A Discussion on Pragmatic and Social Deficits and Intervention Strategies in School-Aged Children

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and mainstreamed in regular schools struggle with interpreting social contexts, exhibiting expected conversational skills, and working in a group. They have trouble picking up on social cues such as facial expressions and body language. This seminar will focus on deficits in pragmatic and social skills and the different techniques to enhance social skills in school aged kids. Specific techniques incorporating various language-based approaches, useful tablet apps, and Social Thinking concepts will be discussed. Social Thinking is a teaching approach designed by Michelle Winner that can enhance and improve social thinking abilities in persons with social issues. This may be used with clients who have near average to above average language and cognitive skills. Teachers, therapists, para-professionals and parents can learn concepts, strategies and techniques on how to facilitate group interactions.

About the Speakers:

Ms. Kimberly Geronimo

Ms. Kimberly Lim Geronimo
Speech and Language Pathologist

Ms Kim Geronimo is a co-founder and work as a speech and language pathologist at Primary Skills Foundation Inc. A faculty member in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at University of Santo Tomas since 2011 up to present and currently a Speech and Language Consultant at International School Manila. She is also the co-founder and part-time owner of Possibility Weavers Learning Place and Primary Skills Therapy Center and worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She worked as a part time Speech and Language Pathologists at Bridges Foundation Inc in the year 1996 - 2000 and in St. Teodora School and Tutorial Center in the year 1997 - 1998.

Ms Kim graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology at University of the Philippines in 1995. She provides therapy to children with Down Syndrome, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disability with Behavioral Problems and Articulation Problems ages 12 months to 18 years of age. She attended trainings on Social Thinking Mentorship Program in California, USA in year 2004 and Social Thinking Clinical Training Level 1 in Singapore in year 2006.

Ms. Elinor Bautista

Ms. Elinor Bautista
Speech and Language Pathologist

She works in Primary Skills Foundation Inc. since 2002 and at the University of the Philippines Manila as a Special Lecturer in SP 120 since 2015. She even worked in various Therapy Centers and Special Education Centers like Core Skills Therapy Center, J. Christmont School Inc., St. Teodora Tutorial School, Angel Gabriel OPST Clinic, New Hope Special Education Center & De Novo Special Education Center. A certified regular member of Philippines Association of Speech Pathologist.

Teacher Elinor had 3 educations and did lots of seminars and trainings since 1995. She graduated Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology at the University of the Philippines Manila. She has units in Master of Rehabilitation Science Major In Speech Pathology at the University of the Philippines Manila. Has also units in Master of Arts in Education Major in Special Education at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Seminar Fees:
Pre-Registration (until October 17 or until slots last)
ASP Member- P 500.00
Non-Member- P 700.00

On-site Registration
ASP Member- P 600.00
Non-Member- P 800.00

Seminar Details:
Date: 21 Octoberr 2017, Saturday
Time: 8:30AM - 12:00NN
Venue: ASP National Headquarters, #9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/asp-map2

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 70 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 02-903-5496.

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,4public

ASP PweDay for the months of October, November and December

Slow down and enjoy life. It's only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why --- Eddie Cantor

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 KarAOKe session

On October 4 - we will have KarAOKe session for the Adults on the autism spectrum. Singing lowers stress levels. This activity will releases stored muscle tension and decreases the levels of their stress hormone. Singing improves mental alertness: Improved blood circulation and an oxygenated blood stream allow more oxygen to reach the brain.

On October 11 - Mooncake Dice Game - also known as Pua Tiong Chiu or Bo Bing Chinese dice game traditionally played as part of the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The game known as Bo Bing (lit. gambling for cakes) in China, traditionally involves six dices and a China bowl with 63 different sized mooncakes as prizes for the winning players. This activity will develop socialization and communications among the Persons on the autism spectrum.

On October 18 - last session of MixxedFit Dance Fitness for this year. MixxedFit is a people-inspired dance fitness program that is a mix of explosive dancing and bootcamp training techniques. Certified Mixxedfit Instructor Miss Donna Lim will lead this innovative dance-fitness incorporates different elements, all of which are designed to tone, strengthen, and increase endurance. MixxedFit will feel you energized, combining fun-loving dance moves with interval training and cardio workouts, individuals will enjoy an inspirational full body workout.

On October 25 - Adults on the autism spectrum will have Sensory Friendly Movie. To provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for our special audience, ASP will allow bringing up the lights, turning down sound volume, allowing families/Persons on the autism spectrum to bring in their own snacks and welcoming audience members to get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the room.

On November 8 - we will enjoy Christmas Decor Making. Persons on the autism spectrum will teach how to make different Decor for the Christmas Season. This activity will highlights their creativity and freely express themselves in order to develop their natural artistic abilities. It promotes communication, emotional growth and sensory integration while also fostering social interaction in a fun setting.

On November 15 - Persons on the autism spectrum will prepare Chocolate Balls - simple, yummy and quick food to prepare. This will teach them 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 November 22 - Persons on the autism spectrum will make Picture Frame for Christmas Tree Decor. Persons on the autism spectrum will teach how to make a simple Christmas Tree Decor using your family pictures in time for the Christmas Season. This will help to develop fine motor skills and creativity.

On November 29 - we will make a Flaglets that we will use in our Angels Walk for Autism 2018 in Mall of Asia Arena. This will help to develop fine motor skills and creativity. There will be a simple contest, more flaglets you make, more surprise prizes you get.

On December 6 - This will be the last PweDay activity for this year. Persons on the autism spectrum will have their Christmas Party. After all the cooking session, the arts and crafts, the fitness program and etc. it's time to party!

"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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Posted in: 4pwas

ASP FSG discusses access to therapy, aggressive behavior and more

Our Family Support Group participants led by Mr. Alex Cabason

Mr. Alejandro P. Cabason, ASP former trustee led the Family Support Group last 23 September 2017 at the ASP National Headquarters. He shared the struggles he faced with his sixteen year old son.

Being a government employee, Sir Alex highlighted how parents should take up autism advocacy and present our needs to the private sector and to government towards the development programs, considerate of families who live with autism. He encouraged parents to be updated on laws that affect our community. Parents were most concerned about challenges in accessing therapy services, aggressive behavior despite therapy and disability rights.

About the contributor: PWA John Christian Ambion finished a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from the World Citi Colleges – Antipolo; and is keen on taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers. He now works as an Assistant Teacher at St. Catherine Special Learning Center of Antipolo, Inc., his alma mater.

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Posted in: fsg

ASP Roxas City launched

The Autism Society Philippines ushers in a new chapter -- ASP Roxas in Capiz!

Ms. Janette Peña, ASP Executive Director facilitated the first family support group meeting for our newbie chapter of 2 September 2017. The parents who attended the meeting felt emboldened to share their autism journey.

Mam Jan Peña gave Family Support Group

The induction ceremony at City Mall Roxas with Atty. Ronnie Dadivas as our inducting officer followed later in the day. All the local ASP officers supported the event through their valuable presence and shared effort prior and during the activity. After the induction ceremony, Ms. Janette Peña delivered a powerful, informative and encouraging message about autism spectrum disorder and an orientation about the ASP advocacy. The attendance or 62 overwhelmed the organizers, since this was unexpected. The attendees were a mix of parents, students, professionals and persons with autism.

About the contributor: Fe Dela Cruz is the ASP Roxas City Chapter President. She is a full time mom of 2 kids and happily married to Jonathan Dela Cruz. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce.

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Posted in: 4parents,chapters,seminar

The Gobernadora is now ASP’s Executive Director

After almost four years of searching, ASP has found the right lady to fit the green shoes of its Executive Director. There was no need to look far and wide. It was all just a matter of timing. ASP National Past President (2012-2014) Mary Janette "Tita Jan" Peña started overseeing the society’s operations last 1 September 2017.

Mary Janette Peña

Tita Jan is often called “Gobernadora” by ASP leaders. After becoming the founding chapter president of ASP Bacoor in 2006, Jan proceeded to building thirteen more chapters in Cavite province from 2007 to 2016. By 2008, the Gobernadora pursued chapter building outside of Cavite province, and was instrumental in forming 21 more chapters nationwide. In between chapter building, Jan also served as Board Trustee of ASP National From 2008 to 2016. She is also concurrently the chapter president of ASP Dasmariñas.

Jan’s chapter building efforts contributed to increased public awareness on autism in Cavite province and in March 2011, she was chosen as Woman of the Year of Dasmariñas City. In September 2015, Jan and her family were conferred the 2015 Jollibee Family Values Award for their exceptional contribution to the empowerment of Filipinos with autism.

An effective resource speaker and facilitator for autism-related seminars for both private and public sector, Jan is backed by years of experience in teaching and training. She graduated with a degree in Psychology in UP, Diliman, and had started her master’s degree in Educational Management at Dela Salle University. She had been a high school and grade school teacher before becoming an instructional trainer and supervisor at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center in Morong, Bataan and a technical trainer for the US Peace Corps Philippines education program.

Tita Jan will be reporting the ASP National Board, headed by ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz and will working with them on partnerships with government and the private sector, on chapter building and empowerment and on programs that will meet the ever-changing needs of the autism community. She will also be supported by the ASP Secretariat -- Cenin Faderogao, Abby Mendoza, Carla Banag, Lloyd Ngo, Paulo Guzman, Danmar Dayao and Christian Ambion.

Our new Executive Director comes with her own personal assistant! Her son Muneer, a newly-minted NC II barista with autism, is now a full-time volunteer at ASP, immersed in encoding and library work.

“If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you are seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession.” -Lao Tse

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ASP Autism Works shines in Los Baños

What started as a rainy cloudy day, turned out to be a vibrant session with job seekers from San Pablo, San Pedro, Calamba and Los Baños in Laguna last 31 August 2017.

Autism Works Project Manager discussed the background of the project

The ASP Autism Works Open House in Los Baños was led by ASP Laguna President Catherine Lopez, ASP Laguna VP and National Trustee Marivic Ramos, and ARC Director Lian Del Valle, assisted by ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz and ASP Angel Corps Volunteer Carl Veluz. The event kicked off with opening remarks from Ms. Cathy. Ms. Mona followed with a background on ASP Autism Works Career Placement Initiative and the opportunities we are currently recruiting for.

Applicants during the assessment session

During the assessments and interviews, parents of adults with autism expressed their apprehensions about riding public transportation independently, compassionate treatment of their children at work, and public acceptance of their working PWAs. While misunderstandings are always a possibility, the ASP Autism Works Program minimizes risks by educating the employer on how to help PWAs become successful and communicating to the general public the value of workers with autism.

Candidates with autism, whose ages varied from 19 to 32 years old, are encouraged to embrace opportunities for growth. This is the time to transition from their sheltered environment to a life of independence and self determination.

"While waiting for the "perfect job", it is important for adults with autism to have daily activities outside the home and to have regular engagements for work or recreation," advised ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz.

The Autism Resource Center in Intan Street, Sta. Fe Subdivision, Los Baños, Laguna shall provide assessment and job coaching services for applicants from Laguna. The team has vast experience in early intervention, life skills training and transition education.

The participants and their parents together with the Project Manager and Officers of ASP Laguna

The ASP Autism Works Open House series is happening all over the country - Quezon City, Davao, Los Baños, Cebu, Lucena, Iloilo and Parañaque. This project was made possible with the support of Cebu Pacific, Communicare Therapy Center, Inclusion Advoc8, Kitestrings Developmental Center, WorkAbilities, various ASP Chapters and media outlets like Cebu Daily News, Sun Star Cebu, ABS CBN Iloilo and ABS-CBN Cebu.

The Autism Society Philippines' Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an autism-inclusive society, by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces for adults with autism. ASP's CBR-inspired employment model empowers PWAs and their families towards success at work, through careful profiling of candidates, customized job matching, job coaching training and partnership with respected transition specialists and employers. ASP cordially invites job-ready persons with autism to explore employment possibilities by sending their resume to autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: autism-works,chapters,employment,open house,regional,self-advocates