Jan Peña of ASP National was also there for giving us support. She also donated activity books for student and teacher reference. We hope this is just a start of a journey towards ensuring quality life of all children wih special needs. Once again in behalf of all parents here in Alfonso, thank you!

About the contributor: Ms. Jeanette Vidallon is the President of ASP Alfonso; and an active mover in the growing advocacy in their community.

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Posted in: community,regional,therapy

An Open Letter from Jan

The Autism Society Philippines will be holding its elections on October 25, Saturday. This is part of a series of open letters written by the outgoing trustees for the society's membership. To the society's servant leaders, we thank you for your service!

Greetings, dear ASP Family!

Two years of service as President of ASP National is a testimony to all that bringing up a special child is not merely about caring for and promoting the life of the child whom God has assigned to me. Beyond that, a parent of a special child is called to be a mother to other kids with special needs, a minister unto fellow parents, a mentor to fellow advocates. As such I felt both the joys and the pains that came with the journeys of thousands of families with CWA’s. I also shared in the victories as well as in the challenges that faced the PWD sector. I had strived to be my natural self in all my undertakings while seeking endlessly to please the Lord in every step that I took. As I step down from this post, I feel a deep sense of joy and honor for having said ‘Yes’ to this calling two years ago. I thank God mightily for this unique opportunity to be a servant in this ministry that is so close to His heart.

Ms. Janette Peña

As a leader I saw many different scenarios of never ending aspirations, needs, wants, qualms, and grievances within the big autism community and the sector. I saw only two solutions to “all the problems” that beset us: One is that which we can execute promptly, confidently and gracefully; the other is that which only God can resolve through time, through our continued hard labor, and faith. Thus, I end my term worry-free, because having worked with people within and outside ASP who steam with heartfelt advocacy, I can see clearly that God is at work to make all our dreams come true in His own good time. We must, therefore, never tire in doing good works for persons with disabilities.

I wish ASP all the best in the years more to come. ASP is truly blessed; victory after victory is a stamp of God’s favor. May we continue to be worthy and to be deserving of the crown of life that is God’s promise to all those who labor hard for His cause.

Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Jan Peña

About the contributor: Mary Janette I. Peña is 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.

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Posted in: leaders,trustees

An Open Letter from Mona

The Autism Society Philippines will be holding its elections on October 25, Saturday. This is part of a series of open letters written by the outgoing trustees for the society's membership. To the society's servant leaders, we thank you for your service!

My Fellow Advocates,

My term serving as a trustee and National Secretary of the Autism Society Philippines ends this month. Because I keep a full-time job and have three kids, my weekends for the last two years have become a juggling act. The task a trustee faces can be daunting; but the ride has been fun and the experience rich. Through my strengths and despite my frailties, I hope I was still able to contribute positively to an organization which, for 25 years, has helped countless other families who journey with autism. I learned a lot on diplomacy and open-mindedness by listening to leaders like Dang Koe, Jan Peña, Ces Sicam, Carmel Almendrala and the ASP board -- all pillars of the advocacy in the country.

I am thankful that I got to work on migrating the ASP website and improving social media presence. I first brought the idea for the 1Pangako campaign to the table and am very glad it has snowballed into the youth-driven advocacy that it is today. I collated years of work by multiple ASP leaders into "The Primer of Autism in the Philippines." I applied for IBM Community Service Grants, which contributed US $6,000 to ASP education programs over two years. I also managed the 13th National Autism Conference which helped raise significant funds for the society and led a committee for the record-breaking Angels Walk for Autism 2013. I worked on digitizing files, improving back-end systems and introducing automation and analytics for the ASP Secretariat. I even helped re-decorate the ASP National office!

I am thankful for my Carl and celebrate him even more. I only recently learned that only 10 percent of the population of individuals on the spectrum are considered “high functioning.” This realization added a new dimension to what it means to advocate for autism acceptance and inclusion -- not just for my son; but for the other PWAs who share the spectrum with Carl.

I have become more passionate about the fact that a parent's conviction to the cause cannot be minimized because he/she does NOT have autism. We are here to advocate for our children; until that glorious day our children embrace the imperative of advocating for themselves and their fellows. The loving autism families I have had the great pleasure of serving showed me the profound ties that bind us all. Grandparents, parents, siblings are all affected, even if only one family member has autism. Autism acceptance and inclusion is, for many of us, a lifelong advocacy for the entire family.

The experience as a servant leader of ASP has enriched me, in ways words cannot describe. Salamat po, ASP!

In service,
Mona

Ms. Mona Veluz

About the contributor: Mona Magno-Veluz is the National Secretary of the Autism Society Philippines. Aside from being a practising marketing communications professional in the IT industry, Mona is a wife and a mom to three kids. Her eldest, Carl, is an adult on the spectrum working with their family business.

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Posted in: leaders,trustees

An Open Letter from Ces

The Autism Society Philippines will be holding its elections on October 25, Saturday. This is part of a series of open letters written by the outgoing trustees for the society's membership. To the society's servant leaders, we thank you for your service!

Dear Friends,

I am so proud of how ASP has grown in 25 years, thanks to the untiring efforts of its dedicated trustees, particularly its Chair Emeritus, and staff. And thanks to Mona, ASP has managed to stay relevant in the fast-paced digital world of social networking while keeping true to its intent of providing support for persons with autism and their families. I am grateful to be part of this effort and to have the chance work alongside brilliant and dedicated women from whom I continue to learn much from. I am also grateful for the opportunity ASP has given me to broaden my horizons to other Asian countries.

Ms. Cecile Sicam

As Vice-president, I was given the privilege of representing ASP at AAN events and meetings. I have learned a lot from attending conferences, meetings and visiting autism centers in other countries. Given the relative strength of ASP among its ASEAN neighbours, the representative of ASP was given the position of secretary of AAN. I just hope I was able to uphold the high regard of AAN for ASP in doing so.

As head of the Education Committee, it was my responsibility to come up with topics for monthly seminars and work with the programs committee of the National Conference for conceptualizing flow of topics. I apologize for the times I have not been as effective and efficient as I should be in doing this. Having a regular “curriculum” used to work for us since we were the first to come up with the training and seminar series focusing on autism. However, we are now competing with so many other training providers and it is more challenging to come up with new topics and resource speakers that are crowd drawers. I also feel there was a conflict of interest in my role as training officer of Bridges and as Education Committee head of ASP. Both roles required me to come up with topics for seminars and
conduct trainings as a source of funds. Inasmuch as we require Trustees to relinquish their key positions in chapters, perhaps we should also require any trustee to either relinquish other positions which may conflict with their roles in ASP or to inhibit themselves from positions which can conflict with their jobs.

Other than being instrumental in acquiring a modest $1K grant for chapter building and strengthening from ICDR, I can think of no other significant contribution I have made to ASP. I fervently hope that more fresh and committed members can continue the work that was started 25 years ago. With the growing population of ASD, the challenges for families and the community remain.

Sincerely,
Cecile Sicam

About the contributor: Cecilia Sicam is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as President from 2000 to 2004; and as its current Vice President. Inspired by her PWA son Likas, Ces has been instrumental in the founding of Professionals for Autism Foundation, Inc., Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the Philippine Association for Behavioral Analysis, and Bridges Foundation where she is currently its Directress. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara, California; and came back to serve Filipino children with special needs. Her adult son is employed full time as R & B Ice Plant.

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Posted in: leaders,trustees

Center for Children with Disabilities Inaugurated

The inauguration and blessing of Los Baños Community Center, Therapy Intervention and Support Services (LBCC-TISS) for children with disabilities and their families located at the first floor of Lorenzo Meneses Building, Villegas Street, Barangay Baybayin, Los Baños, Laguna, was held on September 17, 2014, coinciding with the 399th Foundation Day of Los Baños.

The refurbishment of old municipal offices for LBCC-TISS is a joint project of ASP Laguna Chapter and the Municipality of Los Baños, funded by the Australian Government through its Direct Aid Program administered by the Australian Embassy Manila. The project was initiated by Ms. Riza Cansanay, past president and the current adviser of ASP Laguna Chapter.

Giving award to Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez

The program started with welcome remarks from Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez. He thanked Australian Embassy Manila for supporting the project and showed appreciation to ASP Laguna Chapter for reaching out and helping people with disabilities and their families. It was followed by a short briefing of the project by Ms. Catherine Lopez, chapter president. It mentions that the center serves a place where trained parents can hone their skills in implementing therapeutic activities for their children and other children with disabilities and not just providing therapy, intervention and support services. LBCC-TISS is also a model of cooperation between an organized parent group and the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC) in providing support to families of children with disabilities in partnership with a local chapter of the Autism Society Philippines.

Ms. Georgia Lovell, Chair of the Direct Aid Program Committee of Australian Embassy Manila gave a message. In her message, she mentioned that the project is close to her heart, as she has a young relative that has autism. She also mentioned that project is in line with goals of the Philippine and Australian Governments concerning poverty alleviation and economic development.

The master of ceremony led the guests inside the building for the cutting of the ribbon and blessing, which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Larry Abayon.. The inauguration and blessing ended with a message of thanks from Los Baños Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities, Inc. (LB-APCD) President Genaro Calderon and the giving of symbolic key from Mayor Perez and Ms. Lovell, representing the Municipal Government of Los Baños and Australian Embassy Manila to ASP Laguna Chapter and LB-APCD.

The inauguration was graced by the following: Ms. Georgia Lovell, DAP Resource Officer Ms. Teodora Avila, Ms. Zoe Dutton, Mayor Caesar Perez, Vice Mayor Copie A. Alipon, Councilors Jay Rolusta, Julius Moliñawe & Jonjie Oliva , Municipal Administrator Atty. Genalyn Soriano, ASP Laguna team, members of LB-APCD, trainees and parents of Autism Resource Center and friends.

Ms. Lovell and her party, along with the ASP Laguna team, proceeded to Paciano Rizal Park, where she gave a speech during the program commemorating the town's 399th
Foundation of Los Baños and the annual Bañamos Festival.

About the author: Ian Lopez was the master of ceremonies for the inauguration. He is also a self-advocate currently taking up Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in University of the Philippines Los Baños. He creates maps to help people get to seminars and symposiums organized by ASP-Laguna Chapter.

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Posted in: best,cbr,chapters,community,government,grant,international,regional

An Open Letter from Nato

The Autism Society Philippines will be holding its elections on October 25, Saturday. This is part of a series of open letters written by the outgoing trustees for the society's membership. To the society's servant leaders, we thank you for your service!

Dear Friends,

It is with gratefulness that I am sharing this letter. Grateful, because even in our limited time and capacity we have been able to contribute to the PWD advocacy, particularly for our sub-sector for persons with autism (PWA). Secondly, I am grateful that I have met such committed men and women who have done so much not just for their own children, but for the whole sub-sector as well.

Mr. Nato Agbayani

I became a member of ASP to fight for a son. I have not done as much as I could have, but I know more mothers and fathers will come to continue the fight. I know that the task is not complete, but I believe, somehow in our own little way – we can continue fighting.

I thank the Board for understanding our needs as a family. Thank you for going on inspite of and despite of our physical limitations and concerns for livelihood. Rest assured that as we went on with our business, we continued sharing our thoughts, our feelings and our lives for the advocacy.

It is our fervent prayer that more parents and self-advocates would take up the fight and would not tire. In our private moments as a family, we will continually say a little prayer that God would inspire many more for His “angel’s” cause. All of you have given us the strength to raise our child as a member of our family and as a member of the community.

We will always be advocates, no matter where we are or what we are doing.

Sincerely yours,
Nato Agbayani

About the contributor: Fortunato R. Agbayani A proud parent of Justin an 11-year old child with autism, Nato is the President of ASP Project 3-Quezon City Chapter and an officer of the QC-PWD Federation. He is a 2006 World Bank Panibagong Paraan Awardee & a perennial advocate of many causes from autism advocacy, compassionate economy, social enterprise, rural development, food security & self-sufficiency, MDG, good governance & transparency, bridging the digital divide & universal access to basic government services. He also serves as the ‎Chief Operating Officer of Globaltronics, Inc., the country's pioneer in digital outdoor billboards.

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Posted in: elections,leaders,trustees

ASP Angel Corps is on for October 18

An institution like the Autism Society Philippine is powered by the strength and talent of its volunteers. We have a proud history of developing volunteerism among our members and fellow advocates. Over the years, ASP continues to develop a nimble, passionate, professional pool of resources.

Angel Corps Landscape

The ASP Angel Corps is the volunteer arm of the Autism Society Philippines. It is composed of civic-minded individuals who are sharing their time and talent towards creating a society where Filipinos with autism become the best of their potentials -- independent, self-reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of the community. Volunteers may be ASP members and non-members. Visit the ASP Angel Corp on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASPAngelCorps.

As we reach the close off ASP's 25th year, we enter the next phase of our national advocacy by enjoining those who empathizes with the families who live with autism and other exceptionalities with this "battle cry" -- Hope. Act. Impact.

The ASP Volunteer Day will orient volunteers on the goals of the organization and will help the participants discover the best way they can help the organization, through team activities and games.

Join us at the ASP Angel Corp Volunteer Day! Sign up on the form below to confirm your attendance. This is a FREE, FREE, FREE event.

Date: 18 October 2014, Saturday, 9am-12nn
Venue: 4th Floor Philippine Information Agency, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
Map: http://bit.ly/1o9dJ4F
Registration: http://bit.ly/1xjKM8m

"What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good." -- Aristotle

Event registration for ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Day powered by Eventbrite

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Posted in: angel-corps,volunteers

ASP Elections for National Leadership: Nominations

As we reach the close of ASP's 25th anniversary year, the time has come to elect the new batch of National officers -- 11 new trustees -- who will lead our organization into next era of our national advocacy.

Are you or someone you know interested in serving ASP? Someone with a strong history of volunteerism? Someone who has selflessly served a local chapter? Someone with the skills and connections to grow our advocacy?

Angels Walk 2014 attendees

Here are some things to remember regarding the nominations.

An ASP member with an updated membership as of 15 September 2014 and a member for at least one year, may nominate another member to the board.

An ASP member may nominate himself.

Nominees should be active ASP members for at least two consecutive years.

Nominees must be:
a) able to attend elections on October 25, Saturday.
b) able to attend regular and special meetings in the National office in Quezon City as needed.
c) able to shoulder transportation to and from ASP meetings and events.
d) able to head a committee.

Elections committee chair will validate the status of all nominees and confirm their eligibility via email and phone.

The General Assembly and Elections will happen on 25 October 2014, Saturday at the G/F Lopez Building, Meralco Compound, Pasig City.:

To vote, one must be a paid member as of 15 September 2014.

ASP members based in NCR must be present to vote.

ASP member based outside NCR may apply for absentee voting. The mechanics of absentee voting will be released shortly.

Nominees and voters will be validated with the records of ASP National. If the chapter does not submit regular membership reports to the National office, their members will not be able to nominate, be nominated or vote at their National level.

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Posted in: elections

September 27 Saturday Seminar on Relationship Direct Intervention

Relationship Direct Intervention
9:30am – 12:00pm

Living in a complex world with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is like living in a foreign country and not speaking the language. Individuals on the spectrum often struggle to connect with their world on multiple levels which impacts all elements of their functioning. While research still debates the aetiology of ASD, research has shown that through the passionate dedication of parents to provide early intervention and opportunities to grow, we can make a difference to individuals on the spectrum and most importantly parents (and professionals) have the capacity to restore their child’s ability to think, communicate and relate dynamically, and thus our session speaker will introduce us a guiding program that is designed to assist parents to promote their child’s ability to connect, think and grow by working on, not around the core issues of ASD.

Our speaker, Ms. Renee Dela Cruz

Renee Dela Cruz is an Autism Specialist with 15 years experience working in the field. Renee is based in Melbourne; Australia however has experience working with individuals with ASD all over the world. Renee has a psychology background, is completing a masters / PHD in Autism Studies and is a certified RDI® consultant. Renee specialises in the assessment, therapy, consultation and management of children with a range of developmental, social, play, learning and behavioural difficulties. Renee is skilled in functional behaviour analysis; modification, psychological assessments & diagnosis, and delivering intervention services designed to enhance functioning and quality of life. Renee assists families to move from diagnosis to active remediation, implementing intervention plans that are tailored to the child's and family’s needs. Renee guides families to break down complex behaviours, work through anger/anxiety issues, discover opportunities to reestablish developmental milestones and guides parents to develop their child's thinking skills.

Seminar Details
Pre-reg. *until September 25
ASP Member - P500.00
Non - Member - P600.00

On-Site Registration
ASP Member - P600.00
Non - Member - P700.00

Venue: Bridges Foundation, Inc. #22 Scout Limbaga St. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City
Seminar Fee is inclusive of certificate, handouts and snacks

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 50 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who did not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

The ASP Education and Empowerment Program serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,seminar

Seminar on Access to Justice for PWAs held in Cebu

The Department of Justice and the National Council on Disability Affairs conducted a two-day seminar entitled, “Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Workshop on Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities” on 4-5 September 2014 in Cebu City. The participants included prosecutors, lawyers from the Public Attorneys’ Office in Central Visayas, representatives from the different groups of Persons with disabilities and other government agencies.

Seminar on Access to Justice for PWAs group

The workshop was an orientation on the nature and characteristics of the different types of disabilities and how to assist PWAS, as discussed by experts. The Autism Society Philippines’ very own Chairman Emeritus, Ms. Dang Koe, engaged the participants on the topic, “Assisting persons with learning and cognitive impairment.”

As a mother attending this seminar, it made me realize that recognition of the rights of our special children and assurance for an effective access to justice on equal basis with others is possible for our children.

As an advocate participating in this seminar, we should support the Department of Justice in the conduct of seminars, trainings, orientation for both service providers in the government and private sector especially on the nature, sign and symptoms of Autism and its management. These orientations will be included as a subject in the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE).

As an ASP Chapter member and leader attending this workshop, we should involve civil society organizations, Non-Government Organization and Local Government in our ASP Activities such as Autism Week, Angels Walk, Colors of a Spectrum, World Autism Day and seminars to increase Autism Advocacy and ensure provisions of support services.

For participants, it was two days of knowledge enrichment and attitude enhancement on the perceptions towards persons with disability. The main take-away is that “all persons have equal rights before and under the law and are entitled without discrimination to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law”.

About the Contributor: Sandra Espina served as the ASP Cebu Chapter President from 2009 to 2014 and is currently the chapter's adviser. She is the Managing Director of Ivory Properties. Sandra and her spouse Joseph, Rotary District 3860 Governor, are parents to three boys. Zach, their youngest, is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: conference,government,law,regional

ASP Chair Emeritus delivers Seminar on Structured Teaching in Cebu

It was an afternoon of learning for ASP Cebu parents, teachers and therapists, as our ASP Chairman Emeritus, Ms. Dang Koe engaged the participants in a seminar on a learning approach developed by Prof. Eric Schopler known as the Treatment and Education of Autistic children and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH) Method, entitled “Autism-Friendly Teaching Environment: Structured Teaching at Home and in School.“ The event was held last 6 September 2014 in Cebu City, with 75 attendees present.

Participants in Seminar on Structured Teaching

As one of the participants commented, “The flow of the seminar was very spontaneous since it was a parent who spoke from real experiences. We felt the journey she went through and even cried along with Ms. Dang.”

The audience realized that persons with autism often have difficulty in handling changes in the environment, receptive and expressive language and sequential memory thus the TEACCH Method provided the individual with structure and organization.

The method relied on four (4) basic principles which was explicitly discussed by our sought out speaker namely: physical structure, daily scheduling, individual work system, task organization.

About the Contributor: Sandra Espina served as the ASP Cebu Chapter President from 2009 to 2014 and is currently the chapter's adviser. She is the Managing Director of Ivory Properties. Sandra and her spouse Joseph, Rotary District 3860 Governor, are parents to three boys. Zach, their youngest, is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,chapters,regional,seminar

Sensory-Friendly Screening for PWA’s in San Pablo City

Twenty six days after its first screening in SM City Calamba, ASP Laguna Chapter conducted another sensory-friendly screening for Persons with autism and other disabilities in SM City San Pablo to serve those from southern and eastern Laguna and western Quezon last August 23. Zambezia, an animated movie about two falcons en route to a community of birds, was shown.

Participants in Sensory-Friendly Movie

The participating schools and intervention centers include Arcangel Intervention and Tutorial Center, Child and Teens Success Intervention Center, Kids Cove Inc., George Intervention Center,St. Anne Carmelli Academy, Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa and Liliw Intervention Center.

Two hundred and twenty seven persons with disabilities, friends and relatives attended the screening. Many parents and teachers thanked ASP Laguna for organizing the event that allows their family members and student to watch a movie together, a rare experience. A parent said that her kids had fun and were attentive during their first-ever movie experience. Another parent noticed that her 4 year-old son was well-behaved throughout the entire movie.

ASP Laguna thanks those who participated and/or volunteered: the participating schools and intervention centers, persons with disabilities, their families and friends, San Pablo Colleges BEEd-Special Education and BEEd-Early Childhood Education students. We are also thankful for the SM Cinema personnel, security personnel and others who made this event a reality.

About the Contributor: Ms. Catherine L. Lopez obtained her Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in Special Education at San Pablo Colleges and her Master of Arts in Education, Major in Special Education at Jose Rizal University. She is the Job Coach for the office and messenger services of Autism Resource Center. She also serves as the President of ASP Laguna Chapter and cluster head for ASP chapters in South Luzon. She is a mother of a young adult with autism who graduated from UP Los Baños in 2017.

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Posted in: chapters,community,film,regional,sfm,sm

ASP Family Support Group for September 2014

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.

Momie Beth Udquin with sons Cholo and Tristan

Our facilitator for the September 20 Family Support Group session is Elizabeth Udquin. Beth is a graduate of Clinical Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She is mother to two children on the spectrum, Cholo and Tristan. Stories on Elizabeth and her family have appeared on Manila Bulletin and UNTV Channel 37. She has inspired others with her experience as a parent in various autism awareness talks and seminars. Mom Beth is also the President of ASP UP-CAMP Manila Chapter and ASP Trustee.

Date: September 20 , 2014, Saturday
Time: 1:00-5:00PM
Venue: ASP National Office, Room 307, ML Building No. 47 Kamias Road Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/asp-map

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

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Posted in: 4parents,4siblings,fsg

Sensory Friendly Movies come to Bicol

The Autism Society Philippines Naga Chapter, with the support of SM Cares, held a sensory friendly movie screening 7 September 2014. Mr. Santos G. Braga, ASP Naga City Chapter President, Mr. Christopher Molin, Chief of Naga PDAO and SM Mall Manager Mr. Westley Villanueva partnered to hold a unique experience for 70 participants composed of pupils, parents, and teachers from Naga Parochial School, San Rafael Sped Center, and Naga Central School II SPED Center.

Mother and son in a theater

The activity was formally started with a simple prayer and the Philippine National Anthem which was led by Ms. Edwina Oco. This was followed by a message coming from Mr. Braga, then a message from the SM City Naga Management Representative.

‘Planet Earth’ and ‘Project Noel’ were the movies shown. Such movies promote advocacy in caring for Mother Earth. Appreciation of God’s creations and valuing those are inculcated in the minds of the viewers. Indeed, such movies help the community be more responsible citizens of the country in terms of environmental management and conversation.

About the contributor: Rona M. Saulon is the Secretary of ASP Naga Chapter and one of the organizers of this event.

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Posted in: chapters,community,sfm,sm

ASP at the adaptive technologies for PWDs seminar

The De La Salle College of St. Benilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) held a talk last 4 September 2014 on how to make museums accessible to persons with various disabilities, primarily focusing on adaptive technologies that museums and galleries can install. Various galleries and museums were in attendance.

The participants were welcomed by Joselina Cruz, MCAD Director and followed by a rights-based discussion on Accessibility and the UNCRPD. ASP Trustee Mona Magno-Veluz explained the importance of of art in the lives of individuals with autism and advocated for the continues access and exposure to visual and heritage arts. Advocates from other disability groups were also present.

Ms. Mona speaking during Adaptive Technologies for PWDs seminar

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Posted in: 4pros,education,inclusion,seminar

Cebu’s first sensory friendly movie screening

August 20 marked an important day for families living with autism; because it marked the first sensory friendly movie shown in Cebu. SM Cares offered children with special needs and their families a chance to experience seeing a film on the big screen -- “Planes: Fire and Rescue.” Over 225 special kids from 11 special schools in Cebu lined up in SM Cinema 1 at 8:30am, accompanied by 275 family members, caregivers, volunteers from Velez College PT/OT, Rotary Clubs, and Reach Center staff. The event was overseen by ASP Cebu Chapter President Kathy Castellano and Adviser Sandra Espina.

ASP Cebu Sensory-Friendly Movie in line

The challenge for children with ASD in coping in the movie theatre, involves potential sensory stimulation overload from the dark environment, the loud sounds, the bright lights and the cold room temperature. However, on that day, SM Cares provided 1) a friendly and acceptable environment for the special kids to get up, move around and even make little noise, 2) warm lighting instead of total darkness, 3) lowered the volume of special effect and music, and 4) less trailers.

About the Contributor: Sandra Espina served as the ASP Cebu Chapter President from 2009 to 2014 and is currently the chapter's adviser. She is the Managing Director of Ivory Properties. Sandra and her spouse Joseph, Rotary District 3860 Governor, are parents to three boys. Zach, their youngest, is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: chapters,community,film,regional,sfm,sm

Family Support Group with Lita Ponce

The Autism Society Philippines held its monthly Family Support Group last Saturday, 23 August 2014 at the National Office. An FSG aims to support parents and family members of children with autism, helping them deal with their initial feelings about having children with autism and identifying their concerns and how they will cope with it.

Lita Ponce leads Family Support Group

Mrs. Lita Ponce, the facilitator of the FSG, was among the early members of ASP and had served as a Trustee. Lita shared her experiences in raising her son who is already 31 years old. She gave advice and encouragement in raising their children with autism. She taught them to have more patience in taking care of their children and understanding the needs of other members of the family, such as the spouse and children. She also believes that God has a purpose why he gifted us with children with this disabilities.

The participants shared their feelings and struggles in life. Most of them shared how they teach their children to adjust in any situations that they may face in the future. Both the husband and wife should help and support each other in dealing with their child. Some of the parents realize that their child with autism gives a different despite from his condition that their child with autism can still have a better future.

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Posted in: fsg