Family Support Group for the August 2025

Date: 16 August 2025, Saturday
Time: 10:00am
Register here to get the zoom link: https://bit.ly/45D6PiX

Deadline of registration is 15 August 2025, Friday at 12 noon

The Autism Society Philippines’ 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.

The Autism Society Philippines -- together with this month's host, ASP Tuguegarao -- welcomes members and non-members, bound by a common experience that is autism. We aspire to educate, empower, and inspire to help build an Autism-OK Philippines.

IMPORTANT: Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by 15 August 2025, Friday at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderators:

Perlita So is currently an ASP National Trustee and the North Luzon Cluster Head. Mom to four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Peng nurtures well-rounded skills, holistic well-being, and social connection of children and youth on the autism spectrum, as well as grows our circle of diverse volunteers and corporate partners -- as the Program Manager of ASP PweDay.

Jacqueline E. Verbo,  currently the Vice President of ASP–Tuguegarao, is a mother of four, including a child on the autism spectrum. She now serves in the academe at a state university in Cagayan, where she continues to advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

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Posted in: 4parents,fsg

ASP JOINS QC IN NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS WEEK KICK-OFF

Quezon City -- The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) National Headquarters joined the Quezon City Government in officially launching the 2025 National Disability Rights Week with a vibrant and meaningful Kick-Off Ceremony on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, held under the national theme “Innovations for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together.”

The ASP was founded in Quezon City in 1989 and has called the city its home since. Representing the ASP at the event were Chair Emerita Dang Koe, Trustee Helen Cheng, and Spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz. The ASP team engaged actively in the day's activities, proudly setting up an informational booth that highlighted the organization’s wide array of programs and services for Filipinos on the autism spectrum and their families.

A key feature of the booth was the display of the Gawad Manuel L. Quezon, an award ASP received in 2024 in recognition of its long-standing commitment to inclusion and rights-based advocacy.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the program with a message of unwavering support for the inclusion of people with disabilities. She emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to listening to the voices of persons with disabilities, addressing their real needs, and developing policies that create a tangible impact.

The event also drew participation from Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Akbayan Representative Atty. Chel Diokno, along with officials from the National Council on Disability Affairs and PhilHealth, all expressed their solidarity with the disability community. The ASP is grateful for the stewardship and partnership of other QC leaders, such as Quezon City PDAO Chief, Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities Director Karen Sagun, and many others!

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Posted in: ndpr,ndprw

ASP HONORED BY THE PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

Alabang, Muntinlupa City — The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) was honored with the “Parangal sa Natatanging Kaagapay: Katuwang sa Adbokasiya” by the Philippine Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (PASP) during the organization’s gala night last 13 July 2025, held at The Bellevue Manila. The recognition capped off PASP’s annual convention and highlighted the importance of enduring partnerships in the disability advocacy arena.

The award was presented to ASP and received by ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe, in recognition of the organization’s steadfast commitment to advancing inclusive, accessible, and high-quality services for individuals with communication needs. The honor also recognized ASP’s consistent efforts in building meaningful, collaborative initiatives with speech-language professionals nationwide, as well as its contributions to the shared mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through communication and inclusion.

ASP’s collaboration with PASP spans years of joint events, public education campaigns, and continuing professional development activities aimed at creating stronger bridges between therapy professionals and the autism community. Through these efforts, both organizations have helped improve public understanding of communication challenges and the need for accessible, inclusive services that recognize the strengths and support the growth of persons with developmental and communication disabilities.

The gala night was also marked by a special musical performance from Ms. Charlene Danica Escasinas, a young woman on the autism spectrum, whose very presence on the event stage underscored the theme of empowerment and inclusion. Her skill and grace reflected the very outcomes ASP and PASP strive for -- individuals on the spectrum being given meaningful opportunities to participate, contribute, and shine in public spaces.

As part of its ongoing mission, ASP remains committed to collaborating with professionals, local government units, and national agencies to develop policies, programs, and platforms that address the genuine needs of individuals with autism. The organization humbly views this recognition as a tribute to the community it serves and a celebration of how far inclusive advocacy has come, powered by collective effort, compassion, and the belief in every individual’s potential.

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Posted in: 4public,awards,pasp

ASP AUTISMALL: INCLUSION IN ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

For youth with disabilities, traditional employment is not always a good fit. For some, they must tread their unique path towards economic empowerment and financial literacy.

This is the spirit behind the Autism Society Philippines' AutisMALL. What started as a virtual marketplace, ASP AutisMALL has opened doors for Filipinos on the autism spectrum to explore product creation, development, and online selling. ASP members are welcome to consign their products to ASP's online stores, which can be found on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok under @autismphils.

Purposeful Passion

When a person on the spectrum is not cut out for employment, that’s not a limitation. It’s merely a consideration we need to understand and leverage. Some individuals thrive in structured environments with consistent routines. Others are more productive in familiar, quiet spaces, such as the home. Still others have passions and talents that simply don’t fit into a standard job description.

Instead of forcing a square peg into a round hole, ASP AutisMALL offers another path. We encourage creativity, autonomy, and entrepreneurship. It’s a virtual space where people on the spectrum can sell their own handmade goods, art pieces, and more. But beyond just being a shop, it’s a laboratory for learning -- where they can experiment, grow, and even fail, until they are ready to branch out and take risks on their own.

ASP AutisMALL also offers ASP-branded merchandise, such as shirts, bags, and pins, that speak the language of autism inclusion and support. These products promote acceptance, accommodation, and inclusion in a society that is eager to inspire action, not simply “awareness”. One of the most popular items in the store is the ASP Angels Walk for Autism icon shirts, which have become an annual collectible for participants.

Economic Empowerment

Behind every successful entrepreneur on the autism spectrum is a village — a family, a therapist, a teacher, an ASP chapter. For many of our entrepreneurs, especially those who are nonverbal or require extra guidance, family members often take on the roles of business partner, mentor, and cheerleader. When families collaborate and co-create opportunities, they model what inclusion truly looks like. They teach budgeting, inventory management, and customer service — but also resilience, confidence, and pride.

Financial inclusion isn’t just about having money. It’s about knowing how to use it, manage it, and grow it. ASP AutisMALL is a gentle yet firm introduction to financial literacy, encouraging sellers to consider pricing, budgeting, and saving. It also exposes them to e-commerce concepts, like packaging, delivery logistics, and online marketing. These are survival skills in the 21st-century economy. We are raising entrepreneurs and autism self-advocates. Sellers begin to see the value in their work, and eventually, the value in themselves.

ASP AutisMALL is not just about selling products; it’s about changing narratives. It tells the world that people on the autism spectrum can participate, produce, and prosper beyond sheltered workshops or government programs -- but in the real, competitive marketplace.

The public also gets a powerful opportunity to practice “conscious consumerism”. When you buy from ASP AutisMALL, you are recognizing talent, affirming dignity, and investing in inclusion.

Powerful Possibilities

Are you ready to start your journey? Gusto niyo rin bang SUMAKSES?

Join the FREE FREE FREE seminar SUMAKSES SAGABAL-FREE, TikTok Shop Basics on 18 July 2025 at the Quezon City MICE Center. Sign up today!

Get FREE tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sumakses-sagabal-free-tiktok-shop-basics-for-pwds-tickets-1406899918529

Event Profile: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGp6-h1WmU/tzG7DMsKe2nTtsM-6ECVJA/view

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Posted in: 4public,autismall

WHY PLAY MATTERS FOR KIDS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

By Cecilia Sicam

What does play look like for a child who sees the world differently? For children on the autism spectrum, play may not always follow the usual rules, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. It might just hold the key to deeper learning, connection, and self-discovery.

Why does play matter to kids on the spectrum? Play is more than just fun and games. It is how children explore the world, express themselves, and build relationships. For children and youth on the autism spectrum, play is essential, even if it looks a little different from what we might expect.

Play for learning and development. Play allows children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to engage with the world around them. Atypical play may manifest as repetitive play, focusing on specific toys or topics, or a preference for playing alone. What matters is that they’re engaged, learning, and enjoying the activity in their own way. Play helps build critical skills, such as communication, social interaction, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. It’s also a way for them to express feelings they might not yet have the words for.

Play in their way. The best kind of play is child-led and pressure-free. We don’t need to change how children with ASD play to fit a mold. Instead, we can join them in their world. If a child loves lining up toy cars, sit beside them and talk about the vehicles they're lining up. If they’re fascinated by trains or dinosaurs, build on that interest with stories or drawings. These moments open up opportunities for connection and learning.

Play helps communication and socialization. Inclusive play is also essential. When children of all abilities play together, with understanding, respect, and support, it helps build empathy and acceptance. Structured playgroups, sensory-friendly environments, and patient playmates can make a huge difference.

Play is meaningful. As caregivers, teachers, and community members, let’s celebrate play in all its forms. It’s not just a break from learning. It IS learning. And for children and youth on the autism spectrum, it can be a powerful bridge to communication, confidence, and connection.

Let them lead. Let them laugh. Let them play. Every child on the autism spectrum deserves the joy and growth that play brings.

Cecile S. Sicam is one of the 11 founders of the Autism Society Philippines, where she has held various leadership roles. Cecile has been teaching children with disabilities for over 20 years in the Philippines and abroad. Before her retirement, she served as the Directress of the Bridges Foundation, Inc. She is the Country Manager of the ASP Homepowerment Program.

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Posted in: 4public,4pwas