ASP PweDay for the Month of April 2018

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. --- Aristotle

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.

PweDay Shoe Painting

On April 4 - Adults on the autism spectrum will have their Photo Collage Art Session - Art therapy promotes mental and emotional growth through art making. Art therapy is conducted with the aim of building life skills, addressing deficits and problem behaviors, and promoting healthy self-expression. Photo collage is Cool Art Therapy Intervention. In art lingo, collage simply means "to glue," and is the assembling of different images or materials to create a new whole. Please bring scissors, glue, pictures of you and your family for about 15-20pieces in different sizes (wallet size, 3R, 2x2), 1/8 illustration board, pencil.

On April 11 - we will have Smartphone Digital Photography session - This Wednesday, our Persons on the autism spectrum will be learning how to take digital portraits using smartphones from photography experts from Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation Inc — who will be setting up our HQ like a pro studio! Participants must bring a smartphone (with a camera and enough memory) and outfits they would like to be photographed in, as they will take turns being models as well. Ready? Smile!.” Prepare a P150 donation when you get on-site.

On April 18 - we will have a Pangkabuhayang Recipe - Persons on the autism spectrum will prepare Special Polvoron - a popular holiday delicacies, a dessert or snack in the Philippines. Cooking can be an opportunity to increase independence, learn basic academic skills to use in a functional way. Persons on the autism spectrum who have sensory processing challenges can benefit greatly from the smells, textures and tastes involved with the cooking process. 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 April 25 - Persons 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.

"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

The Philippines celebrates World Autism Acceptance Month 2018

World Autism Awareness Day digital poster

The United Nations World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to focus on the challenges that people with autism – and their families – face every day. This year, the commemoration will focus on the importance of empowering women and girls with autism and involving them and their representative organizations in policy and decision making to address these challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines is one with this global commemoration, as well as the call for the World Autism Acceptance Month, which inspires action beyond awareness. ASP is at the forefront of events and programs in the Philippines, all through out the month of April, for the benefit of our community of persons with autism, family member and other stakeholders.

ASP EVENTS METRO MANILA
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ASP Family Prayer Jamboree (by Registration)
April 2, Mon, 1800H-2000H, Quezon Memorial Circle
More info: http://bit.ly/2up9uxo
Organizers: Autism Society Philippines, LGU of Quezon City, NCDA
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National Autism Care Plan Public Consultation (by Registration)
April 3, Tue, 0900H-1200H, PUP College of Law
More info: http://bit.ly/2uh743Q
Organizers: Autism Society Philippines, AKBAYAN, and the PUP College of Law
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Autism Sensitivity Training for Coast Guard (by Invitation)
April 3, Tue, 1000-1200H, HPCG Function Hall
Organizers: Philippine Coast Guard, NCDA, Autism Society Philippines
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Caloocan's World Autism Awareness Day (Public)
April 3, Tue, 1300H-2030H, Caloocan Baranggay 177 Hall
Organizer: ASP Caloocan Chapter
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Paranaque Pizza Party (By Registration)
April 5, Thu, 1500H-1700H, Shakey's Parañaque
Organizer: ASP Parañaque
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ASP Autism Works MOU Signing with Wee Community Developers (by Invitation)
April 6, Fri, 0800H-1200H, San Juan City
Organizers: Autism Society Philippines, WeeComm
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ASP Autism Works MOU Signing with SM Markets (by Invitation)
April 10, Tue, 1000H-1200H, SM Corporate Offices, Building E
Organizers: Autism Society Philippines, SM Markets

ASP EVENTS NATIONWIDE
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ASP Autism Works Pilot in Quezon Province (by Invitation)
April 2, Mon, 0800H-1200H, SM Savemore Agora Lucena
Organizers: Autism Society Philippines, SM Savemore, ASP Lucena
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1Pangako at Davao City Hall (Public)
April 2, Mon, 0800H, Davao City Hall
Organizer: Local Government of Davao City, ASP Davao Chapter
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Davao City Lights It Up Blue (Public)
April 2, Mon, 1800H, Davao City Hall
More info: http://bit.ly/2ups5cw
Organizer: ASP Davao Chapter
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Bacolod's World Autism Awareness Day (by Invitation)
April 3, Tue, 1000H - 1200H, SM City Bacolod
Organizers: Happy Beginners School of Learning, SM City Bacolod, ASP Bacolod
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AutisAbilities Festival (Public)
April 8, Sun, 0900H-2100H, Ayala Malls Solenad, Sta, Rosa
More info: http://bit.ly/2ufgtIW
Organizer: ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter
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Iloilo's World Autism Awareness Day (Public)
April 19, 0800H-1300H, Punta Villa, Iloilo
Organizer: Department of Health, ASP Iloilo
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Tacloban Autism Health Forum (Public)
April 19-20, Tacloban
Organizer: Department of Health, ASP Tacloban
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Auti-Sympo (by Registration)
April 28, Sat, TBD
Organizer: ASP Rizal Chapters

MORE EVENTS
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Big Dome Lights Blue (Public)
April 2, Mon, 1800H, Smart Araneta Coliseum
Organizers: NCDA, Araneta Center, Autism Partnership, PACLDD
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MOA Globe LIUB (Public)
April 2, Mon, 1800H, MOA Globe
Organizers: NCDA, SM Cares, Autism Partnership
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DLSU College of Saint Benilde (By Registration)
April 2, Monday 1730H, CSB SDA Building,
Organizers: DLSU CSB Center for Inclusive Education, Best Buddies Benilde

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Posted in: WAAD

ASP pilots HOMEpowerment Program -- Therapy Services for CWAs

We are celebrating World Autism Acceptance Month with the launch of yet another groundbreaking initiative!

Teacher My Sorongon demonstrating
an approach during the EDEIP at Pasay City

The Autism Society Philippines is pleased to open the applications for Batch 1 of ASP's HOMEpowerment, a program that offers 10 months of therapy to children with autism from indigent families, for a minimal fee of P50 per session.
The program will be composed of occupational, speech and non-traditional therapy sessions. Parents will also receive training on how to continue their child's program after the 10 months, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for their child with autism. This offering was made possible by the generous donation of Kiehl's Philippines, as part of a global effort to support autism causes.
Here's how you can apply to the ASP's HOMEpowerment program:

1) The applicant family must ...

1.1 live within Quezon City's District 1, District 3 and District 4;
1.2 have a Certificate of Indigency, issued by DSWD or the baranggay;
1.3 be willing to attend all therapy sessions, parent training and implement home programs for 10 months; and
1.4 allow home visits by a social worker.

2) The child with #autism must ...

2.1 have a formal autism assessment report from a developmental pediatrician or a recommendation from a licensed occupational or speech therapist;
2.2 be born no earlier than 1 January 2010 (approximately 8 years old and below); and
2.3 be clear of physical disabilities or co-morbid medical conditions.

3) The applicant family must fill out this form below. ASP will schedule interviews with the applicant families in April 2018. THERE IS NO NEED TO FOLLOW UP. WE WILL REACH OUT TO ALL APPLICANTS FOR INTERVIEW SCHEDULES. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

4) ASP will select thirty (30) children with autism to benefit from the program.

The venue of the pilot batch of the ASP HOMEpowerment Program will be at the Quality Life Discoveries, at No. 70 20th Avenue Barangay San Roque, Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines aspires to extend this program to more families and to bring it to the provinces. Our experience from the pilot batch will help us develop the program to better answer the needs of a growing autism community.

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Posted in: children,HOMEpowerment,therapy

Intervention Models for Children with Autism

Teacher Patricia Yap, a special educator explained the principles, processes and practices in the intervention models for children with autism -- such as Developmental Individual differences Relationship (DIR)/Floortime and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) -- at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 24 March 2018.

Intervention Models for Children with Autism Participants

Teacher Patricia explained each of the six developmental capacities of children, the milestones they need to master and how these can impact a healthy emotional and intellectual growth of every child. She also explained how these capacities are affected by individual differences, whether biologically based or family, community or culture based. It was pointed out that it is important to identify the child’s and the parents and/or teacher’s interactive style. The parent and/or the teacher should adapt to the child’s style to develop a good relationship. This good relationship is the mechanism for learning for all children to develop and learn through relationships with parents and other trusted adults.

Floortime is a technique or a type of play where the parent or the teacher get down on the floor and work with the child to master each of the developmental capacities. The technique involves following the child’s natural interests, at the same time challenging the child towards greater mastery of the social, emotional and intellectual capacities. Children, young adults and adults with developmental challenges especially those on the autism spectrum disorder can benefit from Floortime. A teacher, an occupational or speech therapists, a parent or anyone can be trained to deliver Floortime.

The six social-emotional stages of development were each discussed in details. The six stages are as follows (1) regulation and shared attention (2) engagement and relatedness; intimacy and/or falling in love (3) two-way and purposeful communication (4) social problem solving/ complex communication (5) creative and meaningful use of ideas/emotional ideas (6) emotional and logical thinking. Criteria and goal for each stage were discussed in details.

As every intervention model, Floortime also begins with an assessment. The child is observed to identify his/her developmental level. Which developmental capacity is mastered fully or partially and which are not observed at all is noted. The child’s reactions and plan of actions towards a sensation and his/her learning relationship are also observed.

Floortime is done by following the child’s lead, and seeing what motivates him, then join him in whatever he is doing. As the child begin to recognize the adult’s presence, entice him into shared interaction, with challenge but his individual profile is taken into consideration..

Early Start Denver Model shares some common features with approaches like (1) Denver Model (2) Pivotal Response Training (PRT) (3) Applied Behavior Analysis. ESDM is a technique that develops children’s spontaneous tendency to approach and interact with others and their ability to engage with others. It targets the core deficits of Autism Spectrum Disorder and focuses on skills needed to accelerate development through hands-on and experiential learning. The model also focuses on quality relationships, affect and adult sensitivity and responsivity. The model is found to be effective in enhancing development in children with autism ages one to three years old.

ESDM can be implemented in any setting; at home, in an inclusive preschool, in a clinical office or intervention center by a parent, a teacher or a therapist. Teacher Patricia stresses the importance of data collection to evaluate the teaching efficacy and to adjust and maximize progress.

ESDM begins with an interview with the parents of the CWA. A curriculum checklist serves as a guide in developing the 12-week objective where teaching steps will be based. Data on these documents will constantly be referred to and updated accordingly. Teacher Patricia gives special attention to the importance of the set-up in starting an ESDM session. Set-up is where the parent or teacher/therapist identify materials and motivating activities to engage the child. ESDM sessions employ strategies and principles of ABA, PRT and Denver Model such as prompts, shaping of behaviors, functional behavior analysis, reinforcement, taking turns, following child's leads and adults' use of positive affect.

Short videos were played demonstrating how a Floortime, PRT and ESDM session takes place to reinforce understanding of each of the models discussed. Also, a pop quiz in between topics helped encourage participation and demonstrate learning.

Teacher Patricia divided the participants into groups to discuss their learning. Each shared their own stories and experiences with children with autism and how these intervention models can help them improve how they teach CWAs,

In closing, Teacher Patricia shared additional take home messages (a) no one intervention is better than the other (b) interventions should be individualized and tailored fit to the child’s needs and strengths (c) play and relationship are key components to an effective intervention for CWAs (d) parents/caregivers are the best people to provide interventions and should be their child’s case manager.

Participants shared what they thought about the seminar:

“Effective sequence of the topic. She did a very organized talk to the participants. Organized planning by the speaker.”

“The seminar is a fruitful way on exposing other options for parent & professionals.”

“Very helpful to my profession. New methods are discussed clearly. Speaker clearly and discussed topics well. Slides and handouts prepared are helpful.”

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,esdm,floortime,rdi

ASP launches PWA Employability Seminar Series

AWorks PWA Employability digital poster

In commemoration of the World Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society Philippines is launching the Autism Works PWA Employability Seminar Series, which will provide hard and soft skills training to adults on the spectrum who are officially signed up for the Autism Works program. They must have been already interviewed, and have signed the Autism Works affirmation of commitment contract.

We are partnering with Accenture Philippines, one of the country's leading providers of technology services, for training in Microsoft Powerpoint Fundamentals, Microsoft Excel Basics + Intermediate + Advanced and Microsoft Word for several Saturdays of April and May 2018.

Date: See registration form for schedule
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: 25.43/44 Training Room, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 2, Mandaluyong City, PHL
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/McpgxczRfow

The ASP's Autism Works career placement initiative aims to build an Autism-OK Philippines by creating genuine employment opportunities in compassionate workplaces. 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. Since the program first started in 2016, it has grown by leaps and bounds, filling 80 positions in 22 enterprises in the the provinces of NCR, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Laguna and Quezon.

To be considered for Autism Works, PWAs may send their resumes to autismphils@gmail.com. We will reach you for schedule of interviews and assessments. We are working through a long queue applicants, please be patient.

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Posted in: 4pwas,employment,training

Families chat about behavior -- the struggles and the joys

Autism Society Philippines National Trustee and City of San Fernando Pampanga President Ms. Joyla Ofrecia welcomed 13 participants in Family Support Group held in ASP National Headquarters last 17 March 2018.

Participants of the Family Support Group

ASPs monthly family support group sessions bring together PWAs, 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. The group shared struggles and solutions to behavior challenges in children with autism, like wandering and aggression -- as well as their wonderful passions, like painting and bible reading.

Their insights from the discussion include:

“I’ve learned I realized that children with ASD have different struggles in life and should treat well.”

“Routine is very important to a child.”

“All this is a process; and a support system is essential.”

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Posted in: fsg

ASP targets continuous growth

The Autism Society Philippines is composed of 13,000 individuals, spread across 93 chapters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as of March 2018. The general membership has grown exponentially over the last two years. The volume persons with autism who have joined the ASP advocacy has jumped 66 percent in the first quarter of 2018 alone! Because of these developments, the ASP National leadership is taking active efforts to ensure ASP is able to support our growing membership, as we turn 30 years old in 2019.

The ASP Cluster Heads

Meet the Cluster Heads who will be helping nurture our growing network of chapters nationwide:

1) Joyla Ofrecia (top left) is the Cluster Head for North Luzon. This mother of two is an ASP National Trustee, President of ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga and Program Director of Noah Autism Resource Center. She has earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Angeles University Foundation. She conducts training to parents and professionals and orientations to different organizations and institutions on autism.

2) Mary Janette I. Peña (top right) is the Cluster Head for South Luzon. Jan is one of the tireless movers behind the meteoric rise in the numbers of ASP chapters nationwide. She has served as ASP National President and Chapter President for Dasmarinas and Bacoor. Jan’s commitment to the national autism advocacy has earned -- together with her husband Al and kids Thea, Muneer (an adolescent with autism) and Milli -- the coveted Jollibee Family Values Award in 2015. She served as the Executive Director of ASP until February 2018.

3) Marivic Ramos (bottom left) is the Cluster Head for Visayas and Mindanao. This native of Davao is an ASP National Trustee and the current Vice-President of ASP Laguna Chapter. Marivic is a pillar of the autism advocacy community in Los Baños, immersing herself in special education and training and empowerment programs over the years. She is a single mother to a young adult with autism, Mico.

4) Cenin Faderagao (bottom right), ASP National Program Coordinator, is the OIC for the Metro Manila clusters, until the rosters and leadership assignments are finalized.

The Autism Society Philippines aspires to be responsive to the needs of the membership and usher projects and programs that are relevant to PWAs and families who live with autism -- powered by engaged parents and passionate volunteers.

To contribute to our family-centric autism advocacy, you may fill out the application form at http://bit.ly/asp-join.

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Posted in: chapters

ASP PweDay for the month of March 2018

"If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn" --- Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

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 Pwaymates during the cooking session

On March 7 - we will start our PweDay for this month - a KarAOKe session for the Persons on the autism spectrum in a real KarAOKe Machine. Singing lowers stress levels. This activity will releases stored muscle tension and decreases the levels of a stress hormone of the adults with autism. Singing improves mental alertness: Improved blood circulation and an oxygenated blood stream allow more oxygen to reach the brain.

On March 14 - we will have a Chocnut Making - one of the favorite and yummy chocolate products of our Persons on the autism spectrum. This can be an opportunity to increase independence, learn basic academic skills to use in a functional way. Persons on the autism spectrum who have sensory processing challenges can benefit greatly from the smells, textures and tastes involved during the process. 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 March 21 - one of the most requested PweDay activities - MixxedFit Dance Fitness - 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.

"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."

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas