ASP PweDay for the months of January and February 2020

Everyone has a mountain to climb and autism has not been my mountain, it has been my opportunity for victory. --- Rachel Barcellona

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 last activities of Flaglets Making

On January 8 and 15 - we will make a Flaglets that we will use in our Angels Walk for Autism 2020 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 suprise prizes you get. Prepare a P50 donation when you get on-site.

On February 5 - we will have a Pizza Making. Pizza is a savory dish of Italian origin, consisting of a usually round, flattened base of leavened wheat-based dough. Usually topped with tomatoes, cheese, and often various other ingredients (anchovies, olives, meat, etc.) baked at a high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired oven. This will teach 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 February 12 - we will make DIY Paper Rose Flower. Roses are most popular and beautiful flower in the world. 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 your own scissor, glue gun and prepare a P200 donation when you get on-site. Wear appropriate clothes, no sando.

On February 19 - we will have Circuit Training Exercise. Circuit training is a form of body conditioning or resistance training using high-intensity aerobics. It targets strength building and muscular endurance. An exercise "circuit" is one completion of all prescribed exercises in the program. Certified Mixxedfit Instructor Miss Donna Lim will teach this another program exercise. Prepare a P100 donation when you get on-site. Wear appropriate clothes, no sando, no sandals or slippers.

On February 26 - we will prepare Coconut Macaroons - Filipino coconut macaroons are your new favorite baked treat! Soft, chewy and chock-full of coconut flavor, these mini cupcakes are addictive. It is simple, easy, and delicious. This will teach 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.

"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."

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Posted in: 4pwas

ASP’S Homepowerment Program – Empowering Families thru Training and Therapy Services for CWAs

The Autism Society Philippines is pleased to open the applications for Batch 9 of ASP's HOMEpowerment, a program that offers initial therapy to children with autism 8 years and below from indigent ASP member families.

HOMEpowerment digital poster

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 at home, 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 barangay;
1.3 commit to attending all therapy sessions, parent trainings and to implementing programs at home; and
1.4 allow home visits by a parent-mentor

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 September 2011 (approximately 8 years old and below);

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

4) ASP will select a limited number of children with autism to benefit from the program.

Occupational Therapy shall be conducted at the Quality Life Discoveries, at No. 70 20th Avenue Barangay San Roque, Quezon City, while Speech Therapy is offered at Center for Exploration and Experiential Development at Room 414 Jocfer Bldg., Commonwealth Ave. 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 has helped us develop the program to better answer the needs of a growing autism community.

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Posted in: 4pwas,children,HOMEpowerment,therapy

Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee is ASP's Goodwill Ambassador!

Congratulations, Miss Michelle Marquez Dee for finishing in the Top 12 of the Miss World 2019 pageant, among 111 countries!

ASP supports Ms. Michelle Dee

You have made a big impact on all of us in Autism Society Philippines, whose voices were amplified because you have taken our advocacy for autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation to a global audience. We are thankful for the programs you have supported and the doors you have opened since becoming engaged with the ASP.

You embody the quintessential family advocate who works with humility, compassion and impact. We are confident that your voice will make people in power respond to our message of inclusion and most importantly, bring hope to individuals on the autism spectrum and families who love them all over our great archipelago – and the world!

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Posted in: ambassador

The ASP AUthletics kicks off with an inter-city tournament

The Autism Society Philippines, the nation’s strongest and widest-reaching autism advocacy group is inspiring acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism (PWAs), through programs and projects relevant to the our growing community of 13,000 members and 98 chapters nationwide.

Since it began in 1989, our community has taken bold steps, despite being fueled by humble resources. In 2016, we launched the ASP Autism Works economic empowerment initiative which has benefited more than 200 persons on the spectrum through employment, training and entrepreneurship opportunities -- AutisMALL, Project GourmA and Project ChocolatA. In 2018, we birthed the ASP HOMEpowerment program which provided therapy for pre-schoolers on the spectrum and parent training which help dedicated but financially vulnerable families.

In 2020, the Autism Society Philippines takes another uncharted step in launching the ASP AUthletics. The program will be formally introduced at the Angels Walk for Autism 2020 on January 26. This is envisioned as a nationwide initiative on 1) wellness through movement; and 2) competitive athlete development for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program will promote well-being, friendship, and achievement; as well as will inspire genuine acceptance, accommodation and appreciation in an Autism-OK Philippines.

Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Autism Games in 2018

The Autism Society Philippines is preparing for our country's participation at the ASEAN Autism Games in October 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

What: ASP AUthletics Tournament
When: 26 January 2020, Sunday at 1:00pm (following the Angels Walk for Autism)
Where: SM MOA Music Hall, Pasay City

EVENT ONE

Takkyu Volley (Team), a sport invented in Japan, is played on a ping pong table where a maximum of 12 seated athletes play the game by rolling the ball, with wood blocks, under a regulation net. The game is scored like volley ball. Get familiar with this fun but simple game here: http://bit.ly/395qIzZ.

We invite duly-accredited ASP Chapters to sign up for the competition, by filling out the on-line registration forms BEFORE 15 January 2020, noon. They must:
- Field five (5) players to represent their city or municipality;
- Commit players who are in good health;
- Travel independently or as a group to the tournament venue;
- Ensure athletes are comfortably dressed and properly nourished/hydrated; and
- Ensure athletes are accompanied by caregivers familiar with their needs/preferences. (Caregivers may stand behind the athlete during the game, if needed; but caregiver cannot hold the paddle.)

The team is required to wear suitable active footwear, the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2020 shirt, and a unique signature accessory (caps, eyewear, capes -- get creative!) that will distinguish each team. Cost of the team uniform will be born by the athletes or a team sponsor.

The winner will be determined in a single elimination knockout system. Medals will go to the top four teams -- one gold, one silver and two bronze. All participants will get a certificate.

EVENT TWO

Obstacle Course Race (Individual) involves an athlete navigating through a series of challenging physical obstacles, while being timed. It will include running, jumping, hopping and balancing, testing one's speed, endurance and agility.

We invite ASP member families to sign up for the competition, by filling out the on-line registration forms BEFORE 22 January 2020, noon. Parents are responsible for ensuring athletes are in good health.

Categories
Group A - Below 8 years old (Assisted/Unassisted)
Group B - 8 to 14 years old (Assisted/Unassisted)
Group C - 14 years old and above (Assisted)
Group D - 14 years old and above (Unassisted)

All athletes are required to wear suitable active footwear and the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2020 shirt. Medals will go to the individuals with the three best times in each category. All participants will get a certificate.

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Posted in: authletics

ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards 2020

The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5, is an annual recognition of the impact of persons with autism in the community and a celebration of their skills and talent that makes them stand out beyond their exceptionality.

The A5 trophy was designed by Franco Cagayat a sculptor on the spectrum.

The honorees for the A5 every year are selected based on the following criteria:

- Must have been formally diagnosed with autism;
- Must have won a competition at a national or international level during the previous calendar year -- the win must be verifiable through -articles from reputable news organizations; and
- Must possess good moral character.
- Must have NOT previously won the A5.

List of past winners

2019
Samantha Pia Cabañero (advocacy). Pia stood out among other aspirants to be crowned Miss Possibilities in 2018. As the Vice President for Communications for the ASP Self-Advocates Circle. She served as a script consultant for the movie "Unforgettable" where Sarah Geronimo played a woman on the spectrum.

Carlo Gregorio Magno Veluz (visual arts). In 2018, Carl bested other Filipino artists with disabilities to become the winner of the Philippine leg of the Paralym Art World Cup — with his work displayed in Japan. Carl serves as the Vice President for External for the ASP Self Advocates Circle.

Eduardo Enrique Munarriz (athletics). Henry won the top award in the heavyweight class in the Special Category at the 2019 Philippine National Open Powerlifting Championships and was awarded a trophy for Best Lifter in the Special Category. He was part of a 65-man delegation representing Team Pilipinas in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

2018
Charlene Danica Escasiñas (performing arts) - Nica first joined and won a singing contest at the age 7; and started modelling at the age of 12. Danica were given the opportunity to represent the Philippines to the 1st ASEAN Autism Youth Camp in April 2013 at Brunei Darussalam and in Autism Talent Gala 2017 in Hong Kong.

2017
Vell Baria (performing arts) - Vell has been performing at autism advocacy events for years; and performs regularly at amateur and professional productions. Velle is working towards a degree in Music Performance, with a major in Voice, and a minor in Piano, at St. Scholastica's College Manila. She won the INAP Award for Performing Arts at the ANCA World Autism Festival in Vancouver, Canada.

2016
Vico Cham (visual arts) - Considered a product of ASP showcases of PWA talents in his younger years -- joining on-the-spot painting contests, drawing for the centerfold of a national conference's souvenir programme, and being featured during an ASP art exhibit -- Vico received in 2015 a special award from the Apolinario Mabini Award for PWDs. He works as PWA employee #1 of Unilab Foundation.

Raymond Macasaet (athletics) - Raymond is a Special Olympics veteran, having earned medals in Aquatics in competitions in Greece 2011 and Singapore 2013. During the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, he won gold in the 50 meter and 25 meter dash in the track and field category.

Thara Marie Santiago (performing arts) - From 79 candidates, Thara Marie became one of the 19 finalists who received "Excellent Performance Award" during the Autistic Talent Gala held last December 2015 in Hong Kong, which was organized by the AnAn International Education Foundation. Her rendition of "All by Myself" earned her one of the 4 major awards in the individual category - "Most Touching Voice."

Nomination Form

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Posted in: a5,angels-walk