ASP Marikina participates in Mahusay Program

Persons with physical and neurodevelopmental disabilities had an opportunity to show their talents before an audience of about 800 in Marikina Convention Center last 12 March 2017 in Marikina City. The participating schools and centers prepared an exhibit showcasing their activities and artworks done by their students. This was opened at 2:00 pm prior to the program.

ASP Marikina Exhibit group photo

It all started when Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro was invited to a program in December 2016 by Laro, Lapis, Libro Inc. (LLLI), an educational center for children with special needs, where their students performed songs and dances. Mayor Teodoro was impressed and instructed Mr. Alex Cabason, Jr., former President of ASP Marikina, to organize a similar program involving more schools. A committee was organized with representatives from ASP Marikina, Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), Marikina General Service Division, Eucharistiana Center, LLLI and SPED Centers. Teacher Tina Aligada, Executive Director of LLLI, was appointed head of the committee. The mayor’s office generously provided the venue for free, and food for the performers and organizers during the program.

The program itself, entitled “MAHUSAY” (MArikina, HUmahanga kami SA’Yo) started at 4:30 PM, with Mayor Marcy Teodoro as the keynote speaker. He expressed his admiration for the performers, his wish that their talents be developed further and his support for programs for PWDs.

The almost 200 performers came from public elementary school SPED Centers in Barangka, San Roque, Concepcion and Parang, LLLI, Eucharistiana Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy, Marikina Persons with Disabilities Federation, Inc, and ASP Marikina. The program, lasting 2 hours, included individual and group songs and dances, band performances, a Taekwondo demonstration, and the reading of an essay prepared by a person with autism.

ASP Marikina’s contributions were the Taekwondo performance by RG and MM Guinolbay, two songs by the Tiamzon Family band, (mother Ditas on the guitar, and siblings Ron as vocalist , and Jeboy on the keyboards), the essay on “Play as a form of Research” by Anjulie Reyes, and a drum solo by Maurice Allen Reyes.

It was a totally exciting and fulfilling experience for the PWDs who performed that afternoon, as well as the teachers who taught them, and the organizers who planned the details. Most of all, Mayor Teodoro was proud that such a program has been accomplished in Marikina.

About the contributor: Marivi Cabason is one of the Founding Member and now serves as President of Autism Society Philippines - Marikina Valley Chapter. A servant leader and church worker is happily married to Alex Cabason, with four children. His youngest child, Victor Lorenzo or Vinz, is on the spectrum.

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Posted in: chapters,lgu

Barangay Hopping in Makati

By Cathy Genovia

ASP went barangay hopping in Makati City for the most requested lecture series, the Early Detection and Early Intervention Program (EDEIP).

ASP Chair Emeritus Dang Koe

EDEIP Lecture Series aim to teach health workers, day care teachers and concerned parents at the barangay or grassroots level. Since they are usually the first ones who can address the initial needs of their constituents, ASP hopes to equip them in how to know or detect the early signs of autism.

EDEIP visited three barangays in Makati:

Barangay Bel-Air with the theme “Non-Handicapping Environment: A Key to PWDs inclusion”. Barangay Bel-Air was headed by Brgy Captain Victor Gomez Jr. who also welcomed the speakers and the participants. The closing remark was given by Kagawad Malyne Lorayes. The said seminar was hosted by Ms. Vivien Mangalindan.

From left: Barangay Captain Victor Gomez Jr., participants from Barangay Bel-Air and Kagawad Malyne Lorayes

Barangay Urdaneta with their seminar on “Understanding Autism, Accessibility and RA 9442” hyperlink The activity was organized by the PWD Federation officers headed by their president, Ms. Maureen Mata. It was hosted by Ms. Lalaine Guanzon.

From left: Ms. Gigi Ruiz, Ms. Lalaine Guanzon, Arch. Jaime Silva and the constituents of Barangay Urdaneta

Barangay Dasmariñas residents from different Makati Villagers joined the bgy. as part of their 39th Foundation Day, with the theme “Celebration of Hope through Productivity”. This was a joint project of Makati Villages thru Kagawad Nancy Uy who invited ASP.

During the Barangay hopping, ASP Chair Emeritus, Ms Dang Koe was joined by Arch. Jaime Silva of United Architects of the Philippines; Mr. Mateo Lee Jr. alternately with Ms. Gigi Ruiz of National Council on Disability Affairs.

Act Early

ASP National President, Ms Grace Adviento said in one of her interviews, “The earlier the parents know that their child has this condition, the earlier they will be given proper education/intervention. Denying it will not do their children any good, and overlooking this will just delay the development of their child.”

ASP continues to work hard to inform others about autism, and help empower families on how to help their children. To request for an Early Detection and Early Intervention of Autism Seminar in your area, please write us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496.

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Posted in: chapters,edeip,lgu

Maraming Salamat Po!

By: ASP Family

This was never made possible without the wings spread on us by our Partners and Guardian Angels: SM Committee on Disability Affairs, SM Supermalls, SM Prime Holdings, SM Cares, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), NorFil Foundation, House of Representatives Committee on Social Services, Buhay Party List- Cong. Irwin Tieng, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Katipunan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and Liliane Foundation.

Pictures showing te celebration of the Angels Walk for Autism

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Posted in: angels-walk,celebration,lgu,nacw

Autism Information and Support

By: Cathy Genovia

ASP filled January 19, 20 and 23, respectively, with free lectures on autism and family support group sessions.

One of the most requested lectures of ASP, “Understanding Autism,” was given by ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe. About 100 people were present during the lecture at the Social Hall of DENR.

Participants of the said lectures

Commission on Human Rights’ Mr. Redante Basas, CHR Director IV, gave an overview of the UNCRPD or the United Nations Charter for the Rights of People with Disabilities, while National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA) Regional Programs Coordinator,Ms. Flerida Labanon, lectured on the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

The Role of Professionals in the Management of Autism Seminar was attended by 200 professionals. Lectures were given by Dr. Jacqueline Navarro, Developmental Pediatrician; Prof. Archie David, Occupational Therapist; Dr. Ferdiliza Garcia, Speech Pathologist and Prof. Geevee Rivadelo, SPED Teacher. The seminar was held at the DSWD Central Office Auditorium.

Participants of the said public forum

To address pressing concerns of parents, ASP pilots the first Family Support Group outside the ASP office. The FSG was facilitated by Carmel Almendrala, ASP Trustee. Mr Rimando Rania, owner and principal Cradle of Learners School, welcomed 11 participants, composed of 5 mothers, a grandmother, 3 siblings, a cousin, plus a professional.

ASP Board of Trustee and facilitator Ms. Carmel Almendrala and the participants of the first Family Support Group outside the ASP office

Some of the concerns raised during the FSG were problems on adolescents with autism. Topics ranged from sex, circumcision, masturbation and how to teach CWAs to “behave appropriately” in public.

Participants of the Family Support Group facilitated by Ms Carmel

An interesting revelation was found out among the 3 siblings, all elder brothers to a CWA. They reported of their parents’ tolerance of the undesirable behavior (such as tantrums) of the CWA by “babying” him or “giving in” to his desires/wishes with instant gratification (giving him his favorite food/toy) to appease him.

However, according to the 3 brothers, if the parents are not present in the home, the sibling with CWA remains calm and would not exhibit such behaviors. The issue of favoritism and jealousy was then raised.

A second FSG was facilitated by incoming ASP Trustee, Fredeswina Javier, who returns to ASP after a seven year hiatus. She took up Masters in Special Education and now returns to help others. Participants of the said FSG were 6 mothers, 2 fathers, a sister and a professional.

Parents of newly diagnosed children with autism as well as the veterans were able to exchange ideas and time tested tips in coping with the challenges raising PWAs.

ASP Board of Trustee and facilitator Ms. Fredeswina Javier and the participants of the Family Support Group here at ASP office

ASP continues to work hard to inform others about autism and help empower families. We have different programs and services that might cater to your families’ growing needs.

Participants of the Family Support Group facilitated by Ms Fredeswina

Keep checking the blog for updates on the latest seminars, intervention and new best practices on autism. You can write us at autismphil@pldtdsl.net, autismphils@gmail.com or click here for more information.

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Posted in: 4parents,awareness,fsg,lgu

Autism Friendly for All Seasons

By Glenn Adviento

To seek continuous support from the local government, last 23 November 2009, ASP’s five active Batangas Chapters, through ASP Lipa Chapter adviser, Mary Ann Magsino Panganiban, set a courtesy call with Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto. With her are Ms. Raceli de Castro, ASP Batangas City Chapter Vice President and Ms. Lea Mayo, administrator of University of Batangas Special Children Foundation.

ASP National and Batangas Leaders during the courtesy call with Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto

The ASP Batangas Chapter Leaders also requested ASP National Leaders to join the courtesy call in order to invite Gov. Vi to grace ASP’s 2010 Angels Walk for Autism. The Walk next year will be held in SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall on January 24. For details, email autismphils@gmail.com.

The national contingent was composed of ASP National President Erlinda “Dang” Koe, Vice President Mary Grace Adviento, ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon, CWA Adrian Adviento and this author.

Avoiding the Monday morning rush hour, our team left on the dawn of November 23, as they would convene at 5:30 am at a fast food in North Avenue, Quezon City. During the entire travel from QC to Batangas, traffic was thankfully light, except for the Calamba-Sto Tomas Highway.

By 7:30 am, our team met with ASP Batangas Chapter representatives. Courteous staff ushered us inside the waiting hall of the Governor’s Palace. While waiting, we were served breakfast sandwiches paired with the famous Kapeng Barako ng Batangas and watched Batangas’ One Town, One Product Program, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs in localities.

The governor met us after attending the flag ceremonies. Her mere presence sets a 180 degree twist to the somber mood inside the hall. We were then ushered into the Conference Room. After exchanges of pleasantries, the Governor was interested to know about the rising incidence of autism in the country, particularly in Batangas.

The Batangas Governor, or Governor Vi is no stranger to autism. Before becoming a politician, she did a movie about a married couple going through acceptance of their autistic son, “Ipagpatawad Mo”. Click here to watch an excerpt of the film.

As part of the research for her role on the film, she read up on autism and observed the typical behaviors of an autistic child. And to our amazement, she still remembered one of her vital lines from the movie : "Di dapat sila ang pumasok sa mundo natin, kundi tayo dapat ang pumasok sa mundo nila,"she uttered.” That famous line bagged her the 1991 Urian Award for Best Actress Award.

We then extended our invitation to join ASP’s Angels Walk. She obliged to attend, as long as her schedule permits.

My son Adrian, gave a simple token of gratitude to the governor for allowing the showing of Alyana in Batangas City. Click here to know more.

After meeting with the Governor, we proceeded to Lipa City, where Governor Vi served as Mayor from 1998-2007. We made a stop-over at the Rehabilitation Department of the Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, which to our surprise, is at par with the leading hospitals in our country.

We would like to thank Governor Vi and ASP Lipa and ASP Batangas chapters for their continuing efforts in spreading autism awareness and we look forward to fruitful future endeavors, making Batangas “Autism Friendly for all Seasons”.

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Posted in: alyana,awareness,batangas,film,government,lgu,province

Realizing My Mission

By: Cathy Genovia ASP Program Assistant

“I thank God for giving me this chance to be a storyteller, to share my knowledge and spread my love for all persons with autism and the people who have little knowledge about them.”

The Center for Health Development-Metro Manila (CHDMM) of Department of Health (DOH) held a 3-day live-in Annual Consultative Workshop at Cherry Blossoms, Ermita, Manila, last November 18, 19 & 20.

The participants of the Annual Consultative Planning Workshop on Non-Communicable Disease Program

The workshop aimed to form a partnership with Government, Non-Government and Private Sectors for the purpose of strengthening the Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program.

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) was one of the invited participants of the said workshop and is one of the members of the Core Group. Most of the participants are doctors from different Local Government Units (LGU). The other 2 Non-Government Organizations are The Seventh Day Adventists and Healthway.

As the chosen representative of ASP, I admit I was so confused at first and didn’t know why ASP was invited, since the topic is all about Lifestyle Related Diseases (LRD). I know for a fact, that AUTISM is NOT a DISEASE.

There are times that I don’t really understand what they are discussing, especially, medical terms that I only heard of for the first time. But, I kept quiet and patiently listened to all the discussions.

At the back of my mind, “What if they made a mistake?” An Angel whispered, “Just wait and for sure, answers will come out”.

Dr. Anchit Cuevas, introduced us to The Rainbow Tent Project of the Pateros Health Department. This project aims to bring information and education services on health issues to the municipality’s different schools. I was curious to find out the kind of services are offered at their Therapy Center and asked Dr. Cuevas. Therapy was limited to rehabilitation services and patients with special needs like autism, were referred to the hospital, this left me frustrated.

That night, my two wonderful roommates: Dra. Reggie Bartolome and Dra. Nitz Villanueva, wanted to know many things about autism. I was intimidated and hesitant at first, but Dr. Reggie assured me that not all doctors are knowledgeable about autism, since not all of the doctors here are Developmental Pediatricians.

That night the answer was revealed: “I have a mission!”

During our second day, Dr. Ruben Siapno of CHDMM presented to us the Operational Framework of Integrated NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) package. The NCD programs are: Tobacco Control, Blindness Prevention, Mental Health, LRDs, PWD (persons with disabilities), Injury Prevention, Philippine Organ Donation Program (PODP) and Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP).

All NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) organization representatives were grouped into one. One of my doctor teammate told the group that autism would be under Mental Health. Since to my knowledge, AUTISM is not a MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE, but rather, should fall under the category of Learning Disability or PWD.

I reacted and insisted to the group my sentiments. Honestly, I know why I said that, but I don’t know how to explain it further. ASP is working so hard to orient the people in the grassroots level about autism, and here, doctors have to be given an orientation about autism. In my eagerness to prove to the group about the misconceptions about autism, I decided to call for help.

“Tagalugin mo Cath para mas maintindihan nila, wag kang matakot kahit mga doktor sila. Para kasing mababalewala lang ung ipinaglalaban natin for centuries now!” came the timely advice at the other end of the phone from Tita Carmel Almendrala, one of our ASP Trustees.

And now the time has come…

After the break our team leader, Dra. Mona, guided me on how to link ASP to our topic. While in front, I can see all the participants nodding. I informed them some of the 14 signs and symptoms (click here to know the signs and symptoms) and shared some of the actual family stories for them to easily understand the red flags.

One of the CHDMM staff confided to me about her niece with autism. I invited her to join the group and share her story. This was also timely, as the group was able to confirm and realize that I am not just making things up. I invited them to be part of ASP’s Autism Awareness Campaign. ASP now part of the Policy Development and the Health promotion Committee.

For more information on autism log on to www.autismsocietyph.org. Send your email request for Autism Orientation Program or the EDEIP or the Early Detection and Early Intervention Program to autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: awareness,lgu

Davao Chapter 1st Quarter Activities Report

By Jane Gonzales of ASP Davao Chapter

ASP Davao Chapter celebrated the National Autism Consciousness Week with the following activities:

PUBLIC AWARENESS
January 18, 2009 Colors of A Spectrum Photo Exhibit at Events Centre SM City Davao guest of honor Davao City Councilor Leo Avila.

Colors of A Spectrum

with Guest of Honor, Councilor Leo Avila

January 21, 2009 Ms. Jane Gonzales of ASP/RICAFI was invited as resource speaker on autism by Dr. Minerva T. Fabros, Regional Supervisor for Special Education. Afterwards, the Department of Education held an Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Special Education Teachers for Region XI held at the DepEd Conference.

Our speakers of the sensitivity training

February 9, 2009 SM Events Centre Davao City held the Caring for Special Customers with 300 tenants attended the Autism Orientation with guest speaker ASP Davao Chapter representative Ms. Jane Gonzales. Other representatives of different disability organizations Diana Sipaco of the DS Foundation for the Differently Abled; Liza de Gorio, focal person for PWD of the DSWD XI and Arman Amancio of the Kapisanan ng may Kapansanan were invited as resource speakers.

COLLABORATION WITH LGUs and NGOs

“Mabel at Your Service,” Davao Councilor Mabel Acosta’s regular Sunday radio program at ABS-CBN invited Dr. Riza Isaguirre, a Developmental Pediatrician and Jane Gonzales of ASP/RICAFI, parent and teacher to give different viewpoints on autism during the radio interview.

Mabel at Your Service

March 19, 2009 A Consultation Meeting between ASP Davao Chapter Officers Mrs. Precy Rica of the CSSDO, Davao City, DOH representative and staff of Councilor Mabel Acosta headed by Chief of Staff Yvette Sunga was held at the office of Councilor Mabel Acosta was held last at Conference Room, Sangguniang Panglungsod, Davao City. Councilor Acosta gathered the stakeholders for a meeting on possible projects with ASP. A second meeting with more stakeholders will be finalized by Councilor Acosta.

April 15-25, 2009 Kamp Pag-asa, an annual summer camp for children with disabilities in Davao City held an Autism Orientation Lecture at Mindanao Kokusai College, Davao City. Ms Jane Gonzales was invited to the lecture on autism to prepare Kamp Pag-asa volunteers on how to manage and care for “live-in” campers with autism for ten days.

The activity was in partnership between the City Council for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, CSSDO, GOs, Pag-asa ng Batang may Kapansanan Foundation, Inc. and the Benevolent People of Region XI, who sponsored the Orientation Lecture. Kamp Pag-asa was held on at Kapt. Tomas Monteverde Elem. School in Davao City.

To request for Parent Support Group Activities, Autism Orientation and other information on ASP Davao Chapter

Text Mr. Eric D. Dela Costa at Mobile No: 0917-905-8739 or Email: aspdavao@yahoo.com.

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Posted in: awareness,lgu,sm

We shall return

By: Cathy Genovia ASP Program Assistant

ASP was invited to conduct the “Early Detection and Early Intervention Program” (EDEIP) Seminar in Pasay in 2016. After the long wait, ASP returned to Pasay from June 9 to 12, 2009 with the same objectives.

Pasay Mayor Wenceslao “Peewee” Trinidad and his wife Nelfa visited the 2nd EDEIP seminar and welcomed the 350 barangay health workers, day care teachers and the guest speakers. Dang Koe and Grace Adviento, (ASP National President and Vice President, respectively) alternated the morning Early Detection Seminar.

Mayor Peewee Trinidad and his wife Nelfa with Ms Dang Koe and LGU Staff

Participants of the seminar

EDEIP Trainor My Sorongon demonstrating the technique

It is surprising to know that many of the participants have no idea what autism really is. The speakers were bombarded with questions. Misconceptions about autism that have been left unanswered for years have finally been clarified.

The afternoon sessions focused on the Early Intervention Demonstration. ASP EDEIP Trainer, Teacher My Sorongon, lectured and gave practical time-tested tips on how to handle children with autism.

Two volunteer cases were presented. Newly diagnosed 2 ½ yr old Gabriel and his mom and the other, a family with two boys on the spectrum, Christian and Cholo. The afternoons were tough and challenging as various approaches, techniques, strategies were offered. But the demos proved consistency and team work is vital for the success of achieving goals for the children. Inspiring lessons and new experiences gained.

At the end of the 4-day leg, Mayor Trinidad disclosed of having a grandson with autism, who is now staying abroad. He ensured to strengthen the capabilities of the teachers by giving them continuous trainings. With that, we borrow the famous words from General McArthur: “We Shall Return” with more EIDEIP Seminars in the future.

We would like to thank Mayor and First Lady of Pasay City for this opportunity, and Cristina Castañeda, Pasay Focal Person of Persons with Disability and Restituto Cruz Jr, OIC of Pasay Social Welfare Department for coordinating Pasay City’s 2nd EDEIP Seminar.

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Posted in: community,edeip,lgu,seminar