ASP tracks record growth in 2016

The Autism Society Philippines remains to be the largest grassroots autism advocacy group in the country. ASP's membership grew by 32 percent from December 2015 to August 2016. Our roster of 84 chapters represents an 11 percent growth in the same period.

"We attribute our growth as an organization to three factors." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President, explains, "First, there is an increased awareness and desire among parents to advocate for their children with autism. Second, more parents are organizing chapters all over the country; thanks to stronger support from teachers, professionals, government, businesses, and even international organizations. Third, the increased level of activities and projects run by ASP communities have attracted an increased number of self advocates who are joining our society, independent of their parents."

This year, the Autism Society Philippines welcomed 16,000 participants at the Angels Walk for Autism at the MOA Arena. It also launched several programs which directly benefit families and PWAs -- among them, the ASP HOMEpowerment (creation of home therapy programs for CWAs to be implemented by parents), the ASP Pweday (enrichment and socialization for adults with autism), and the ASP Career Placement Initiative (matching job-ready PWAs with compassionate employers, trained for ASD accommodation).

The growth ASP experienced can be largely attributed to a vibrant, engaged community, led by passionate leaders. Our membership leaderboard is topped by ASP Dasmariñas (led by Jan Peña), ASP UP-CAMP Manila (led by Jeanette Rodriguez), and ASP Bacoor (led by Rowena Legarde). Our top 20 performers include:

1. ASP Dasmariñas, Cavite
2. ASP UP-CAMP Manila, NCR
3. ASP Bacoor, Cavite
4. ASP Trece Martires, Cavite
5. ASP Iloilo City, Iloilo
6. ASP Marikina, NCR
7. ASP Parañaque, NCR
8. ASP San Fernando, Pampanga
9. ASP Lemery, Batangas
10. ASP Pasay, NCR
11. ASP Taguig, NCR
12. ASP Laguna
13. ASP Baguio, Benguet
14. ASP Tanza, Cavite
15. ASP Las Piñas, NCR
16. ASP Tacloban, Leyte
17. ASP Diliman, NCR
18. ASP Lipa, Batangas
19. ASP Biñan, Laguna
20. ASP Lucena, Quezon

Here's to an increasingly A-OK Philippines!

Angels Walk 2016

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Posted in: chapters,growth,organization,society

Coaching for Positive Sexual Mindset in Adolescents with Autism

September 24, 2016

9am-12nn

The Autism Society Philippines Diliman Chapter brings you a seminar relevant to many parents with adolescent children on the autism spectrum on 24 September 2016, Saturday, 9am at the ASP National Headquarters.

There is more to learn about sexuality of persons with disabilities, as common perception is often inaccurate or inadequate. People incorrectly believe that persons with autism are sexually immature or do not experience sexual attraction. Even parents are slow to recognize that that their children have typical sexual needs. The need for repetition and their tendency to inflexibly adhere to routine may result to the development of ritualistic sexual behaviors among PWAs. Because of their sensory fixation and echolalic speech, some persons with autism may utter sexual terms which appear out of context to others. This seminar will help participants develop a coaching approach to acknowledge the PWAs sexuality, to allow them to express their sexual needs in a socially-acceptable context and to eliminate aberrant sexual attitudes. This seminar is best for parents, teachers and care-givers. Another seminar for PWAs will be arranged soon.

Mr. Desiderio Catiman IV

Moderator:

Desiderio “Dex” Camitan IV finished his Masters in Education major in SPED in UP-Diliman. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Makati Medical Center College. He is also a Behavior Coach at Empty Chair Psychological Services and an Associate at MindSet. He recently presented his research on ‘Sexuality and Inappropriate Behavior of Adolescents with Autism’ at the International Congress of Psychology, in Yokohama, Japan on 24-29 July 2016.

Seminar Fee: *inclusive of snacks
Pre reg until September 16
P300 ASP Members
P400 Non Members

Onsite Registration
P400 ASP Members
P500 Non Members

Activity Details:
Date: 24 September 2016, Saturday
Time: 9AM - 12NN (Registration starts at 8am)
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentabella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

There will only be 60 slots available. Please deposit your payment to Account Name: Kaakibat ng Autism Society Philippines QC Credit Cooperative, Account Number: 0431-0159-78 Bank of the Philippine Islands West Delmonte Branch Quezon City.No refund will be given to participants who do not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP Diliman Chapter at 0922-847-2776 or Ms. Baby at 0922-855-8279.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,seminar

ASP PweDay on August 31: Coloring Citiscapes

"Bayang magiliw. Perlas ng Silanganan." --Excerpt from the Philippine National Anthem

The Autism Society Philippines "PweDay" --pronounced [pwe'-dey] -- happens every Wednesday. The weekly activities aim to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun.

PweDay Coloring Citiscapes

On August 31, we will be sitting down for an hour or two to color various cityscapes of an Autism-OK Philippines. Exceptional work may be optioned by ASP as Christmas cards this December.

To attend, simply sign up on the form below and prepare a P50 donation to ASP when you get on-site.

"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum."

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Posted in: 4pwas,pweday

Play with Clay Workshop on September 24

September 24, 2016

1PM-3PM

Play With Clay Workshop

This class is a basic introduction to the use of clay modeling. The activity aims to provide a fun and sensorial hands-on experience with clay. This tactile activity also encourages creativity and imagination for children with autism. Games and small collaborations using their artworks are also included in the activity for socialization. The clay used can be air-dried for souvenirs.

The speaker will conduct a lecture and demonstrations of examples on using clay. There will also be hands-on workshops in the form of coaching with the aid of the volunteers.

Participants are Children with autism, around 4-10 years old with interest in arts and crafts. Fine motor, verbal and artistic skills are not required. However, at least compliance in a classroom setting and tolerance in touching clay should be observed.

Speakers/Facilitators:

Precious Jewel R. Gamboa is a graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts (78 units) Major in Visual communication at University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City. She also graduated with flying colors as cum laude in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Special Education minor in Health Education at University of the Philippines. A 6th Placer for Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.) 2010 in Secondary Education Major in Physical Sciences. She received the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship for SY 2015-2017, Teacher Training Program for Art Education in Nara University of Education, Nara Japan by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). An Art Teacher to different school, organization and centers like One World School in Makai City, The Healing Touch Center in Quezon City, LitCore Center for Holistic Literacy Development in Quezon City etc. Winner of the 6 Best Paintings featured at the PNOC 2013 Calendar in the Philippine National Oil Company Painting Competition year August 2012. Also a finalist of the Resorts World Manila Jeepney Design Art Contest year December 2011.

Christine Joy T. Asas graduated with flying colors as cum laude with the degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Special Education Minor in Language at the Univeristy of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City. A nominee for UPEAA Outstanding Student Teacher Award. A Program Director in LitCore Center for Holistic Literacy Development in Quezon City. A Trainer/Resource Speaker on Literacy Boost Program (National Project) in Save the Children from year November 2012-2015. Also a researcher and Resource Speakers from various events like Guru film of Plan International, 2015 SPED Summer Institutue of Department of Education Division of City Schools-Manila and Reading Intervention, Assessment at Work of Autism Society Philippines UP Camp Manila Chapter and others.

Seminar Fee:
For CWAs aged 4 to 10 years old
P250 ASP Members
P300 Non Members
Includes Art Materials

Activity Details:
Date: 24 September 2016, Saturday
Time: 1PM - 3PM.
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentabella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

Participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please email the scan copy of your deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s and contact numbers to autismphils@gmail.com and bring it on the day of the seminar. There will only be 20 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 02-7-903-5496.

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: 4pwas,seminar

ASP PweDay on September 7: Tai Chi for Relaxation

"Soft as cotton on the outside. Hard as steel on the inside." --Tai Chi adage

The Autism Society Philippines "PweDay" --pronounced [pwe'-dey] -- happens every Wednesday. The weekly activities aim to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun.

Pweday Tai Chi

On September 7, Teacher Hilda Narciso will lead the group in basic tai chi movements that will help calm the mind, cultivate the heart and adds to a PWAs' health and harmony.

To attend, simply sign up on the form below and prepare a P50 donation to ASP when you get on-site. Participants are requested to wear a plain white shirt and rubber shoes.

"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum."

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Posted in: 4pwas,pweday

Teacher Ces Leads Family Support Group

ASP National Secretary Cecile Sicam welcomed participants for the Family Support Group held in Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 20 August 2016. ASPs monthly family support group sessions brings 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.

Cecile Sicam leading Family Support Group

Participants shared their insights:

“Early intervention is very important; as a parent, compliance should be taught early to the child.”

“Other parents experience will help you pushed through to your plan.”

“I am not alone, I learned about social stories, I need to be more focus on what is needed.”

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.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

ASP PweDay on August 24: Spaghetti Dish Making

"Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti." --Sophia Loren

The Autism Society Philippines "PweDay" --pronounced [pwe'-dey] -- happens every Wednesday. The weekly activities aim to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun.

PweDay Spaghetti Dish Making

On August 24, we will be breaking out the stoves and pans again for a session on making spaghetti and garlic bread. We are looking forward to an afternoon of experiencing how to prepare a simple merienda for family and friends.

Participants must sign up on the form below and prepare a P150 donation to ASP. Participants must also bring an apron and wear closed shoes (no slippers or sandals).

"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum."

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Posted in: 4pwas,pweday

ASP hosts New Member and Volunteer Orientation in August

Despite the hard rains, the ASP Orientation for New Members and Volunteers, moderated by ASP Trustee Janette Peña was held in Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 13 August 2016. The session aims to help new advocates to understand more about autism, calibrate on disability-friendly language and introduce the work done by the Autism Society Philippines.

The participants were encouraged to find personal ways to contribute to the advocacy. This special session welcomes the members of the newly-formed ASP New Manila.

Ms. Janette Peña leading NMVO

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Posted in: 4parents,chapters,members,nmvo

Where to go NEXT: Preparation for Employment

Adolescents and adults with autism go through similar physical and emotional changes as their neurotypical peers. But they also have challenges which require specialized training and accommodations for them to cope and function in the workplace. This is where the expertise of job coaches like Teacher. Dominic Cheoc, an occupational therapist, prove invaluable in transitioning PWAs from the school to the work environment. Teacher Dom is also a sibling to a young man on the spectrum.

Seminar Group Photo

“Where to go NEXT: Preparation for Employment” was at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 30 July 2016 and was attended by 45 professionals and parents. Teacher Dom gave the participants an extensive overview of the characteristics of adolescents and adults with ASD, the different available options for employment, how and what to do to prepare them for employment, the importance and process of making an individualized transition plans and the role the job coach in achieving the goals of the transition plan. He shared several practical tips and techniques such as Communication and Two-Way Interactions to make the adjustment easier for PWAs.

PWAs have strengths and capabilities (their honesty, good memory, attention to details, among others), which make them good employees; but there are also barriers (willingness of companies to hire PWAs, lack of knowledge, odd behaviors, among others) which they need to overcome to get them employed for the long-term. Job coaches teach PWA’s to do their work tasks well, as well as to structure accommodations in the work environment to enable them to work independently, with the support of supervisors and co-workers.

The Autism Society Philippines recently launched the Autism Works initiative, which creates employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces and empowers PWAs towards success at work. If you are a PWA interested in employment or a business keen on building a neuro-diverse workforce, please send an email to autismphils@gmail.com.

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.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,autism-works,employment

ASP Lemery wins a trip to Kidzania

Thirteen children with autism and their guardians were treated to a day of imaginative play at Kidzania Manila in Taguig last 30 July 2016, through the kindness of Cebu Pacific. Freshly formed on 18 June 2016, ASP Lemery was recognized for their efforts to recruit the most number of new members towards building the national autism advocacy.

Kids Enjoying at Kidzania

Kidzania Manila offered young minds the opportunity to explore an alternative universe where kids run society. Parents would attest to how exploring the various job sites helped their kids hope, dream and imagine themselves in the future as working adults. Despite the challenges of living and loving with autism, this community trip lifted the spirits, not just of our angels with autism, but of their ever-faithful parents as well.

About the contributor: Rowena Suarez-Atienza is an Autism Awareness Advocate since 2013. Her 2 boys were diagnosed with ASD in 2012 and 2014 and from that time on, she became a front runner of awareness campaigns for the hundreds of Batangueno PWAs in her area. She leads a group of 160 parents by giving them support group, taking them to related-trainings and seminars and taking them to fun run activities. She also advocates sponsorship program with local government and industrial sector that support their indigent kids with therapies and early intervention program.

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Posted in: community,play,regional

ASP Lemery Goes To Kidzania

A million thanks to ASP and sponsors for our fun-filled Kidzania trip in Taguig last 30 July 2016. Thirteen kids, with 13 guardians from ASP Lemery were awarded by ASP National for its superlative chapter building efforts with free tickets courtesy of Cebu Pacific. Freshly formed on 18 June 2016, ASP Lemery surprisingly bagged the competition for having the most number of new ASP members.

Group of ASP Lemery Chapter

Our kids, parents and even teachers enjoyed the thrills of being in creative world of imaginative play. Parents would attest how this experience helped their kids hope, dream and imagine themselves in the future as working adults. Despite the many doubts and issues of autism, this field trip is truly a morale booster, not just for our angels, but also for the ever-faithful guardians of our CWA’s.

About the contributor: Rowena Suarez-Atienza is an Autism Awareness Advocate since 2013. Her 2 boys were diagnosed with ASD in 2012 and 2014 and from that time on, she became a front runner of awareness campaigns for the hundreds of Batangueno PWAs in her area. She leads a group of 160 parents by giving them support group, taking them to related-trainings and seminars and taking them to fun run activities. She also advocates sponsorship program with local government and industrial sector that support their indigent kids with therapies and early intervention program.

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Posted in: chapters,community,regional

ASP Family Support Group for August 2016

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. New ASP members are encouraged to join.

Ms. Cecile Sicam

Cecile Sicam is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as President from 2001 to 2004; and as its current Secretary. Cecile has been instrumental in the founding of Professionals for Autism Foundation, Inc., Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the Philippine Association for Behavioral Analysis. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara, California; and came back to serve Filipino children with special needs. She is currently one of the Program Coordinators of Bridges Foundation, Inc. Her adult son, Likas, has been employed for more than a decade.

Date: August 20, Saturday
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Venue: Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters
Address: #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentabella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

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

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

ASP PweDay on August 10: Videoke Duets

"To sing a duet together means sharing with someone both the pleasure and the responsibility of making music." --Andrea Bocelli

The Autism Society Philippines "PweDay" --pronounced [pwe'-dey] -- happens every Wednesday. The weekly activities aim to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun.

PweDay Videoke Duets

On August 10, we will sing and lip synch hits new and old -- together with new friends from the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines. With all the freestyle singing and dancing, there is much fun to be had!

Participants must sign up on the form below and prepare a P50 donation to ASP.

"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum."

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Posted in: 4pwas,pweday

Seminar on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the Classroom Teacher

August 28, 2016

8am - 12pm

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides a means of communication for school age children who may not be able to use speech effectively to communicate and thereby increasing their participation in classroom activities. As there are only a limited number of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the school setting in the country, helping and collaborating with teachers to support students who are AAC users with complex communication needs in the classroom is a big challenge.

This seminar will provide participants an overview of augmentative and alternative communication; its components; and other relevant concepts such as vocabulary selection and organization. This seminar will also focus on providing participants with strategies that can be used to help their students integrate the use of no-tech or high-tech AAC systems in the classroom. This is in recognition of the crucial role of classroom teachers in the language development of their students and helping AAC users to generalize communication skills learned in the therapy room.

Speaker:

Ms. Barbara Munar

Barbara F. Munar, MRS-SP, CSP-PASP speech-language pathologist Barbara obtained both her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and her Masters in Rehabilitation Science—Speech Pathology from the University of the Philippines—Manila. She is currently taking her Doctor of Philosophy in Education in the field of Reading at the University of the Philippines—Diliman.

A full-time clinician with 20 years of clinical experience, she has worked extensively with children and adolescents with various developmental speech and language disorders including those with complex communication needs. She has actively pursued continuing education endeavors in the area of child speech-language development and disorders and has received an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) certification from the College of Allied Medical Professions (UP-Manila) and TINIG-AAC Project.

She is currently the managing partner of Core Skills Therapy Center—a company she had helped put up in 1998 that provides speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior therapy services to pediatric clients with special needs. She is likewise a clinical supervisor and a special lecturer in the speech pathology undergraduate and graduate programs of the College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines—Manila.

Barbara has presented in local conferences. To date, she has turned her research interests towards oral language and literacy development, AAC and literacy in children with language disorders, and the narrative language of both typically-developing children and children with language disorders. She is focused towards the development and promotion of intervention practices that are designed specifically for Filipino children with special needs.

She had served as a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists from 2001-2004. She had assisted in establishing the speech-language pathology curriculum under the Technical Panel for Health Professions Education of the Commission on Higher Education in 2008.

Seminar Fees:
Pre-Registration (until August 24)
Member- P 600.00
Non-member- P 800.00

On-site Registration
Member- P 700.00
Non-member- 900.00

Seminar Details:
Date: 28 August 2016, Sunday
Time: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentabella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metrobank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please email the scan copy of your deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s and contact numbers to autismphils@gmail.com and bring it on the day of the seminar. There will only be 70 slots available. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. 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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4pros,seminar