Raising Teens with Special Needs

Members of Autism Society Philippines were invited to the TC-YDD Parenting Seminar held last 21 May 2015 entitled "Raising Teens with Special Needs: A Parent's Guide to health, sexuality and safety." It was attended by a total of 43 parents and 26 healthcare professionals - from different associations and areas.

With continued medical advances and improving technology, more children with developmental disabilities survive into adulthood. However they are more likely to require special care to help them manage their condition, optimize their functioning and improve their overall quality of life.

In answer to these challenges, the UP-PGH Transition Clinic for Youth with Developmental Disabilities (TC-YDD) was developed this year. The Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, together with a team of healthcare professionals from different clinical departments - the Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and our colleagues from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Allied Medical Professions (UP-CAMP) Transition Program – collaborated to put up the TC-YDD.

Participants attending Raising Teens with Special Needs seminar

The TC-YDD’s mission is to provide a more holistic and comprehensive health assessment appropriate to the teen and their family’s current needs as well as help provide a pathway for them to be treated as adolescents or young adults in the healthcare setting.

As part of the clinic’s objective to help educate families regarding relevant issues for our teens with developmental disabilities, a series of parenting seminars was planned this year. The first seminar of the Transition Clinic was conducted last May 21, 2015 at the Dining Hall Function Room of the Philippine General Hospital with the topic of “Raising Teens with Special Needs: A Parent’s Guide to Health, Sexuality and Safety.” The talk was sponsored by Likhaan, an NGO dedicated to reproductive health education and provision of health care to women.

The first part of the seminar opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Rosa Ma. H. Nancho of Adolescent Medicine as she greeted the attendees of the seminar. This was followed by the first talk from Dr. Vanessa F. Torres-Ticzon of Adolescent Medicine about normal adolescent growth and development. An overview of social development and sexuality across the lifespan was then given by Dr. Stella Manalo of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. The morning session ended with a productive panel discussion facilitated by Dr Emma Llanto of Adolescent Medicine. The panelists shed light on many common issues regarding the awareness and education of sexuality and sexual behaviors in our teens with special needs.

Dr. Stella Manalo stressed that sexual education should start at home and be appropriate to the child or teenager’s developmental capacity and understanding. With the advent of the internet and social media, parents were advised to pay attention to the social environment that could influence their kids’ behaviors and communicate openly with their kids about it. Also, it was important that caregivers and parents handle inappropriate sexual behaviors non-judgmentally and the appropriate places and times be explained to the teens. Atty. Liezyl Pajaras of the Commission on Human Rights discussed common legal issues that parents were curious about – marriage and the right of their teens to have children of their own. Dr. Socorro Bernardino, an adolescent obstetrician-gynecologist, shared her expertise by discussing the available options for contraception in youth with developmental disabilities. Issues such as menstrual hygiene and how to explain these to the teen with special needs were also discussed. During the open floor session, numerous questions and testimonials from parents and other caregivers emphasized how relevant and important the issues were to them and their families.

The afternoon session was capped off by a discussion on teaching our children to stay safe by Dr. Melissa Ramboanga of the PGH- Child Protection Unit and Ms. Priscilla “Peachy” Fernando, a clinical psychologist specializing in teens and children with emotional & behavioral problems. The participants were then divided into small groups and acted out their responses to common scenarios regarding teen safety and sexuality. On the whole, the parents, caregivers and professionals gave overwhelmingly positive feedback about the seminar and the majority expressed their desire to attend similar talks in the future.

About the contributor: Dra. Pauline Camposano, Developmental Pediatrician, who were one of the organizers of the seminar.

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

Autism Angels Take Flight with Cebu Pacific

Autism Angels Take Flight is a ground-breaking program for the Philippine autism community. This program headed by ASP Trustee Gina Bermudo aims to help remove the "invisible" barriers that allow individuals with autism travel -- whether for their day-to-day commute or for adventures in far away places. After years of training in public transportation, ASP actively pursued exposure of PWAs to the airport and air travel.

Seven members from ASP UP CAMP Manila, 6 from ASP Pasay, 3 from ASP Mandaluyong and 1 from Footsteps Learning Center under ASP National were invited to have a flight orientation by Cebu Pacific last 22 May 2015. Children with autism (CWA), who mostly were first timers to see a real airplane up close, were given a chance to explore the different parts of the Airbus 350, the biggest plane of Cebu Pacific. This was done to orient the participants on what to see in an airplane, in case they would really be having a trip in the future. The CWAs and their mothers / guardians saw both the economy class, business class and even tried sitting on the pilot's seat in the cockpit.

Having fun in Cebu Pacific Take Flight trip

The activity was most useful to Wesley Miles of Footsteps Learning Center because it was a chance for him to overcome his fear of airplanes. In the shuttle bus, he got fidgety and anxious from seeing the airplanes we have passed by the hangar. His teacher told us that he was left behind two times already because his family can't make him enter the airplane they need to ride for their trip.

After most of the group were finished exploring the plane, Wesley was just starting to overcome his fear of seeing the Airbus. We were about to go back to the Cebu Pacific office, but he was just about to start his ascend on the plane’s steps. He kept coming up a few steps then going down again. We cheered him on for him to continue going up the stairs. The Cebu Pacific / Airbus crew also helped convince him to go up. His teacher was waiting for him near the entrance of the plane.

The group was also treated to snacks and some souvenirs – cap, baller bracelet and bag tag of Airbus. My son, Rolo, is fond of playing airplane games in his iPad. So this activity gave us a chance to let him see an actual airplane up close. He can’t stop staring at the airplanes we passed by while still inside the shuttle bus. He was excited more when we were about to go up the airplane. When he was seated inside, he was asking for the plane to take off. He wore a bigger smile when he saw the cockpit and was able to sit on the pilot’s seat. He watched the other planes taking off or running by the hangar. He also saw a helicopter. It was a treat for him especially because the activity was done a day before his birthday.

Thanks to all the crew and staff of Cebu Pacific and ASP for this opportunity! Hope we can have this activity regularly for other members to experience it too. I know it’s also a learning experience for the staff of Cebu Pacific because they get to see the different reactions of the CWAs upon seeing and going inside the airplane. They would know more about how to handle them properly in case they get to encounter a CWA in a real flight.

After the event, we ask for comments and reactions from the participants through text and here are some of the replies:

“Even for a short time, I saw my daughter amazed and excited looking at the airplanes and helicopter in real life, she saw a landing aircraft, and she was really excited to see the inside of the airplane, she already wanted to ride. She was ready to go and ride without fear. Thank you! I hoped they were given a paper or certificate that they had an orientation so that if ever someone interviews her, she can say she had experienced and was given a flight orientation already.” – Esther Nosotros

“Enjoy na enjoy kahit mainit. Thanks!” - Aida Larga

“Thank you Cebu Pacific! Happy na naman ang aming mga anghel sa buhay lalo na ang anak kong si Aldae Buendia. First time nya makasakay ng airplane at makaupo. Sana sa next activity yung nakalipad naman ang eroplano kahit malapit na destination lang. Thanks and God bless ASP!” – Dolores Buendia

“Thank you so much for inviting us. We were able to convince him to go inside the plane though it took us an hour. I hope we can join again your other endeavors. God bless!” – Teacher Jesereth Santiago

“Yes, we enjoyed it. Thank you very much and more power to you all. God bless!” - Carolina Lim

“Thanks so much po. It was a great experience.” – Tess Dimayuga

About the contributor: Jennette F. Rodriguez, a mother to 3 kids, including an boy with autism, is the Secretary of ASP UP CAMP Manila Chapter and a Parent-Volunteer at the Padre Gomez SPED Center. A graduate of BS Commerce major in Economics at University of Santo Tomas, she has assisted in organizing several events of the chapter and has given talks on Orientation on Autism and ASP to different schools and colleges, and PWD Ministries in the Vicariate of Loreto.

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Posted in: airplane,best,chapters,desensitize,experience,flight,overload,sensory

Seminar on Best Practices and Evidence-Based Interventions for Autism

Best Practices and Evidence-Based Interventions for Autism

27 June 2015, Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Bridges Foundation, Inc. #22 Scout Limbaga St. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City

Map: http://bit.ly/1u2BNIW

Best Practices and Evidence-Based Interventions for Autism is a whole day seminar to discuss different topics about teaching techniques on how to teach individuals with autism and applying the principles of teaching. In this seminar not only teachers but also parents will learn the proper way of teaching and communicating with persons with communication deficits.

Ms. Maria Ruth Mirandilla and Ms. Maria Aguila

There will be three topics for the day. Morning session is Evidence-based Practices. The first one will delve into the established and emerging practices in teaching individuals with autism. Particular attention will be given to three evidence-based practices which are: prompting, reinforcement and video modeling.The second topic is Structured Teaching - Applying the Principles of TEACCH. Structured Teaching is an Applying the Principles of TEACCH in the Home and in the Classroom.” The seminar will include the rationale of structured teaching as well as specific strategies to make classrooms, homes and work environments more organized and predictable for individuals with autism.

Afternoon session topic is How to Set up a Communication System for Children with Autism. Misses Mirandilla and Aguila will be sharing their knowledge and experience on how to establish an alternative and/or augmentative communication system for persons with communication deficits. They will show how a communication book or a Speech Generating Device can be set up and used to facilitate communication. An example of a speech generating device will also be shown and the reasons why AAC is so important will be discussed.

About the Speakers

Maria Ruth Mirandilla, a Filipino based in California and has been serving as Special Education teacher in a K-3 Special Day Autism Class in Richmond,California, for the past 5 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Linguistics at University of the Philippines-Diliman, graduated Cum Laude. She took her Masters of Education in Special Education, Major in Teaching Children with Intellectual Disabilities at Philippine Normal University. She passed her California Basic Educational Skills Test last February 2011.

Maria G. Aguila, is a Filipino Special Day Class teacher based in California. She teaches K-3 students in one of the schools in Richmond, California. She started teaching in 2006 in different schools in California. Ms. Maria is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Childhood through Young Adulthood/Exceptional Needs Specialist. She graduated Bachelor of Elementary Education at University of Sto. Tomas. In 2010 she finished her Education Specialist Instruction Credential at Sacramento State University.

Seminar Fees

Pre-registration *until June 23
ASP Member - P800
Non-member - P1000

On-site Registration
ASP Member - P1000
Non-member - P1200

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please email the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s at autismphils@gmail.com 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 40 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who do 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,4pwas,public

Nurturing a Parents' Support Group

I prefer calling our ASP’s Family Support Group (FSG) meetings PSGs for better recall. I know you are thinking Presidential Security Group, but it could also mean Parent Support Group, right?

I was privileged to have facilitated the 18 April 2015 FSG held at the old ASP office in Kamias. It was a small group of four parents: a couple Rizalina and Aldrich Lagmay who came with their PWA Ezekiel, a young Dad named Racel Reyes with a 3 yr. old son with autism and a Mom Virginia Bolosa whose daughter not only has autism but has down syndrome too.

Josephine Palomares leading Family Support Group to 5 parents

As wide as the spectrum of ASD is, is the experiences shared by these parents. I was impressed with the couple Lagmay whose only son, Ezekiel, is now a college student. The couple shared how they have remained ‘hands-on’ up to this day, with Rizalina giving up a full-time job.

Daddy Racel, on the other hand, being a young dad that he is, is so anxious and confused on how to deal with his 3-yr old son. While he has much to learn from autism itself, I am amazed that he took it upon himself to personally look after his son.

Mom Virginia struggles with work while she learns all treatments and interventions for both autism and down syndrome. It helps that she is a SPED teacher but having a daughter with two disabilities can be a daunting task for a working widow like her.

A parent myself, I share with then not only the worries, anxieties, heartaches, pain; but also the triumphs and accomplishments of living our lives with autism. Autism, after all, is the one thing that have in common and the one thing that we will bind us together.

About the author: Jo Palomares has long been the face of autism advocacy for ASP Diliman chapter. After serving as the President of the chapter for multiple terms, she continues to serve the disability community as she leads the Kaakibat ng ASP Quezon City Credit Cooperative; and contributes as an active member of the Association for Adults with Autism. She owns and personally manages a thriving model airplane export business in Bulacan. Her son Macky is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: fsg,journey,leaders

Creating a Language-Rich Environment at Home

On 27 April 2015, fourth year B.S. Speech-Language Pathology students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) held a one-day fair for children with autism and their parents -- members of Autism Society Philippines. The event was dubbed “ZOOPER Fun Day: A Community Development Program for Creating a Language-Rich Environment.” Held at the UST Quadricentennial Park, the event aimed to promote and advocate for rich language development by imparting knowledge to the parents about language stimulation techniques and how to create a language-rich environment in their home setting.

Ms. Andrea Monique Dargantes, CSP-PASP and Ms. Mara Jo Bondoc, CSP-PASP gave a seminar entitled “Creating a Language-Rich Environment” to the parents in UST’s Speech-Language Pathology Laboratory. The parents actively participated, asking questions about how to further help their child and taking down notes.

Participants in Creating a Language-Rich Environment seminar

Simultaneously, each child was given an Ate or Kuya and then led to the UST Quadricentennial Park where four game booths and a puppet show awaited.

The one-day fair started with the children watching a puppet show based on the Dreamworks movie “Madagascar.” It followed a Dora the Explorer style of script that encouraged participation from the children. In the story, Alex the lion, Gloria the elephant, and Melmanthe giraffe embark on an adventure to find their friend Marty the zebra who they believe to have escaped from their zoo to find freedom in the island of Madagascar. They navigate the foreign world of the City, make their way towards a Ship, and reunite with their long-lost friend in Madagascar. Questions such as “Where are we going next?,” “Can you see Marty anywhere?” and “Can you count with us?” were asked to keep the children engaged and energetic.

The children enthusiastically answered the puppets’ cues with cheers and loud voices. Afterwards, the kids posed with the puppets for a quick photo-op before heading towards the booths with their respective Ate or Kuya.

The four game booths were carefully designed to elicit responses from the children.

• The Something Fishy booth has the child catching fishes from a basin of water, and each fish has a corresponding wh- question which the child will be asked to answer. The difficulty level of the questions are adjusted accordingly for the child by the students handling the booth.
• The Hungry Zoo encourages the child’s categorization skills. They are presented with a giraffe, a lion, and a basket of food. They are then to get all the vegetables for the giraffe and all the meat for the lion.
• The Zookeeper Says require the child to follow a set of commands to be able to feed the hungry monkey. They can either be told to choose a ball, shoot it inside a specific basket, clap their hands, jump, point, or gather the bananas. It facilitates language learning and improvement of receptive language skills through following commands of varying difficulties.
• The What’s Missing? booth presents blown-up pictures of animals with missing body parts posted on the wall. The kids go through the pictures one by one, get the animal’s missing body part, and stick it on the poster of the animal it belongs to. This activity, facilitated with instructions and questions from the students, improves receptive language skills of part-whole relationships.

At the end of the day, everybody went home with new learnings on how to help children with autism communicate with their surroundings.

About the contributor: Courtney Chua is currently an intern under the B.S. Speech-Language Pathology program of the University of Santo Tomas. She has served the Speech-Language Pathology Society of the University of Santo Tomas' College of Rehabilitation Sciences as its Public Relations Officer in 2012 and its Internal Vice President in 2013 and currently continues to serve the profession as she undergoes her internship year.

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Posted in: chapters,university

Autism Sensitivity Training in Pagudpud

Sensitivity to the needs of customers with special needs is slowly becoming a must-have for businesses to flourish. One incident which is perceived to be discrimination to disabled people has the potential to affect a company's bottom-line.

So it came as a pleasant surprise that the Kingfisher Resort sought the help of the Autism Society Philippines to conduct an autism-sensitivity training for their staff on 13 May 2015. Kingfisher is a boutique resort that caters to a niche clientele of kitesurfers, windsurfer and beach lovers from all over the world. Their request was a surprise because resort was located in Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte -- near the country's northernmost tip. Many establishments in metropolitan areas have yet to equal this commitment to disability training!

Mona Veluz conducts Autism Sensitivity Training seminar to Team Kingfisher and staff

ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz conducted the seminar, with the support of ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe and ASP Trustee Grace Adviento. The resort restaurant, housekeeping and water sports staff sat though descriptions of typical signs of autism in small children. Using their personal experiences and perceptions, the groups delved into the misconceptions and myths about autism; and later, how they can help and serve customers with autism. The team gamely asked questions at the end of the session.

Thank you to Team Kingfisher Mon Manotok, Zarah Chua and Rico Calma for your hospitality! We hope that the take-aways from the sessions enlighten and encourage compassion in your staff, especially for customers who have special needs.

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Posted in: 4public,business,regional,seminar,training

Project GourmA launched at Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe

The Autism Society Philippines, through its A-OK Philippines program, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working with government, businesses and schools to create institutional mechanism that inspire autism-friendly spaces, compassionate workplaces, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families.

As a subset of this herculean effort, Project GourmA (pronounced gur-'mey) was created to showcase the abilities of individuals with autism in the food and restaurant industry. For the launch, we partnered with Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe along Roces Avenue, Quezon City, which employs individuals with developmental disabilities as cooks, waiters and office clerks. We wanted to provide the general public an opportunity to experience what it feels to be among PWAs working in a full-service restaurant.

ASP Family dining in Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe

Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, Executive Chef of Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, quarterbacked the effort, making sure the the team, the restaurant and the menu was ready that evening. Chef Waya also leads the Open Hands School for Applied Arts where many of her staff were training in skills valuable in the restaurant industry. Endearing was how Chef Waya treated her team. She showers them with guidance and kudos; but as-a-matter-of-factly call out errors -- whether the worker have a disability or no. That, is true inclusion.

On 9 May 2015, Gourmet Gypsy served 120 appreciative diner -- family, friends and inclusion advocates all -- a delightful 4-course meal, as Nica Escasiñas, a young lady with autism, serenaded the diners with her sweet voice and acoustic guitar. Carl Veluz, who is also on the spectrum, greeted diners and handed out roses to mothers. But the evening's stars were the servers and cooks of Gourmet Gypsy -- among them, PWA Ibarra Gargantiel, who had just come from a much-applauded demonstration at the Madrid Fusion Manila Trade Expo of the Pinipig-Crusted Lapu-lapu with Spicy Coco Mango Pasta -- the highlight of the evening's menu.

Thank you to Rodolfo Alcantara, Jr., the artist whose stylized pointillism acrylic on canvas paintings adorned the cafe's walls, for donating a percentage of the sale of his art to Autism Society Philippines!

To friends from Chain Reaction, Manila Water Foundation, Philippines Association of Speech Pathologists, SM Cares, Tulay Foundation, Unilab and other partners; as well as ASP families who came out to dine -- thank you!

Steve Maraboli said "Acceptance makes an incredible fertile soil for the seeds of change.” May this experience be the start of a fascinating journey for these budding food industry professionals and the dining public.

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Posted in: autismokph,business,gourm-a,self-advocates

ASP Cainta can!

Through the support of PDAO Head Virgie Montilla, the ASP Cainta Chapter was created and the community held their election last 14 April 2015 at Cainta Elementary School, Cainta, Rizal.

This milestone was followed by an autism sensitivity seminar for public school teacher and PWD families at the Cainta Municipal Hall grounds on 14 April 2015. Local government official Dr. Olga Abellanosa joined Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President (who also happens to be a Cainta resident) in the seminar and the awarding of the chapter's accreditation certificate, granted by the ASP National Board, to the chapter.

ASP Cainta election officers

The highlight of the affair was the speech made by Vice Mayor Pia Schuck-Velasco echoing her good wishes and all-out support for the new chapter of the Autism Society Philippines. She shared that the various PWD livelihood programs she has initiated could welcome workers with autism. Vice Mayor Velasco then swore into office the newly-elected officers of ASP Cainta: President Laarni B. Francisco, Vice President Cristina C. Olivia, Secretary Catherine A. Canja, Treasurer Mariza S. Fernandez, P.R.O. Ma. Marilyn J. Mago and Auditor Glenn M. Iwase.

Marian Deegan once wrote “When we make a habit of acting on the interests arising out of our authentic passions, our enthusiasm can open doors before we even realize the potential that lies beyond them.”

We wish ASP Cainta all the best in its new-found chapterhood! We believe that you can further the autism inclusion advocacy within this vibrant community. Yes, ASP Cainta can!

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Posted in: chapters,government

Jo Palomares leads Family Support Group

Ms. Josephine Palomares welcomed 5 participants and facilitated the ASP Family Support Group held in Autism Society Philippines office in Quezon City last 18 April 2015. 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.

Josephine Palomares leads Family Support Group

Some shared their insights with us:

“Having an autism (sic) child is not different from a regular* children. But just analyzing and understanding the child with autism.” *preferred term is neurotypical

“Experience and opinions of other parents that we shared really helped and encouraged us.”

“We can share our experience in our family’s journey with autism to (sic) other parents. And we can just learn from other parents.” Please join us again next month for another family support group.

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 part-time Program Assistant.

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Posted in: fsg

Empowering the Families through Nutritional Intervention

Autism Society Philippines Laguna Chapter continues its services to empower persons with disabilities and their families through health related activities. The live blood analysis was conducted at Autism Resource Center (ARC) in Los Baños on April 23,2015 in partnership with a member facility, Heart for Autism Research and Training Center HeART Center) in coordination with the Christian Development Center. ASP Laguna believes in the power of a healthy lifestyle and its effects in our lives.

ASP Laguna Families and Persons with Disabilities

Fifty four persons participated in the said activity. To begin with, an orientation was conducted by Ms. Aisa Mendiola, HeART Center Directress. It was followed by a short discussion by Ms. Millet Buenafe, Hallelujah Health Minister from Christian Development Center. She was joined by three of her peers. Height and weight were measured, which were used to compute the Body Mass Index (BMI). The result of the BMI measurements were compared to the standard lists.

True to what we have seen in the monitor as the blood samples were analyzed, we have seen the Normal Red Blood Cells (RBC) which is round, uniform in shape and free flowing. The White Blood Cells (WBC), which is larger than the RBC, is irregular in shape and also moves independently. These healthy cells was seen in the result of live blood analysis of Aisa Mendiola, a cancer survivor for 9 years. This only proved that there is hope if we aggressively pursue a healthy lifestyle.

We are glad to see some of good results of some of the ARC trainees namely David Michael Lopez, Emmanuel Zamora and Michael Cansanay as well as Kim Lapastora of Los Baños Community Center (LBCC). Most of the participants seen to have damaged cells, rouleaux (worse stage of protein linkage, resembling a file of coin), RBC aggregation, uric acid, ovalocytes, microcytes, etc... Based on the results, participants became aware on what is happening in their body and were advised to be careful in the choice of food consumed. The healthy lifestyle has to be coupled by regular exercise, early morning sunshine exposure and most of all, seek the Divine intervention for the positive change in life.

ASP Laguna is grateful for those who have participated in this endeavour and we look forward in reaching out to other places to empower persons with disabilities and their families through this activity.

According to the disclaimer in live blood analysis form, it is “a unique technique of viewing live blood is not a diagnostic procedure for specific diseases. It is more of a screening test to reflect how one’s dietary and lifestyle may be influencing health. For our purposes, we simply want to view the “terrain” of the blood to catch a glimpse of the overall “toxic load” and consequent state of health of our client. It can often point you in a direction to take appropriate adjustments that are necessary within these areas in order to optimize health and prevent the onset of disease. Health problems and degenerative conditions can be prevented with early nutritional intervention.”

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: 4parents,4pwas,4siblings,chapters,health,laguna,nutrition,regional,seminar

Cecile Sicam leads ASP Tandang Sora Family Support Group

The gathering of people with common needs is always a great opportunity for learning through sharing. On the afternoon of 1 May 2015, such a gathering took place at the Guanella Center in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.

ASP Tandang Sora FSG participants with Ms. Cecile Sicam

Organized by ASP Tandang Sora Chapter President Ciony Torralba, and facilitated by Cecile Sicam, ASP Founding Mother and the current National Board Secretary, it was attended by 16 families, most of who lived around the area surrounding the center. There were also families who braved the heat and traffic, who came from other parts of Quezon City. Among family members who attended were 5 fathers, 6 PWDs, siblings and a niece. ASP Tandang Sora Chapter is a mixed disability group which includes families with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual impairments. Children’s ages ranged from 3 to 25 years old.

When asked what their main concerns for their PWD were, responses included problems with behavior, concerns about their adult child’s future, language/communication development, lack of financial resources for a vital surgical operation, and employment/occupation.

Parents of adults who were already in fear of their child’s tantrums and meltdowns, found solace in understanding listeners - other parents of adult PWAs. They learned that they needed to be consistent and firm with their child, set clear rules, give choices and provide visual cues to enable the PWA to understand others and to express themselves.

When asked what they got from the sharing, responses included learning that one must discipline PWDs the same way as other children, that one can use drawn pictures and cutouts to enhance communication, that there is such a thing as transition planning for adulthood, and that one must discover their child’s interests that may in the future become their occupation. They all expressed eagerness to have more sharing sessions in the future and even offered the Guanella Center as a venue for future family support group meetings.

About the contributor: Cecile 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 Secretary. 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 RnB Ice Plant.

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Posted in: chapters,fsg

“Wais Spend” DZUP 1602 Radio Guesting

In celebration of the National Autism Awareness Month, DZUP 1602, the AM radio station of the University Philippines- Diliman, simultaneously streamlined live online at www.dzup.org extended its invitation to Autism Society Philippines to discuss autism and what more should people know about this case in an episode entitled “Matinong usapan para sa maunlad na bayan”.

Ms. Gina Bermudo with Radio Broadcasters

The interview was broadcasted live last April 30 at “Wais Spend,” a radio program that seeks to help listeners on how to spend time, energy, money and resource wisely. The interviewee, ASP-BOT Gina Luna-Bermudo gave an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder that included the DSM V definition, characteristics, triggers and prevalence of Autism in the country.

In addition, Ms. Bermudo also informed the public about Autism Society Philippines by extensively discussing ASP’s organization profile; members, chapters and leadership; programs and services; public campaigns and the newly launched A-OK Philippines. Government laws and programs that are designed for the enrichments of the benefits available to persons with autism and their families were also explained.

The hosts were so moved by ASP’s “1Pangako campaign” that towards the end of the program, they signified their interest in helping spread awareness about not using the word “Autistic as a joke.” They started it by playing the entire campaign song “1Pangako” to close their “Wais Spend” episode for the day.

About the contributor: ASP Trustee Gina Luna Bermudo is a former international flight attendant and is a frequent resource person for airlines to improve service for passengers with autism. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, major in Computer Science and is currently taking her Masters Degree in Special Education at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

ASP Laguna Siblings’ Circle Summer Camp 2015

The ASP Laguna Siblings Circle Summer Camp (SCSC) is an annual event for siblings and close relatives of children with special needs. It has been with the theme “Siblings Shine in April”. The main objectives of the camp: have fun, discover oneself, build friendship and learn. It served as an opportunity for the siblings to shine by discovering the inner talents, to develop camaraderie, and most especially share learning experiences with others.

ASP Laguna Siblings Circle Summer Camp group

This year’s camp was held on April 25-27, 2015 in Word of Life Inc., a Christian campus located in Brgy. Perez, Calauan, Laguna. The SCSC team is composed of the following: Marivic Ramos as Camp Director; My Sorongon and Deborah Sanchez as Lead Facilitators; Inah Cathes Lopez and Reymart Encarnacion as Assistant Facilitators/Documenters.

ASP Laguna Team welcomed the eleven participants from Los Baños and Sta. Rosa Laguna, San Fernando Pampanga, and Lucena, Quezon. The SCSC program started at 10’o clock am. It began with a prayer lead by Inah Lopez followed by a welcome message,an introduction of the Camp team and presentation of the camp rules by Marivic Ramos joined by Ms. Jessica, a staff from Word of Life.

The campers were given ample time to have their informal bonding. The SCSC team observed that most of the campers easily got comfortable with each other. The SCSC team has encouraged the participants to have a Buddy-System. During their bonding moments, some of the participants initiated to play ball games. It was successful because everybody enjoyed the games as well as the swimming activities. After dinner T-shirt printing was done followed by the group games wherein the campers were divided into 2 groups to play the Filipino games such as “luksong baka, patintero, hagaran,” “human spring and caterpillar race.”

The second day, started with an early morning exercise and jogging, and another round of Filipino game the “Sikyo or Moro-moro.” At 9:00 a.m., the group attended the Sunday Worship service lead by the Word of Life student pastors. Zip line activity followed which thrilled the campers and camp facilitators. In the afternoon, two (2) age groups were formed to easily facilitate an activity that will precede the group sharing activity. After the group sharing, they were again tasked to prepare for a performance to be done during the camp fire that evening.

The creation of ASP Laguna Siblings Circle was realized on the third day. The campers have elected leaders to represent and take a lead in future activities in coordination with ASP Laguna Chapter. The elected officers are the following: Patricia Calderon as President, Aldrin Lambon as Vice President, Catherine Dellosa as Secretary and Patricia Ofrecia as Treasurer. The group was then briefed regarding the new group in Facebook that will be created by ASP Laguna wherein the campers could join and invite other siblings or cousins of persons with special needs. Members were encouraged to post in the FB group.

Simultaneously, the parents were given feedbacks and evaluation of the summer camp activities in general terms by Ms. Marivic Ramos and My Sorongon. The chapter president, Ms. Cathy Lopez acknowledged the hard work of the SCSC Team and expressed gratitude to all parents for the support by allowing encouraging their children to join which contributed much to the success of ASP Laguna Siblings Circle Summer Camp 2015.

The camp ended as parents witnessed the giving of recognition awards to their children as they shine and excel in varied activities.

About the contributor: Inah Cathes Lopez is a sibling of a PWA named Ian Lopez. She was once a participant of a Sibling Camp wayback year 2001. She is a graduate of B.S. Biology in Laguna State Polytechnic University, San Pablo City Campus. She is now working as a Quality Assurance Analyst in a food manufacturing establishment located in San Pablo City, Laguna. Like any typical sibling of a PWA, she had also experienced certain challenges and hardships while growing up. She had her fair share of moments wherein she could not find comfort in her parents since her parents had to focus on the other sibling, but with the help and guidance of Sibling Camps, she found strength and dedication in supporting and guiding fellow siblings.

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