The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

29 July 2019

Transition Planning Parent Workshop

August 24, 2019
9am - 12nn

This workshop is for parents who are looking for direction regarding their adolescents with Autism. The parents, together with their sons/daughters, will be encouraged to create a transition plan to help in making the future of these PWAs. The workshop entails defining a transition plan, making the transition team, setting long-term and short-term goals, and planning for follow-ups.

The image shows a man going upstairs.
Transition Planning Digital Poster

Our Speaker:

Mr. Dominic Cheoc
Mr. Dominic U. Cheoc, OTRP
Teacher Dom is an Occupational Therapist who has a passion for helping adolescents and adults in the Autism Spectrum. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines-Manila (UP-Manila) and currently taking up his Master's degree in Psychology, major in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in De La Salle University-Manila. He, together with his colleagues, initiated the Community Living Class in Clinic for Therapy Services-Adolescents and Adults Section - which aims to provide skills training for PWAs in marginalized settings. He is also a clinical supervisor and a lecturer in UP-Manila. Aside from these endeavors, he is the Operations Manager of Chatter Therapy Center, a clinic in Quezon City offering specialized Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Pathology services. He envisions to enhance the Adolescent practice of OT in the Philippines and promote inclusive workplaces for Persons who are differently-abled.

Seminar Rates: (certificate and snack included)
The Seminar is exclusive to members of the Autism Society Philippines. Seminar rate is until August 22nd only, additional P200 for walkin registration.
P 400 - Seminar only (For existing ASP Members)
P 900 - Seminar + ASP membership

Seminar fees may be deposited 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 25 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.

25 July 2019

The First Philippine Accessibility Summit

The Autism Society Philippines National President Mona Magno-Veluz was among the 200 participants of the First Philippine Accessibility Summit, spearheaded by the Presidential Human Right Committee. The event was a fitting end to the week-long celebration of the 41st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week; and congruent to our country's commitment to uphold the United Nations Convention to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The image shows many participants during The First Philippine Accessibility Summit.
During Accessibility Summit

The full government support and international NGO engagement was evident in the presence of the DSWD Sec. Rolando Bautista, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary to the President Atty. Michael P. Ong, United Nations Human Rights Coordinator Mr. Mika Kanervavuori, Philippine Human Rights Committee Executive Director USec. Severo S. Catura, DSWD USec. Florita Villar and DoTr USec Artemio Tuazon Jr.

The institutionalization of a national disability-centric forum is an admirable development. We need a unified strategic platform to develop disability-inclusive policy frameworks, consistent with aspirations of international and local groups for genuine inclusion. Local programs for persons with disabilities must align to global/national plans and supported/monitored accordingly.

The United Nations found, in its recent compliance audit, how the Philippine policies are still geared towards charity and medical "solutions" to disability. The Philippine government looks to future disability laws and policies, anchored on social- and rights-based premises. The government is dedicated to shifting from simply giving “needs” to honoring human rights — using their regulatory mandate to break down environmental, communications, organizational and attitudinal barriers.

The summit called for the adoption of the PANTHER principle in rights-based disability advocacy — Participation, Accountability, Non-Discrimination, Transparency, Human Dignity, Empowerment, and Rule of Law.

To reinforce the commitment to uplifting the rights of persons with disabilities, the government further committed 1) to address challenges on resource availability; 2) to review and improve laws and policies to be responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities; 3) to care for persons with disabilities and their families, consistent with the Philippine culture; and 4) to pursue initiatives on health, education, housing, environment, consistent in the context of disability rights.

NCDA dove into the difference between, segregation (separating by disability), integration (grouping without supports) and inclusion (grouping with appropriate supports) — with inclusion being the aspiration.

Clear is the government’s call for transformation towards “Nothing about us, without us”. The ASP has heeded this call and in 2018, supported the creation of the ASP Self-Advocates Circle towards nurturing a new generation of leaders and facilitate their participation at the national and international stage.

The DSWD reported that the latest National Disability Survey resulted in a 12 percent population disability rate. We look forward to the clear data, showing the inclusion of persons with non-apparent disabilities in these numbers. The full dis-aggregated statistical report will be available later this year.

The image shows Ms. Mona Veluz wearing black attire with green shawl and Sec. Rolando Bautista wearing barong.
Ms. Mona Veluz with Sec. Rolando Joselito Bautista

This event is a laudable step towards holding government to account on implementing existing disability laws. Glaring was the lack of consideration for the needs of those with developmental disabilities. Noteworthy was the collaborative spirit of USec Nonoy Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee who encouraged the private sector to help government fill the gaps.

Autism-OK Philippines? Not yet; but we are getting there.

The Philippine Accessibility Summit ran from 24-25 July 2019 at the Heritage Hotel in Manila. Watch the summit as it unfolded here.


07 July 2019

Nominations for the 9th Jollibee Family Values Awards are open!

The image shows three in a family with a bucket of chicken.
Jollibee Family Values Awards
The Autism Society Philippines chapters and members are encouraged to send nominations to the Jollibee Family Values Awards to join the ranks of past winners who have advocated for persons on the autism spectrum and their families.

"The Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA) is an annual recognition program of the country’s leading fast-food chain for exemplary Filipino families. It seeks to give honor to deserving families who exemplify positive Filipino family values such as generosity, compassion, love for the community, love for the environment, among others, while also providing selfless service to their communities. The JFVA has demonstrated that the Philippines boasts of a priceless class of heroes – entire families of socially responsible citizens who share the same values of making a difference in the lives of other people and communities." Special awards are given to exemplary families who uphold the rights of persons with disabilities.

The JFVA has seen it fitting to honor families affiliated with the Autism Society Philippines in the past years:

The image shows Vizcocho family.
The Viscocho Family of Baguio, Benguet
2016 Winner
Special Citation for PWDs

The image shows Peña family.
The Peña Family of Dasmariñas, Cavite
2015 Winner

Mechanics and nomination forms can be found at https://jfva.jollibee.com.ph. Please direct all questions and comments to the organizers.

05 July 2019

Evidence-Based Autism Intervention and Success Case Studies

27 July 2019
8:30am - 12:00nn

This moderated webcast will present a case of success covering the topics of communication, direct instruction, time management and making good choices from preschool age to early adulthood.

The image shows parents with a young boy in the beach.
Evidence Based Autism Intervention Digital Poster

About the Speaker:

The image shows Ms. Loukia Tsami wearing black attire with red shawl.
Ms. Loukia Tsami
Loukia Tsami, MA, BCBA, LBA completed the Applied Behavior Analysis certification program at Florida Institute of Technology. She graduated from Northcentral University with a Master of Arts degree in Psychology. She currently works as a research associate at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Tsami is faculty at the University of Texas, Health Science Center and Baylor College of Medicine. Her research interests and publications include the topics of assessment and treatment of problem behavior as well as parent training via telehealth. She is the founder of Telehealth ABA World Project through which parents and educators who work with children with autism and other disabilities in 24 countries receive free training services.

Seminar Rates: (certificate and snack included)
The Seminar is exclusive to members of the Autism Society Philippines. Seminar rate is until July 25th only, additional P200 for walkin registration.
P 400 - Seminar only (For existing ASP Members)
P 900 - Seminar + ASP membership

Seminar fees may be deposited 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.

03 July 2019

ASP Family Support Group for July 2019

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.

The image shows Ms. Grace Adviento wearing blue blouse and her son Adrian wearing light red polo.
Grace and Adrian

Our facilitator for this month is Mary Grace Adviento. Momie Grace has contributed to the autism advocacy in multiple capacities, most significantly as ASP’s President from 2010-2012. She was a pioneer facilitator for the ASP Early Detection and Intervention Program and SM Caring for Customers with Specials Needs seminars. Grace is mother to Adrian, a young man on the autism spectrum. Sign up for the Family Support Group via the on-line form below or call +632 903.5496. Only 15 seats are available.

ASP Family Support Group
27 July 2019, Saturday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters
#9 11th Jamboree Street cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City
Map: http://bit.ly/1LwgklB

01 July 2019

ASP PweDay for the months of July, August and September 2019

Kids have to be exposed to different things in order to develop. A child’s not going to find out he likes to play a musical instrument if you never exposed him to it… -- Temple Grandin

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.

The image shows Pweymates painting canvas pouch.
Pweymates Painting Canvas Pouch

On July 3 - we will have an art lesson - DIY Photo Frames Art. Photo frames put those moments you’ve captured on display, so you’re surrounded by meaning and memories. Preserve all your life's important moments with DIY Photo Frames Art. Please bring your own scissor, glue, glue gun, 5 to 10 3R pictures of you and your family and the P200 donation.

On July 10 - we will have a fun Indoor Games for Persons on the autism spectrum. This activity will help Persons on the autism spectrum to increase and develop the following: social interaction among them, help them to seek out lifelong friendships while learning how to take turns and partake in socially appropriate behaviors, build the skills required for communication through playing and interacting, physical activity is also suggested to improve self-esteem. Participants must wear comfortable shoes, bring extra shirt, water and a simple snacks.

On July 17 - CANCELED we will have a cooking session. Kutsinta or kuchinta or even brown rice cake is a type of “kakanin”. Kutsinta is somewhat sticky yet chewey at the same time and is best eaten with grated coconut on top. In addition, this is one of the most popular Filipino desserts to date. This will teach the them on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, disposable food container and wear closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On July 24 - 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 Persons on the autism spectrum 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 them to be calm and relax. Bring you own mat on this activity.

On July 31 - We will have a cooking session. Kutsinta or kuchinta or even brown rice cake is a type of “kakanin”. Kutsinta is somewhat sticky yet chewey at the same time and is best eaten with grated coconut on top. In addition, this is one of the most popular Filipino desserts to date. This will teach our Persons on the autism spectrum on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, disposable food container and wear closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On August 7 - we will have art lesson - DIY Yarn Wrapped Glass Bottle. Before you recycle a used bottle, take a look at this Craft Of The Day! We're turning old bottles into revamped vases that are perfect for an empty window sill or table decor. All you need is a yarn with different colors if you want and your choices of artistic beads or buttons. This session will enhance the creativity of our Persons on the autism spectrum and develop their natural artistic abilities. Participants will just bring their own scissor, paint brush, glue gun and extra shirt. Please wear proper clothes, no sando. Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On August 14 - another Art Day for our Persons on the autism spectrum. We will have Custom Bleached T-shirt. Learn how to transform a plain shirt into a bleach spray shirt, with a spray bottle, and some bleach! Bleach is the common household cleaning agent that can be used in a variety of different ways. But this time, we will use this to create unique t-shirt designs. This fun activity to work on with our Persons on the autism spectrum, can incorporate color identification, fine motor skills, following directions, and more! Please bring the following: rubber gloves, your own colored shirt, face mask and the P200 donation.

On August 28 - we will have Chocolate Frosted Fried Donut. These chocolate frosted fried donuts are so simple to make! Cover them completely in sprinkles and you’ll find yourself eating more than just one. This will teach our Persons on the autism spectrum on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, disposable food container and wear closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site.

On September 4 - We will have a Sensory-Friendly Movie - This will provides a sensory friendly environment for individuals on the autism spectrum for whom the environment is suitable and their families to watch the movie. These screenings will allow bringing up the lights, turning down sound volume, allowing families/Persons on the spectrum to bring in their own snacks. They can get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the room.

On September 11 - we will have MixxedFit Dance Fitness - our PweMates favorite, 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. Please wear proper clothes, no sando and slippers. Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site.

On September 18 - we will have DIY Drawstring Bag Painting. Join us as we create a unique and simple DIY Drawstring Bag. In the past couple of years, drawstring bags have become a trendy item because of their versatility and their customizability. This fun activity make an ordinary bag into something special. This session will enhance the creativity of our Persons on the autism spectrum and develop their natural artistic abilities. Participants will just bring their own paint brushes, acrylic paints, glue gun and extra shirt. Please wear proper clothes, no sando.

On September 25 - we will have Puto Pizza, another trending merienda that we will surely enjoy. Comes with a simple and unique recipe, good idea for this coming season! This will teach our Persons on the autism spectrum on proper food hygiene, simple food preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, disposable food container and wear closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please). Prepare a P200 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 Persons on the autism spectrum 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 PWAs 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."


 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Sweet Tomatoes Printable Coupons