Alyana comes to Bicol

ASP Naga City held an “Alyana” film viewing activity at the Function Hall of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology last 13 December 2014. The ASP National Office’s Ms. Mary Janette Peña, filmmaker Ms. Mirana Medina, and PDAO - Naga City’s Mr. Christopher S. Molin supported the event. Educational institutions in the Bicol Region such as University of Nueva Caceres, Ateneo de Naga University, Partido State University, St. Joseph School, Naga Central School II, SPED Center and individual moviegoers came to see the documentary.

Film Maker Mirana Medina

Through the documentary, parents and future special education teachers were enlighten regarding the different aspects and issues about autism. They were interested in asking about the intervention tips in handling children, since intervention professionals are difficult to come by in Region V. Even if speech and behavioural therapy is available, majority cannot afford the services. The future SPED teachers were amazed and inspired by the different teaching strategies implemented in order for the children with autism to be engaged in family, school, and community.

Film maker Mirana Medina covered the same event in her blog:

As part of Autism Society Philippines-Naga City Chapter’s autism awareness and advocacy campaign, Alyana — A Study of Autism in the Philippines, my documentary on autism will be screened at the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology in Naga City, Bicol Province. The showing is scheduled tomorrow, December 13 from 8 am. To represent the National Office is Jan Peña, ASP Board of Trustee member. She left Manila last night for Naga City.

Mr. Santos Braga, president of ASP-Naga City Chapter is hosting the event. The group believes that the film will help raise their community’s awareness on the condition of persons with autism. And just like them, I know that our society will find it easier to embrace their children once they get to know what exactly autism is.

Alyana, by the way is my grandniece with autism. The film however, is not only about her. It is about ALL children/persons with autism. It covers from low function to high function / Asperger Syndrome cases like Gabby Atienza. He interestingly described his own condition as an aspie. Symptoms and causes, the plight of parents, even the doctor’s explanations and thoughts are included for better understanding of autism. It will be the second time around for Alyana in Naga.

About the contributor. Rona M. Saulon is the Chapter Secretary of ASP Naga City.

Read more »

Posted in: alyana,chapters,film,regional

The largest crowd of winged angels

“Autism Inclusive Philippines: Aim High! Fly High!” is the theme of the 2015 Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week. The Autism Society Philippines continues to inspire awareness, acceptance and inclusion of persons with autism (PWAs) in society and to promote action by the public and private sectors towards enabling PWAs to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and access, function independently and contribute productively.

Angel Wings

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity and hope, participants of the Angels Walk for Autism -- which kicks off the NACW commemoration -- are encouraged to wear angel wings. Our community will attempt to set the world record for the largest crowd wearing angels wings. The largest registered contingent wearing angel wings will win P25,000!

While wings are NOT a requirement to join the Angels Walk and to enter the MOA Arena, only participants wearing wings will be allowed in the lower boxes to facilitate the counting for the world record attempt. Thank you for your kind understanding!

How to qualify

1. The contest is open to any organization or group. The competing team must include at least one active ASP member.
2. The participant must we bearing a GREEN tshirt and a pair of angel wings to qualify for this contest.
3. The competing team must fill out the registration form below.

Wings Specifications

1. The longest part of each wing should 16 inches -- from tip to tip.
2. The wings should be designed to look like angel wings -- not butterflies' or fairies'.
3. The wings should be WHITE or METALLIC SILVER.
4. The wings may be made of any material that would stay erect throughout the day.
5. The wings may be ready-made or DIY.

At the MOA Arena

1. Contestants may enter MOA Arena as early as 7am to organize their team.
2. Contestants are encouraged to enter the MOA Arena together to they can be seated together.
3. Contestants need to send one representative to the MOA Arena front desk to sign in and confirm the team's arrival and confirmed number of people in their delegation.
4. Sign-in for the competition will close at 8am. Competing teams signing in after 8am will no longer be accepted.
5. Official counting of the competing teams will happen from 8am to 9am.
6. Winners will be announced at the Angels Walk program proper.

Read more »

Posted in: angels-walk

The 2015 Angels Walk for Autism Icon Tshirt

Every year, since 2007, the Angels Walk for Autism has released tshirts for walk participants to use. In the early years, the shirts were text-heavy and promoted the Autism Society Philippines contact numbers in font that can be seen across a crowded room.

With the Angels Walk's growing popularity, the tshirt design has transformed from being a promotional shirt to being a valued collector's item. Individuals with autism and their families wear the Angels Walk shirts all year round, especially since the message of the shirt is enough to draw compassion and understanding without need for words.

This year's Angels Walk icon is a stylized imprint of a shoe, that integrates silhouettes of wings created by Japan-based artist Yuki Auxtero. Aside from a tasteful design, the shirts will be made available at the reasonable price of P150 each, regardless of size.

Angels Walk 2015

Read more »

Posted in: angels-walk

Angels Walk For Autism 2015: Aim High! Fly High!

Angels Walk 2014 attendees

The Angels Walk for Autism 2015 in on!

Join an estimated 12,000 participants amplify the message of autism awareness and inclusion. ASP chapters, families, friends and advocates are invited to pre-register for the event to facilitate the release of tickets. Those who register early will be entitled to special perks.

Angels Walk 2015

Our community is also to attempt to set a Guinness Book of World Record on the largest crowd wearing wings. Register your group for the competition for a chance to win P25,000!

“Autism Inclusive Philippines: Aim High! Fly High!” is the theme of the 2015 Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week. The Autism Society Philippines continues to inspire awareness, acceptance and inclusion of persons with autism (PWAs) in society and to promote action by the public and private sectors towards enabling PWAs to live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and access, function independently and contribute productively.

For details and latest updates on the Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week 2015 will be posted on http://bit.ly/nacw-2015.

Online event registration for Angels Walk for Autism 2015 powered by Eventbrite

Read more »

Posted in: angels-walk,nacw

ASP hosts “Understanding Persons with Disabilities: Journey with Autism

The Autism Society Philippines, in partnership with St. Jude College, hosted a seminar on Understanding Persons with Disabilities: Journey with Autism last 06 December 2014.

Students and professors of St. Jude College and ASP members in Understanding Persons with Disabilities: Journey with Autism seminar

The seminar was participated by students and professors of St. Jude College and ASP members from different chapters. It was an informative day for everyone. The seminar started by an inspirational Opening Remarks and a 1Pangako pledge with students, teachers and ASP members led by Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President. Ms. Dang Koe started the seminar by sharing their own family journey with their son Gio. She shared their own strugles and how they handle all the problem that came into their life when they discover about Gio. Ms. Dang shows some photos of the different aspect of a CWA. She mentioned that parents like them and especially CWA they all need acceptance and understanding from each and everyone. After the talk of Ms. Dang, Robert Meigh “Buboy” Dolor, a CWA from Hopewell Integrated School, share his talent by giving everyone a wonderful song. Participants are happy and enjoyed every moment of Buboy.

The second part of the seminar was facilitated by Mr. Evert Malapad who is also a proud father of a CWA and a former ASP Board of Trustees. He talked about care and intervention for ASD. Sir Evert shares that every common issues of a person’s with autism should be focus on in order to guide them properly. It should be start from early childhood up to their adulthood stage. He also mentioned the important roles of the professionals in every stages of life of a PWA. They are the one that will teach the pwa to become more independent especially before they reach their adolescent stage where in they need to learn to live independently or even working on their own. Sir Evert also shares that parents and even professionals should know the skills of a persons with autism where they can focus on it and trained them base on their skills. Because thru this skils it can help PWA’s find a suitable job for him in the future.

The afternoon was ended with a talk from Mr. Rizalio Sanchez, Head of the Information, Education and Communication Division of the National Council on Disability Affairs on the rights of students with disabilities to tertiary education.

About the contributor: Ida Blasco graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Our Lady of Fatima University. After years abroad, Ida has come home to serve the autism community as the ASP's Admin Manager.

Read more »

Seminar on Disaster Awareness and Preparedness

ASP Laguna Chapter conducted a free echo seminar entitled “Preparing Families of Children with Disabilities for Disasters” atthe Los Baños Community Center last 3 December 2014, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It was attended by 31 participants, composed of parents, grandparents, and teachers from Calamba, Liliw, Paete and the different barangays of Los Baños.

The first part emphasized on the slogan “Ligtas ang May Alam” presented by Ms. Veronica
Chavez, ASP Laguna Treasurer and a certificate holder of the DZMM’s “Red Alert,” a
radio program that deals with disaster preparedness. It aims to inform the participants on
Disaster Risk Reduction Management, the rainfall codes, storm signals, the early warning
systems in their barangays, the involvement of the person/s concerned and the facilities that
local government units utilize during disasters. Ms. Chavez was joined by another speaker,
Amorlina Cotoner, an officer of the Los Baños Association of Parents of Children with
Disabilities, Inc. (LBAPCDI).

The second part focused on the slogan “Ligtas ang Handa,” which was about teaching
the parents how to plan with the family and the community and preparing the emergency
survival kit.

Ms. Cynthia Quintans leading the prayer

The ASP Laguna is grateful as three representatives from the local government of Los
Baños came. They are: Ms. Cynthia N. Quintans, officer in-charge Municipal Disaster
Risk Reduction Management (MDRRM); Mr. Martin Q. Imatong, DRRM consultant and
Kjiel D. Hugo, “little” MDRRM volunteer. We acknowledge Ms. Cynthia for bringing the
large geo-hazard map, which was used by the first speaker during her presentation. Her
contribution help illustrate places and communities in Laguna that are likely to be affected
by disasters, particularly Los Baños. The flyer, brought by Ms. Quintans, was distributed
after the presentation. Likewise, with Mr. Imatong for the hard copy of the geo-hazard map
which is very essential for future use.

As the third speaker, Mr. Imatong shared with the participants the measures of local
government units concerning preparedness. He discussed the NDRRM framework and the
right agencies to contact (DOST for disaster prevention and mitigation, DILG for disaster
preparedness, Local Fire Bureau or Local Police Force or volunteers or DSWD for disaster
response, NEDA for disaster rehabilitation and recovery). He emphasized on disaster
readiness as compared to disaster preparedness.

About the Author: 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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,4siblings,chapters,community,seminar

The Amazing MOA Parade of Lights

Children with autism and their families from the ASP Pasay Chapter were privileged to be invited to SM Mall of Asia last 29 November 2014 to a front-seat view in the celebration of Parade of Lights 2014.

ASP Pasay officers and kids

The children truly enjoyed the experience of watching the parade as different cartoon characters and floats marched in their colorful, lighted costumes, in tune with the Christmas carols in the background. Even with the signs of impending rain, you could still hear the audience shouting "WOW!" whenever a new float passed by. Nobody moved from their spots until the culmination of the show. It was truly an amazing experience for the kids and even the adults enjoyed the event!

About the contributor: Hilda Cristobal is blessed with four children and one grandson. Her youngest son Jared Kevin, now 19 years old, lives with autism. This BS Criminology graduate serves many non-profit organizations. Since 2008, she is the treasurer of Ladies Circle 185, which aims to establish camaraderie and to empower women in the communities in Pasay. Hilda serves as ASP Pasay Chapter President.

Read more »

Posted in: community,sm

Meeting the needs of the vulnerable

Being a parent or family member of a person with autism comes with very unique challenges and heartaches. Bullying and exclusion are only some of the situations many of us have faces in the our lifetimes.

Sustainable development can only be attained if the needs of the most vulnerable people in society are met. The national and local governments have made significant strides in adhering to stipulations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Magna Carta of Persons with Disability (RA 9442) and more work continues towards improving assistance given to vulnerable persons with disabilities. It is important to learn to maximize what’s available and develop a personal support network of other autism families.

Each local government unit (LGU) is mandated to create a Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) under Republic Act 10070. A handful of cities have exhibited forward-thinking in addressing the needs of those with physical disabilities, as well as those with “invisible” exceptionalities. The LGU is tasked with the release of the PWD IDs, which provide the PWA various benefits.

In case a drug store refuses to provide a PWD ID discount, PWAs and their families may write formal complaints with the details of the incident and file a complaint directly with the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Call the BFAD Hotline at +632-807-0751 or +632-807-8275. Their offices can be found here: http://www.fda.gov.ph/location-map

In case a person with autism (PWA) is involved or is witness to a crime, the PWA and their families may avail of free legal assistance with the Department of Justice, when consulting with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Contact the DOJ Action Center at the Ground Floor, Forum Building, Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila. Call +632-521-2930. Email dojac@doj.gov.ph. Read more here: http://bit.ly/10moeZO

If your child with autism is bullied in school, the protocol is to escalate your complaint to the multi-sectoral Child Protection Committee (CPC) -- a mandate under the Anti-Bullying Act (Republic Act 10627). The CPC is composed of the principal, guidance counselor, faculty member, a parent, a student council representative and a baranggay representative. If the school or learning center does not have this mechanism, please file a complaint at your Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC). More on the guidelines: http://ow.ly/F3YVc

Financially vulnerable families may avail of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the country’s Conditional Cash Transfer program. The program assists qualified families with special needs to overcome their present difficult situation through the provision of educational cash grant per month per child and health cash grant for the family. More here: http://pantawid.dswd.gov.ph.

For other inquiries and concerns on the welfare of individuals with autism, you may contact the National Council for Disability Affairs at +632 932-6422. You may also reach out to them via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nationalcouncilondisabilityaffairs.

Read more »

Posted in: government

ASP hosts seminar on “Sensory Integration in Autism”

Autism Society Philippines hosted a Sensory Integration in Autism facilitated by Ms. Rowena Sison-Singler at the Quality Life Discoveries last 29 November 2014, attended by 35 participants composed of parents and professionals.

Ms. Rowena Singler facilitating Sensory Integration in Autism

Rowena Sison Sigler is a licensed Physical Therapy based in New York where she assisted patients in workers compensation and sports medicine. She shared different views in sensory integration from both the point of view of a parent and professional. She spoke of how to identify between behavioral and sensory breakdown and how sensory integration can assist in the classroom and at home. She discussed different triggers and how to cope and or adjust accordingly. The speaker stressed how early intervention can make a big difference in socialization and in school and the role of the parents in ensuring a continuous learning experience.

Participants share their thoughts about the seminar.

“Very natural and funny. Superb speaker.”

“Clear and thorough explanation.”

About the contributor: Lloyd Ngo worked as an ASP intern when he attended Independent Living and Learning Center. He began working in 2012 as an encoder at the Ongkiko Manhit Custodio and Acorda Law Offices in Makati. He is currently ASP’s Program Assistant for Communications.

Read more »

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