Understanding Autism with SPEED

The Autism Society Philippines was invited by Ateneo Special Education Society (SPEED) on 27 February 2015 for the SPEED Area Workshop on Autism at Berchmans 206 in Ateneo De Manila University.

Carl veluz with the SPEED organizers

With ASP Trustee Peng So as the main speaker, the students had a chance to look into the lives of families facing the reality of autism. The workshop also featured a panel discussion with adults with autism: Carl Veluz, Patrick So and Gabby Atienza. The discussion helped the students understand what autism is and what the challenges they face in their everyday lives. They asked the panel questions like:

-How do you define autism for people to better understand this condition?
-What makes you similar to other people without autism?
-What makes you different from others?
-What helps you cope/deal with or survive the challenges you encounter in your life because of their condition/autism?
-What are your plans for the future?
-How can you achieve these plans?

The Ateneo Special Education Society is a long-time partner of ASP and organizers programs and events for individuals with disabilities; as well as participants in many ASP events.

About the contributor: Carl Veluz was non-verbal at the age of 5, when he was diagnosed with autism. With perseverance and hard work, he graduated from high school in 2010. He continued his education at the Entrepreneurship School of Asia and most recently, at the Independent Living and Learning Center in Mandaluyong. Carl works as a staff assistant for his father's business and works part-time at Puzzle Gourmet Cafe in Quezon City. He continues to tend his on-line business called "Gregarious Gifts.”

Posted in: adults,education,self-advocates,university