Wanted: Performers on the Spectrum for ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2027

One of the highlights of the ASP Angels Walk for Autism each year is the singing and dancing skills of people on the spectrum. Thanks to this annual talent event, children and adults on the spectrum are welcomed, accommodated, and valued in the performing arts.

In preparation for the next Angels Walk for Autism, the Autism Society Philippines is looking for additional performers. You can submit your entry no later than 15 January 2027.

Who can audition?

Performers on the autism spectrum:
- active regular ASP member/s; either as individual/s or child/ren of active ASP members (this applies to all members of a group). To join ASP: http://bit.ly/asp-join.
- any age
- any performing act: singing, dancing, instruments, magic, stand up acts, etc.
- solo or group
- those who have previously performed in Angels Walk for Autism can audition

Fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/231213904595455

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Posted in: 4pwas,aumazing,awalk,talents

Family Support Group for the month of May 2026

Date: 09 May 2026, Saturday

Time: 10:00 AM

Register here to get the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4d3QMxq

Registration deadline: 08 May 2026, Friday at 12noon

The Autism Society Philippines’ Family Support Group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to share their journey of living with autism. Participants exchange experiences, drawing strength and insight from others facing similar challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines, together with this month’s host, ASP Sta. Rosa, welcomes both members and non-members united by the shared experience of autism. Our goal is to educate, empower, and inspire as we work towards building an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

If you have not received your Zoom credentials by 1:00 PM on 08 May 2026 (Friday), please email us at autismphils@gmail.com. Please do not share your Zoom link. Only one device per registered name will be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Karen Aujero is a National Board Trustee and a dedicated mother to Gabby, a 26-year-old on the autism spectrum who successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing. She is a freelancer with a passion for creativity, exploring various fields such as graphic design, printing, and crafting..

Marigin Cinco is a dedicated mother to Airam Josef, a 24-year-old young man on the autism spectrum. Based in Biñan, Laguna, she is a passionate advocate for the autism community and currently serves as the President of ASP Sta. Rosa, supporting individuals on the spectrum and their families.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

Family Support Group for the month of March 2026

Date: 14 March 2026, Saturday

Time: 10:00 AM

Register here to get the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4sAsT6O

Registration deadline: 13 March 2026, Friday at 12noon

The Autism Society Philippines’ Family Support Group sessions bring together parents, siblings, and other family members to share their journey of living with autism. Participants exchange experiences, drawing strength and insight from others facing similar challenges.

The Autism Society Philippines, together with this month’s host, ASP Paranaque, welcomes both members and non-members united by the shared experience of autism. Our goal is to educate, empower, and inspire as we work towards building an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

If you have not received your Zoom credentials by 1:00 PM on 13 March 2026 (Friday), please email us at autismphils@gmail.com. Please do not share your Zoom link. Only one device per registered name will be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Anna Dame M. Barbosa is a dedicated advocate who served as an ASP National Trustee. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Colegio de San Juan de Letran and has professional experience in customer support across both private companies and government agencies. Currently, Anna Dame serves as the ASP AUdventure Program Manager and is also a co-host of ASP PweDay, actively contributing to the organization's advocacy and outreach efforts..

Seychellen Gigantone is a dedicated Chapter President of Parañaque. A proud mom of two, she draws strength and inspiration from her family.

As an active advocate, she empowers others through service and leadership. She is also a driven online reseller and affiliate, balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and community work. A true example of strength, purpose, and heart.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

The Angels Walk for Autism 2026 Shirts Available Now!

As we prepare for the highly anticipated Angels Walk for Autism 2026, we are pleased to announce that the official event shirts are now on sale. Show your support for the advocacy and help advance the vision of an Autism-OK Philippines by proudly wearing your Angels Walk for Autism 2026 shirt. 

Angels Walk for Autism 2026 Shirts

To ensure your purchase is authentic and directly supports the cause, we encourage everyone to buy the official event shirts only through our authorized Lazada and Shopee stores. These are the only official online platforms where you can purchase genuine Angels Walk for Autism merchandise.

By buying from our official channels, you help guarantee the quality of your shirt and directly support the programs and initiatives of the Autism Society Philippines. Please be aware that unauthorized sellers may offer similar merchandise. We strongly advise against purchasing from them, as this compromises the integrity of the event and diverts much-needed support from the true cause.

How to Get Your Official Angels Walk for Autism Shirt:

1. Visit Our Official Lazada and Shopee Shops: Head to our official stores on Lazada and Shopee to browse and purchase your exclusive Angels Walk for Autism shirts.

Lazada: https://bit.ly/awalkshirt2026lazada

Shopee: https://bit.ly/awalkshirt2026shopee

2. Choose Your Size: Select the size that fits you best. We offer a variety of sizes to suit your preferences.

3. Place Your Order Securely: Complete your order through the official platforms, knowing that your purchase supports the advocacy and the Autism Society Philippines directly.

4. Spread the Word: Share the links to our Lazada and Shopee shops with your friends and family, so they too can purchase authentic shirts and support the cause.

Join us in making a difference with the Angels Walk for Autism 2026 by wearing your official shirt with pride. Get your free tickets for the Angels Walk for Autism here: https://bit.ly/angelswalk2026

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Posted in: 4members,4public,awalk

Smart Tech, Safe Choices for Autism Families

by Mona Magno-Veluz

Safer Internet Day has grown into a global movement observed in nearly 170 countries since its launch in 2004. It reminds us that the internet should be a place of opportunity, not harm. On February 10, 2026, Safer Internet Day focuses on the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”

For Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families in the Philippines, this conversation is especially important. While technology can be a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and connection, it can also magnify risks -- particularly around the safety of minors, health misinformation, online conflict, and "complaints" made public to damage reputations.

This Safer Internet Day, we pause to ask: How do we engage meaningfully online while staying safe, ethical, and empowered?

For Parents And Caregivers: Keeping Children On The Spectrum Safe

Children on the spectrum may take things literally, trust easily, or struggle with online nuance. Guidance must be practical, calm, and continuous. Techniques must grow as the child matures.

1. Limit screentime. Social media accounts are meant for older children, ideally 15 years old and older. According to the Child Mind Institute, "parents should also be aware of the risks of screen use, such as addiction, decreased focus, sleep problems, and bullying or scamming."(1) Find the right balance.

2. Talk about online behavior early and often. Explain that not everything online is true, and not everyone online is kind. Use real examples, but avoid fear-based language. Focus on safety and self-respect. Internet Matter[dot]org recommends the use of online safety tools and parental controls for children, like Google Family Link and Microsoft Family "to set screen time limits, see what games they’re playing and how long they’re online.” (2) Parental controls on platforms like TikTok are designed to inspire healthy conversations on online boundaries between teens and parents.

3. Explain online legal risks in simple terms. Help your child understand that posting unverified accusations or repeating rumors online can hurt others and can have serious legal consequences. Teach them that concerns should be brought to trusted adults or proper authorities, not aired online. RA 10627 or the "Anti-Bullying Law" (3) protects school children, while RA 10175 or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act" (4) gives broad protections against scamming, cyberlibel, privacy leaks, among technology-centric crimes.

4. Watch out for dishonest content. Deepfake voices, fake screenshots, or incomplete information can confuse even adults. Show children how technology, when used in bad faith, can create things that look real but aren’t. Encourage them to ask before sharing. Agree on rules for posting, commenting, and private messaging. These should be about protection, not control. Autism Awareness Australia reminds us: "Don’t assume that your child/teenager has digital literacy simply because they use technology often." (5)

5. Do not use your children for your social media content. Parent accounts meant to share one's ASD journey should NOT include the faces of their children, who cannot give INFORMED consent. Children with disabilities have the right to privacy. This is enshrined in Article 22 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (6)

For Self-Advocates: Engaging Online With Confidence And Care

The internet can be a lifeline, especially for autistic individuals who find clarity and comfort in digital spaces. But smart engagement also means knowing your rights and protecting yourself. Being comfortable with technology doesn’t automatically mean someone understands how to use it wisely, safely, or responsibly.

1. Pause before posting or responding online. Social media platforms are designed to reward speed, emotional reactions, and high engagement, which can encourage impulsive responses. Before replying to heated or scandalous posts, take a moment to ask: Is this factual? Is it necessary? Is it safe for me? You are not obligated to respond to everything you see. Thoughtful pauses help protect your well-being and reduce the spread of harm or misinformation.

2. Know the difference between criticism and libel. In the Philippines, making false statements online that harm a person’s reputation may be considered libel under the law. Posts intended to shame, accuse, or harass (especially when unsupported by credible evidence) can have serious legal and personal consequences. If you encounter such content, it is safer to disengage, document what you see, and avoid retaliation. Protecting yourself online also means choosing restraint and accountability.

3.  Use AI as a tool, not a truth source. AI can be helpful for drafting ideas, organizing thoughts, or learning new concepts, but it does not guarantee accuracy. AI systems may produce outdated, incomplete, or incorrect information, especially when discussing real people, events, or sensitive issues. Always double-check facts using reliable sources before sharing or acting on AI-generated content.

4. Curate your digital space. Using features like mute, block, and report is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of self-care. These tools help protect your mental health by limiting exposure to harassment, misinformation, or distressing content. You have the right to decide who has access to you online and what kind of interactions you allow. Creating a respectful digital environment supports your well-being and enables healthier, more meaningful engagement.

5. Protect your personal information. Be mindful of what you share online, including personal details such as your full name, address, school, daily routines, or private struggles. Not everyone online has good intentions, even if they seem friendly or supportive at first. It’s okay to keep parts of your life private and to say no to conversations that feel uncomfortable. Setting clear boundaries helps keep you safe and gives you more control over your online experiences.

A Rights-Based Approach To Digital Citizenship

Safer Internet Day is not about restricting access. It is about empowerment. Youth on the autism spectrum have the same rights as anyone else to participate online, express opinions, and build communities. Parents also have the right to share their life journey online. But with these rights come responsibilities: to avoid harm and to choose ethical, legal pathways to enjoy digital citizenship.

In an age when online call-outs and reputational attacks are often used instead of legal due process, digital citizenship means choosing accountability over outrage, truth over virality, and dialogue over damage.

This Safer Internet Day 2026, let’s commit to building online spaces where voices are heard without fear, where AI is used responsibly, and where online posts educate, entertain, and inspire, never harm.

Mona Magno-Veluz serves as the National Spokesperson of the Autism Society Philippines and a Smart Parenting Gamechangers 2025 Awardee for Inclusion. She is a mom to three kids, with her eldest, Carl, on the autism spectrum. Her passion propels her to write and talk publicly about disability inclusion, digital media literacy, and family history research. Find her on Instagram @mightymagulang.

REFERENCES

(1) https://childmind.org/article/screens-and-neurodivergent-kids/
(2) https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/parent-stories/how-to-talk-online-safety-with-autistic-children/
(3) https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/school-bullying-laws-in-the-philippines 

(4) https://www.respicio.ph/bar/2025/criminal-law/special-penal-laws/cybercrime-prevention-act-of-2012-ra-no-10175
(5) https://www.autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/autism-and-cyber-safety
(6) https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities

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Posted in: 4public