ASP Family Support Group for April 2017

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.

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: April 22, 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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents

ASP @ 3rd Healthy Lifestyle Exemplar Awards

Autism Society Philippines represented by ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter President, Olive Medina attended the 3rd Healthy Lifestyle Exemplar Awards last 22 March 2017 at One Canvas Event Place Makati City.

ASP attended this event as a show of commitment in helping propagate the advocacy of healthy lifestyle in the country. ASP advocates for a healthy lifestyle among the autism community by conducting activities that promote good health such as yoga sessions, fun run, dance activities and seminars on healthy diet and good nutrition. Ms. Olive Medina is a yoga practitioner and the founder of Lorenzo’s Sanctuary, a farm in Calamba, Laguna, dedicated to all natural produce. The farm is inspired by their family’s love for Lorenzo, her family’s eldest son with autism.

The Healthy Lifestyle Exemplar Awards is a recognition night for the best practices, services and various breakthroughs in the medical health and lifestyle industry. On its 3rd year, it aims to raise public awareness on the important role of a healthy lifestyle and healthy behavior in the maintenance of good health and prevention of medical ailments prevalent in the country. Distinguished health professionals were present and were given recognition during the event.

Read more »

Posted in: awards,chapters,health

UST-SLP celebrates Annual Play Day

Fairytales came true last 18 March 2017 as kids, parents, professors, and students got the chance to learn and play as beloved storybook characters came alive during the annual SLP Play Day at the Education Playground of the University of Santo Tomas with the theme, “HaPLAY Ever After”.

Ladies' group photo in Speech-Language Pathology Society

Spearheaded by the UST Speech-Language Pathology Society, the play event provided an avenue for students to interact both with kids and parents while incorporating learning into play. The vibrant and colorful booths of Pinocchio, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Hansel and Gretel, had cognitive and integrative skills incorporated in the activities to maximize learning through play.

When asked how on her experience, third-year batch representative Keziah Solomon recounted an experience she had with the kids during the event. She remembers a moment before all the booths were set when she would prompt a kid after seeing that he was interested with the preparations.

“When I got home, I saw a picture of me and that kid doing the makeup gestures. I suddenly became aware that what I was doing there was a small example of what I'll be doing as a future speech-language pathologist,” Solomon said.

Each year level had their own booths where they incorporated different skills such as naming, categorizing, following directions, and problem solving, to match the different games. The kids were given prizes and loot bags after every activity.

“It's just beautiful, how we can someday help these kids interact and communicate what they want to say and give them a greater quality of life. That's a great purpose to live for,” Solomon said.

While the kids were having fun learning, a parent training seminar was being conducted by the interns and higher year students. The seminar covered speech therapy and expectation setting, the importance of play and language stimulation for kids, as well as the importance of carryover goals at home. The parents shared their own experiences with the group as well as raised questions in what to do during and after therapy session.

SLP Society President Rose Mary Miclat stated that this event aims “to provide language stimulation through play to the clients, to encourage student involvement, and to develop the student’s skills and abilities.”

As a treat, the event culminated with a spectacular magic show, that marveled kids, parents, and future speech pathologists who all came together to celebrate the fun in learning. Members of ASP UP-CAMP were among the event participants.

“We hope to extend our festivities next year, creating booths that are more engaging, interactive, and fun-filled for the clients, while still incorporating speech and language therapy goals for them,” Miclat said.

Read more »

Posted in: play,speech,university

ASP National President welcomes new members and volunteers

ASP National President Mona Veluz conducted the Batch 7 of the New Members and Volunteers Orientation at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 13 May 2017. As with each orientation, the event was open to all. Parents, professionals, students and persons with autism spent their morning challenging what they thought they knew about autism -- the myths and the realities.

The ASP New Member and Volunteer Orientation Batch 7

Disability-friendly language is also one of the key parts of the discussions. What do you call someone with an autism diagnosis -- autistic or person with autism? What do you call someone without autism? There are some of the many questions answered during the section of advocacy language.

The empathy exercise simulating communication processing disorders was extra fun. Jumping north, west, east and south, the game felt more like a strange “Simon Says” than an exercise that will help one understand what it is like to have autism.

Ms. Mona also explained the many projects that the Autism Society Philippines has kicked off. As new members and volunteers, the participants are encouraged to find their niche and assess for themselves how to best help the autism advocacy in the country.

Do you want to volunteer for ASP events? Search "ASP Angel Corps" on Facebook and sign up.

Read more »

Posted in: nmvo

ASP Marikina participates in Mahusay Program

Persons with physical and neurodevelopmental disabilities had an opportunity to show their talents before an audience of about 800 in Marikina Convention Center last 12 March 2017 in Marikina City. The participating schools and centers prepared an exhibit showcasing their activities and artworks done by their students. This was opened at 2:00 pm prior to the program.

ASP Marikina Exhibit group photo

It all started when Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro was invited to a program in December 2016 by Laro, Lapis, Libro Inc. (LLLI), an educational center for children with special needs, where their students performed songs and dances. Mayor Teodoro was impressed and instructed Mr. Alex Cabason, Jr., former President of ASP Marikina, to organize a similar program involving more schools. A committee was organized with representatives from ASP Marikina, Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), Marikina General Service Division, Eucharistiana Center, LLLI and SPED Centers. Teacher Tina Aligada, Executive Director of LLLI, was appointed head of the committee. The mayor’s office generously provided the venue for free, and food for the performers and organizers during the program.

The program itself, entitled “MAHUSAY” (MArikina, HUmahanga kami SA’Yo) started at 4:30 PM, with Mayor Marcy Teodoro as the keynote speaker. He expressed his admiration for the performers, his wish that their talents be developed further and his support for programs for PWDs.

The almost 200 performers came from public elementary school SPED Centers in Barangka, San Roque, Concepcion and Parang, LLLI, Eucharistiana Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy, Marikina Persons with Disabilities Federation, Inc, and ASP Marikina. The program, lasting 2 hours, included individual and group songs and dances, band performances, a Taekwondo demonstration, and the reading of an essay prepared by a person with autism.

ASP Marikina’s contributions were the Taekwondo performance by RG and MM Guinolbay, two songs by the Tiamzon Family band, (mother Ditas on the guitar, and siblings Ron as vocalist , and Jeboy on the keyboards), the essay on “Play as a form of Research” by Anjulie Reyes, and a drum solo by Maurice Allen Reyes.

It was a totally exciting and fulfilling experience for the PWDs who performed that afternoon, as well as the teachers who taught them, and the organizers who planned the details. Most of all, Mayor Teodoro was proud that such a program has been accomplished in Marikina.

About the contributor: Marivi Cabason is one of the Founding Member and now serves as President of Autism Society Philippines - Marikina Valley Chapter. A servant leader and church worker is happily married to Alex Cabason, with four children. His youngest child, Victor Lorenzo or Vinz, is on the spectrum.

Read more »

Posted in: chapters,lgu

ASP Family Support Group for March 2017

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.

Dr. Grace Gomez

Marie Grace Gomez is a Associate Professor 2 and a faculty member of the Special Education Area, UP College of Education at University of the Philippines Diliman. She is also the Director of the Diliman Learning Resource Center. Doctor Grace is currently connected with the Counselor Education Area of the College of Education.

She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science (1998), a Master of Arts in Education Degree with major in Guidance (2003), a Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree majoring in Guidance (2007) and another Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degree majoring in Special Education (2012).

Date: March 18, 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.

Read more »

Posted in: fsg

Seminar on Applied Behavior Analysis on March 25

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a field is exploding. This young science has been widely endorsed and accepted as treatment for children with autism by many well-respected organizations like US Surgeon General. Despite popularity, ABA seems to be largely misunderstood by many families of children with autism (CWA) and other professionals. There are thousands of professionals helping children with special needs in the Philippines and unfortunately there are only 3 Board Certified Behavior Analysts’ (BCBA) among them. Ms. Kathryn Mendoza is the only and first native BCBA residing in the Philippines. She will bring to us clear understanding of the science, professionals in the service team and ABA as a treatment for CWA.

There will only be 30 slots available.

Our Speaker:

Ms. Kathryn Mendoza

Kathryn Millano-Mendoza, MA Ed., BCBA
Program Director, Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Kathryn Millano-Mendoza completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Education, specializing in Child Study at Philippine Normal University, Manila. She finished basic and advance Applied Behavior Analysis course series at Florida Institute of Technology. She was under supervision of Sorah Stein – a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Certified Sexuality Educator and with Cherish Twigg – also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, both based in USA. Ms. Kathryn has a certification on Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) International, the first and only Filipino BCBA in the Philippines.

She began working in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis with children with developmental delays in 2002. She was introduced to Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior in 2007 during her training and employment in Tokyo, Japan as a behaviour therapist and a learning support teacher. She founded PIECES in 2010 to provide ABA program services for children with developmental disabilities and to train competitive behavioral technicians. She previously has been a part of an educational support group for children with Autism as a Senior Consultant Instructor in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Her work experience includes working with children in a one-on-one home setting, assisting children in mainstream schools, working and supervising ABA program in a school for children with special needs, running hands-on parent and teacher training workshops and consulting on in-home ABA programs.

Seminar Fees

Pre Registration (is until March 15 or until slots last)
ASP Member – P 500.00
Non-member – P 600.00

Onsite Registration
ASP Member – P 600.00
Non-member – P 700.00

Seminar Details:

Date: 25 March 2017, Saturday
Time: 8:00AM - 12:00NN
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. On-site registrants or walk- in will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 30 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.

Read more »

Posted in: 4parents,4pros