Parents discuss self-care, parental stress

Participants of the Family Support Group
with Teacher Ces and Dr. Grace Gomez

The Autism Society Philippines National Secretary Cecile Sicam quarterbacked the Family Support Group at the ASP National Headquarters last 22 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.

Teacher Ces was joined by Dr. Grace Gomez of UP College of Education and a new member of ASP’s board. Doc Grace shared her experience of her ward, an orphaned cousin with autism.

The participants shared stories and discussed a myriad of concerns about their loved one on the autism spectrum -- the importance of occupational therapy, improving communication skills, recognizing parental stress, the need for self-care.

Participants shared their learnings from the day’s sessions:

“There’s still hope in beating autism. That I am not alone in this struggle.”

“I learned much about autism management.”

“I want to become an open-minded parent. This is just a beginning of our journey with our 3-year old.”

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