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.
Showing posts with label asean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asean. Show all posts

04 July 2025

HISTORIC ASEAN AUTISM CONGRESS IN LAOS UNITES MEMBER COUNTRIES IN INCLUSION

By Dang Koe

Vientiane, Laos – Southeast Asia recently took a significant stride towards a more autism-inclusive future with the successful ASEAN Autism Congress 2025 and the accompanying ASEAN Autism Games, held from June 21 to 22. This landmark event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders at the Landmark Mekong River Hotel in Vientiane, Laos, marking a powerful regional commitment to championing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons on the autism spectrum.


Organized by the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), in collaboration with its 10 member organizations, including the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), the Congress served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration and sharing vital insights. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at sharing best practices in advocacy, education, and community inclusion. A core objective was to strengthen regional ties among autism-related organizations and institutions, while also raising visibility for individuals on the spectrum through community engagement, sports, and cultural expression. Ultimately, the gathering aimed to foster a deeper acceptance and understanding of autism within ASEAN communities.

The Congress drew a diverse range of attendees, fostering inclusive dialogue. Delegates came from various countries across the region, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The participants themselves were diverse, encompassing policymakers, educators, researchers, families, self-advocates, and youth leaders. The event included stakeholders on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), NGOs like Humanity and Inclusion (HI) and CBM, and regional and international development partners.

Inspiring messages and stories resonated throughout the event. The opening featured a welcome from Ms Mannivan Kittilah of Laos' Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW). Ms Jasmine Nadhira also shared a message of solidarity and commitment to disability-inclusive development from the ASEAN Secretariat’s Office of Poverty Eradication and Gender. Leaders from various AAN member countries showcased successful advocacy models.

ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe, representing the Philippines, delivered an inspiring address reflecting on ASP’s 36-year journey. She highlighted the recent success of the Angels Walk for Autism, which gathered over 40,000 participants across the Philippines, symbolizing powerful community solidarity and awareness.

Preceding the Congress, the ASEAN Autism Games, held on June 21, celebrated the unique strengths and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum. Athletes from across ASEAN competed in a spirit of friendship and fun, demonstrating how inclusive sports and culture can effectively break barriers and build lasting bonds across borders.

This two-day celebration of advocacy, ability, and action marked a significant progression in the ASEAN-wide movement for autism inclusion. With renewed collaboration and a shared vision, the ASEAN Autism Congress 2025 reinforced the shared belief that a more inclusive future is not just a possibility, but a reality already actively unfolding.

Dang Koe is the Chair Emerita of Autism Society Philippines (ASP). She is a well-known advocate for autism inclusion in the Philippines and in the region. She was the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize in 2019 and has been the country’s representative to the board of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN).

01 July 2025

Filipino Athletes on the Spectrum Shine at the ASEAN Autism Games

By Dang Koe

“When we see the potential of our fellow Filipinos on the autism spectrum -- and not their limits -- we create a world where they can truly thrive!” I saw this firsthand at the ASEAN Autism Games held in Vientiane, Laos, last June 21.

This groundbreaking regional sports event highlights the athletic talents and determination of individuals on the autism spectrum. This event is organized by the ASEAN Autism Network, of which the Autism Society Philippines is a charter member. The Philippines hosted the Games in January 2016 at the University of the Philippines in Los BaƱos, Laguna.

The Filipino contingent to this year’s games featured four multi-talented athletes, who competed with perseverance, family support, and national pride.

L-R, Cid Tampo, Raymond Macasaet, Peggy Geiser, and Rhav Lomboy

Raymond got the Gold medal in the Adapted Triple Jump. Raymond is a decorated athlete, having earned gold, silver, and bronze medals in swimming and track and field at Special Olympics events in Greece, Australia, Singapore, and the USA.

Peggy Geiser earned a Silver medal in the 25m Sprint. Peggy holds the distinction of being the first-ever certified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) diver on the autism spectrum in the Philippines. An avid aquathlete, she was eager to represent both Autism Society Philippines and the nation in her first international sporting event.

Rhav Lomboy achieved a Silver medal in the Adapted Javelin throw. Rhav is a force to be reckoned with on the bowling lanes, known for his powerful streak of consecutive strikes. His arm strength proved to be an advantage in track and field.

Cid Tampo secured he country’s other Gold medal in the Distance Run. Cid made his second appearance representing the Philippines at the ASEAN Autism Games for track and field.

Team Pilipinas brought home more than a cascade of medals; they also sent a wave of hope and inspiration for the entire Filipino autism community.

SM Cares is proud to outfit the athletes in our national colors, a powerful affirmation of their commitment to inclusion and support for Filipinos on the spectrum in the world of sports.

The success of athletes on the spectrum goes beyond medals. It challenges stereotypes and opens minds. When people see youth on the autism spectrum excelling in sports, we get a glimpse of talent and potential that can exist beyond athletics. Their visibility can spark greater inclusion in education, the workplace, the arts, or any other field that sparks their joy. Representation matters because it encourages society to create space for everyone. These athletes demonstrate that when given the opportunity, individuals with autism can excel in any setting.

The ASEAN Autism Games is a movement toward a more inclusive region. With each initiative, we break barriers, build friendships, and prove that our families belong. As we celebrate victories both big and small, we look forward to a future where inclusion becomes the norm.

Team Pilipinas -- our athletes and our enthusiastic support squad!

Dang Koe is the Chair Emerita of Autism Society Philippines (ASP). She is a well-known advocate for autism inclusion in the Philippines and in the region. She was the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize in 2019 and has served as the country’s representative on the board of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN).

13 November 2018

Regional Advocate for Persons with Autism wins Inaugural ASEAN Prize

The image shows Ms. Dang Koe smiling with lipstick and standing in front of ASP Hugot Wall. She wears ASP green uniform, white pair of pants, bracelet at her right arm and watch at her left arm. Her hair is below her shoulder level.
Ms. Dang Koe
SINGAPORE, 13 November 2018 – Ms. Erlinda Uy Koe, a prominent community leader of the Philippines is the winner of the inaugural ASEAN Prize. This was announced at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore today. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Secretary-General (SG) of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi presented the ASEAN Prize at the opening ceremony to Ms. Koe, for her exemplary contributions to supporting inclusivity and forging closer ties in ASEAN.

The ASEAN Prize is an initiative of the ASEAN Secretariat. It aims to recognize inspiring achievements and contributions that foster the ASEAN identity, promote the ASEAN spirit, and champion the ASEAN way. In addition to the trophy, the recipient of the ASEAN Prize would also receive a cash prize of US$20,000. The sponsors of the ASEAN Prize 2018 are Temasek Foundation Connects of Singapore, the Ayala Corporation of the Philippines and Yayasan Hasanah of Malaysia.

Upon conferment of the award, Ms. Koe said that “the profound honour of receiving the inaugural ASEAN Prize was a welcome blessing. In the spirit of servant-leadership, I share this recognition with the 13,000 fellow parents and family members who comprise the Autism Society Philippines and with countless other advocates from the ASEAN Autism Network. These angels labour to engineer institutional mechanism to improve the lives of persons with autism and their families.”

Ms. Koe is the Chair Emeritus of Autism Society Philippines (ASP), in addition to being a full-time corporate executive. Under her leadership, ASP - now with 96 chapters nationwide, has become one of the most vibrant disability organisations in the Philippines.

At the regional level, Ms. Koe served as Chair of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), comprised of autism family support organisations from all ten ASEAN Member States. AAN is a platform for ASEAN member countries to cooperate and unite in developing non-discriminatory strategies and intervention programmes to support persons living with autism and their families.

Over the years, Ms. Koe’s efforts have inspired autism awareness, not just in her native Philippines, but among the ASEAN Member States. Under her stewardship, the ASP spearheaded the Angels Walk for Autism, gathering over 24,000 participants in January 2018, with thousands more converging in simultaneous walks in ten cities. This show of unity and community behind one cause inspired other AAN countries to hold their own Autism Walks.

Ms. Koe is a respected public speaker and has also taken her advocacy to international arena. Her engagements have sparked discussions on project collaborations with Korea, Japan and China. She has also served the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s Working Group of the Asia Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities for 2018-2022.

SG Dato Lim said, “Ms. Koe’s work and dedication to improve the lives of autistic adults and children reflect the spirit that is deeply rooted in an ASEAN Community that engages and benefits the people. We look forward to her continued efforts in contributing towards an inclusive, resilient, people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN.”

“I am thankful for the momentum this recognition will bring in taking our advocacy to the regional stage. Persons with autism need acceptance, accommodation and appreciation -- and we hope to find more receptive minds and hearts among our policymakers to build a genuinely autism-friendly global society,” Ms. Koe added.

Ms. Koe is selected as the ASEAN Prize winner by a judging committee that was made up of the incumbent SG of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi, and former SGs Tan Sri Ajit Singh (Malaysia), Amb. Ong Keng Yong (Singapore) and Amb. Le Luong Minh (Viet Nam). Close to 50 nominations for the ASEAN Prize were received from all ten ASEAN Member States.

ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member States of the Association are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta.

Temasek Foundation Connects
Temasek Foundation Connects is a Singapore-based non-profit philanthropic organization that funds and supports programs, which seek to build bridges and partnerships, and promote dialogue and mutual understanding across our diverse communities and markets in the region and beyond. Established in 2016, it aims to foster cooperation and growth in a globalized and interconnected world of opportunities.

Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation is one of the largest and most diversified business groups in the Philippines, with business interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, water, power, industrial technologies, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Its social commitment arm, Ayala Foundation, has programs that focus on education, youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, and the promotion of arts and culture. With headquarters in Makati City and operations mainly in the Philippines, it continues to grow its regional and global footprint, serving millions of customers across all market segments.

Yayasan Hasanah
Yayasan Hasanah is an impact-driven organization that envisions a globally sustainable Malaysia with empowered communities, an inclusive society, and a well-managed environment. It strives to create real and lasting positive social and environmental changes for Malaysia through work in education; community development; environment; arts, heritage culture; knowledge; and public spaces. Within these focus areas, it partners with civil society, communities, corporate, and government agencies to design and implement initiatives that will deliver the greatest impact in realizing its vision.

09 May 2018

The ASEAN Autism Games 2018 is on!

The Autism Society Philippines is preparing for the country's participation at the ASEAN Autism Games 2018! Organized by the ASEAN Autism Network and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, this year's event comes in the wake of other successful regional friendship games.

In January 2016, autism advocates from ASEAN countries congregated in the University of the Philippines campus in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines for the First ASEAN Autism Friendship Games, led by the Autism Society Philippines. In December 2016, the Myanmar Autism Association quarterbacked a milestone sporting event for their country -- the first exclusively for persons with autism -- at the Myanmar Paralympic Sports Center in Yangon, Myanmar. In October 2017, the Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism welcomed 800 participants -- the biggest number, so far -- for the Third ASEAN Autism Games, dubbed Disability-Inclusive Sports for Tomorrow in Bangkok, Thailand.

The image shows three PWDs won for medals.
PWDs with medals
Participation in international sporting events breeds mutual understanding and friendship between athletes of autism, their parents and other supporters from all over the region through innovative autism-friendly recreation, leisure and sports activities.

The ASEAN Autism Games event will be held on date 20-21 October 2018. The Venue is Gelanggang Olah Raga Sumantri Brojonegoro in the area Kuningan, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. This year, the skills and talents of persons with autism will be positively promoted in track and field, swimming, Dodgebee, and traditional Indonesian games.

We would like to invite athletes who meet the following criteria to apply to be a member of the Philippine delegation.

... is an ASP member (can be completed before August 2018)
... with a formal autism diagnosis, verbal or non-verbal
... is in good physical health
... is 18 years old and above

Confirmed participants will be invited for assessments and practices. All expenses related to travel will be shouldered by the athlete and his/her family. We estimate all expenses per person to fall between USD 300 and USD 500. All athletes must travel with at least one parent.

17 January 2016

ASP’s Dang Koe elected as new AAN Chairman

The executive committee of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) elected Dang Koe, Autism Society Philippines’ Chair Emeritus, as its new Chairman during its General Assembly held last 16 January 2016 at the Mabuhay Manor in Pasay.

The new officers of the ASEAN Autism Network

AAN is composed of autism family advocates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Asia Pacific Center on Disability (APCD) helped organize this network in 2010, envisioned to lead the efforts to realize the rights of persons with autism in the ASEAN nations.

APCD Executive Director Akiie Ninomiya, himself a father of an adult with autism, congratulated ASP leaders for their passion and relentless commitment in working towards the realization of the rights of persons with autism. In his message during Angels Walk, he said APCD recognizes that “there is still a lack of laws, programs, services and professionals to respond to the needs of persons with autism in Southeast Asia but with the ASEAN integration the opportunity of sharing knowledge, information and resources among member countries would facilitate the resolution to collectively work together to address these issues.” With ASP’s leadership starting this year, he expects member countries to collectively advocate for the rights of persons with autism from an ASEAN perspective. “Each member of AAN must go beyond its country boundaries and work collectively as the ASEAN Autism Network.”

At the Angels Walk lean banner, SM VP Bien Mateo, NCDA Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, ASP President Mona Magno-Veluz, Senator Sonny Angara, APCD Executive Director Akiie Ninomiya, SM Prime President Hans Sy, AAN Chair Dang Koe and ASEAN Deputy Secretary General HE Dr. AKP Mochtan

The chairmanship of AAN was turned over from outgoing AAN Chairman Malai Hj Abdullah Bin Hj Malai Othman of Brunei to ASP’s Dang Koe in a brief turn-over ceremony on 17 January 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, witnessed by 15,000 participants of Angels Walk -- Philippine government officials, representatives of the government of Southeast Asian countries, business organizations like SM, PWD organizations, civil service organizations, participants from schools and therapy centers, families of persons with autism, delegates from AAN member countries.

25 July 2015

ASP represents Philippines in ASEAN autism workshop

The Autism Society Philippines was invited to the Third Country Training Program (TCTP), a Capability Building of Persons with Autism and their Parents in Bangkok, Thailand. This training program is the outcome of the joint project of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the Japan International Collaboration Agency (JICA). The TCTP is conducted by the Government of Japan and The Government of Thailand, together with APCD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and JICA with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand (MSDHS).

ASEAN Workshop in Thailand

The training’s expected outcome is for the young leaders and their parents to gain information and knowledge on disability and development in the CBID context and on the creation, exchanging and elaboration of recreation, leisure and sports for future implementation.

The ASP sent Ms. Marivic R. Ramos, an ASP Board of Trustee was joined by Raichan Dearoz, a young adult with autism from the Municipality of Carmona, Cavite. The Philippine participants arrived in Thailand at July 12, 2015. There were six (6) countries participated in the event namely; Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines which adds up to twenty four (24) participants in total.

The training started the next day with a welcome program. Executives of the mentioned agencies were present Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, the Executive Director of APCD gave the welcome remarks. The first to give the opening remarks was Ms. Paiwan Phonwan, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Mr.Yasumitsu Kinoshita, the Senior Representative of JICA, Thailand Office and Mr. Wattanawit Gajaseni, the Director of Countries Partnership Branch (Bilateral and Trilateral) TICA gave their opening remarks consecutively.

The succeeding days were concentrated on the Recreation, Leisure and Sport training, conducted by the resource persons from Japan and Thailand. The country participants were toured to the Thai Autism Vocational Center, run by The Association of Parents of Persons with Autism (AU-Thai), where they showcased their programs for persons with autism and to the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japan) a sports complex where the children go to have a swimming lessons. The participants also had their turn the next day for some swimming lessons and a time for an open forum.

The last three (3) days of the training was focused on the consensus of the 6 countries on what activities to promote on the upcoming 3rd ASEAN Autism Network Congress in the Philippines. Each country was also asked to develop an action plan on recreation, leisure and sports to exercise and apply their first hand knowledge to their home country. Ms. Marivic Ramos was instructed to make a plan of action for the upcoming AAN 3rd Congress. The country report was successfully delivered through a virtual presentation by Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz. On 24 July 2015 the participants got their certificates of completion of the training.

The training was refreshing after realizing that simple games such as bird relay can be very fun if played by the persons with autism and their parents. Most of the times we tend to seek more complicated activities for our children which leave us to be looking for things that we don’t have, and not realizing that we become more critical because of our increased expectations on them, when our only objective is for them to have a physical activity, fun on their free time. The experience in Thailand was not only about acquiring of the technical knowledge of the recreation, leisure and sports, but a realization of many things like our country, being way ahead in terms of the autism advocacy from some of its neighboring countries. I was approached many times by the parent participants for inquiries, clarifications and comparing notes on our experiences in our advocacy. The Philippines has the social responsibility to give assistance in terms of sharing of knowledge, and moral support to other parent associations of other countries through the oldest and biggest Autism advocacy group, the Autism Society Philippines.

About the contributor: M. Victoria Ramos currently serves as the an ASP National Trustee. Marivic is a pillar of the autism advocacy community in Los BaƱos, immersing herself in special education and training and empowerment programs over the years. As an ASP delegate, she was elected to the board of the Philippine Community Based Disability Inclusive Development Network. She is a single mother to a young adult with autism, Victor Michael "Mico" Ramos.

12 March 2011

Family comes first for ASEAN Autism Network

By Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus

Holistic curriculum exclusively for autism that is local, affordable, accessible and inexpensive to ensure sustain-ability throughout the lifespan of individuals with autism.

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) serves as a platform for autism-related family support groups of each Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member country to collaborate, cooperate, coordinate and unite in developing strategies and intervention programs that will be non-discriminatory in support of families, including those economi-cally challenged. More importantly, the extended family structure on which the ASEAN community is based will remain the core of any developmental program and strategies.
ASP Laguna Chapter President, Riza Cansanay (in green) in a sharing part of the Work and Play Program

ASEAN Autism Network Member States convened last December 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand for the first AAN Workshop and Congress. The event was organized by Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Association of Parents of Thai Persons Autism (AU Thai) and Khun Poom Foundation.

Philippine representatives from Autism Society Philippines, Grace Adviento (ASP-National President), Ranil Sorongon (Executive Director) and Riza Cansanay (ASP La¬guna Chapter President), joined 300 representatives of Family Support Group Organizations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, the host country Thailand, and a special participant from Japan.

One of the organizers, APCD, is a regional center on disability and development established in Bangkok which has been endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as a regional center for its Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific.

The Vision and Mission of the ASEAN Autism Network

An approach that surrounds the extended family structure keeps true to the ASEAN spirit, and will at the same time provide a strong foundation for a truly inclusive and autism-friendly ASEAN community.

AAN visualizes an inclusive, rights-based and autism-friendly ASEAN community. Its mission is to support, assist, facilitate and en¬hance autism-related family support groups in collaboration with other stakeholders in the ASEAN region and globally.

Its main objectives are:

1. To educate, develop and give opportunities for an autism-related family support groups.

2. To empower the support groups and the individuals with autism in the ASEAN region.

3. To promote, encourage and facilitate evidence-based research initiatives and developments.

4. To provide, exchange and disseminate information on autism related issues.

5. To ensure the promotion and advocacy of technical and other assistance to PWA and families.

6. To develop a collaborative partnership and close working relationships with other agencies.

7. To undertake other tasks in relation to autism-related family support groups of each member country as determined by the general assembly.

Why create an ASEAN Autism Network?

Since “Family Comes First” is especially true for the member countries of the ASEAN, each member plays an important and influential role in the family and in the ASEAN community. It is the interdependence and loyalty among these family members that the ASEAN community survives and thrives on.

The family unit is comprised of an extended family, parents, sibling, grandparents, cousins, and so on. With this in mind, it is necessary to appreciate the importance of empowering the families to take the lead in nurturing, caring and supporting individuals with autism.

This is due to the ever changing faces and priorities of the professionals, politicians, teachers and therapist involved. But family remains forever. It is therefore the family’s right and responsibility to take charge in their child’s intervention, development and future.

Hence, having realized the need of creating and developing an autism movement among neighbouring autism-related family support groups, ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) was established.

The first AAN workshop realized the commonalities in the issues, concerns and challenges encountered by most of the AAN State Members: (1) the lack of the current statistics of people with autism, (2) existing local laws for persons with disabilities, (3) lack of services and service providers, (4) support from the government, (5) funding and (6) low awareness of autism.

Declaration of the ASEAN Autism Network

Here are the collective statements of AAN Member States:

1. Various efforts on autism made by relevant stakeholders in the ASEAN region are appreciated to promote understanding of persons with autism and their family members.

2. Central and local governments are encouraged to develop and support any initiative on autism, particularly to establish and strengthen self-help groups/organizations of persons with autism and their family members.

3. Health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment components in the context of community-based inclusive development are critical among persons with autism and their family members.

Therefore, ASEAN Member States and multi-stakeholder collaborations are essential in this regard.

AAN State Members also appeal to the Governments of ASEAN Member States and relevant stakeholders to consider the following recommendations to strengthen the autism movement in the ASEAN region:

1. Encourage ASEAN Member States to consider the perspective of autism in the planning, implementation and monitoring of a national policy on disability in line with the principle of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

2. Agree to the idea of establishing a new decade of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region (2013-2022) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and APCD by highlighting community-based inclusive development to empower persons of disabilities including persons with autism and their family members.

3. Agree to the idea of establishing the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities, initiated by the Government of Thailand, to mainstream disability in the development agenda.

4. Acknowledge the establishment of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and recognize its importance to enhance the solidarity and unity among persons with autism and their family members, to lead the autism movement at the grassroots, national, regional and international levels.

5. Call for the ASEAN Member States and relevant partners to support the second ASEAN Autism Congress to be held in Brunei Darussalam in 2012.

“The AAN experience humbled me, as I felt fortunate for our countrymen, having ASP - one of the most active parent support organizations - making huge waves in the disability community for the past six years. This exercise also helped me experience the real spirit of “Bayanihan,” which was so alive in the group. What struck me the most was the willingness of progressive country representatives to offer assistance in training and advocacy awareness to Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, eventhough; they too have their own local concerns,” said Grace Adviento, ASP National President.

One vital event that transpired during the workshop was the signing of the constitution by the Founding Members. ASP was elected to head the Public Relations and Information Committee. The first joint event of the ASEAN Autism Network will be the celebration of the 4th World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2011.

Uploaded with Permission Acknowledgement: Manila Bulletin Family Comes first for ASEAN Autism Network

 
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