ASP PweDay for the month of June and July

"Children with autism are colorful - they are often very beautiful and, like the rainbow, they stand out." -- Adele Devine

The Autism Society Philippines Wednesday "PweDay" aims to provide enrichment for teens and adults on the autism spectrum 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. This will be every Wednesday, from 2pm to 4pm at ASP Headquarters. This is open to all Persons on the autism spectrum members, 16 years old and above.

Our Pweymates during the Yoga session with our instructor Ms. Elizabeth Rye

On June 7 - Join us again with Teacher Elizabeth Montenegro-Rye for a Yoga for Relaxation. Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga helps adults with autism in many ways. It develops motor skills, enhances balance and stability and develops body awareness. Yoga improves confidence and social skills, learning self-control and self-calming techniques through yoga, they are likely to grow confidence in interacting with others and refine their social skills. It is also help the PWAs to be calm and relax. Bring you own mat on this activity.

On June 14 - we will have a Cooking session. PWAs will cook Corn Dog using Pancake Mix - a simple yummy and quick food to prepare. For adults with autism, cooking can be an opportunity to increase independence, learn basic academic skills to use in a functional way. Cooking is a multi-sensory experience. Children who have sensory processing challenges can benefit greatly from the smells, textures and tastes involved with the cooking process. This will teach the PWAs on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P150 donation when you get on-site.

On June 21 - we will have a Sensory Friendly Movie. This will allow bringing up the lights, turning down sound volume, allowing families/PWAs to bring in their own snacks. PWAs can get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the room. This will provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for our special audience.

On June 28 - we will have for the first time - Fabric Weaving Workshop with Teacher Olive Lopez. Weaving is a method of textile production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. This workshop will gain the opportunity to play and explore with fabrics. Weave them together and create your own cloth masterpice. This activity will help improve motor skills, stimulates creativity, self esteem and others among the PWAs. The facilitator will bring the materials, please prepare P100 for the expenses and the P50 for donation.

On July 5 - we will have a session on Painting Leaf Shirts. Nature printing is a printing process that uses the plants, animals, rocks, and other natural subjects to produce an image (Newman, 1964). This activity lets individuals get creative together, if employed in a group setting. It is easy to do, and with a little practice the results are rewarding. On Wednesday, Teacher Au Cabarloc will introduce the nature printing to PweDay participants. With only simple materials, endless variety of results could be accomplished! More specifically, nature printing will be employed in an activity using leaves and clothes, i.e. T-shirt. Participants may create their own unique T-shirts using leaves with different colors of their own choice. Moreover, this activity could develop their creativity, practice fine motor skills, and tap on the concentration and attention span. When done, participants and their families could admire the prominent veins and intriguing shapes of the leaves within these beautiful creations. Bring the following materials.
- Plain White Cotton T-Shirt
- Flat Brush/Paint Brush (For smaller leaves)
- Disposable Face Mask
- Rags
- P100 for materials (The 100 pesos will go to paint, illustration board and surgical gloves)
- P50 donation

On July 12 - we will have our all time favorite - Karaoke session. Most adults with autism loves to sing, but did you know that karaoke can help improve your PWAs cognitive development? Not only is karaoke a great way for them to let off extra energy and express emotion. Participants will choose their favorite song, either love songs, slow songs, classic, modern, ballads... whatever you like to call them!

On July 19 we will have Indoor Games. This will have fun games and activties at the same time this will develop muscle strength and coordination, socialization and communications among the PWAs. Participants must wear comfortable shoes, bring extra shirt, water and a simple snacks.

On July 26 we will have Cooking session. We will cook Cheesy SpaRoni (Spaghetti Macaroni). When a adult with autism learns to cook, one of the most important benefits can be improved nutrition. This will also teach the PWAs on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Cooking integrates skills in reading, writing, math skills, socialization, and sensory integration. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P150 donation when you get on-site.

"Persons on the autism spectrum 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 a 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. By keeping our Persons on the autism spectrum active and engaged outside the home, we are also training the society to be more aware of what autism is, to be more appreciative of their gifts and to be more accommodating of their deficits."

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