ASP Speakers Bureau Training

The Autism Society Philippines will conduct the second run of ASP Speakers Bureau Training in September.

Speakers Bureau Training Poster

Leaders and members of ASP chapters are encouraged to join to enhance their advocacy skills. This FREE FREE FREE webinar will be on:

Webinar 10 September 2022, Saturday at 5pm
Workshop 17 September 2022, Saturday at 4pm

Each ASP chapter must nominate at least one (1) active member to the training, who is willing to sign an affirmation of commitment to completing the course and to conducting themselves in a professional manner, compliant to ASP guidelines.

Those who complete the course and exhibit effective communication skills may be invited to sign up with the ASP Speakers Bureau -- a select group who will be tapped to speak on behalf of the Autism Society Philippines in seminars, conferences and press interviews.

To apply for the ASP Speakers Bureau Training, complete the form below. Deadline is on 7 September 2022.

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Posted in: chapters,leaders,members

ASP Lakbay Aral: BRP Melchora Aquino

Coast Guard Education Training And Doctrine Command (CGDETDC is inviting the Autism Society Philippines to board and tour one of the PCG's vessels, Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Melchora Aquino MRRV-9702 on 11 August 2022. This is in line with the PCG commemoration of its 49th Foundation Day of the Coast Guard Education Training And Doctrine Command (CGDETDC). The tour for children and youth on the spectrum will be hosted by the Coast Guard Officers' Course (CGOC) Class 12-2011.

ASP Lakbay Aral to BRP

Who can join

• Interested members may sign up for this event (exclusive to active members) via the online form below. The submission deadline is August 9, at noon.
• One (1) child/youth on the spectrum and one companion per family.
• The ASP Secretariat will confirm the booking via text/call. As we only have 25x2 slots available, we would like to share the opportunity across as many chapters as possible.
• For cancellations, please communicate at least 24 hours ahead, as a courtesy.

What to prepare

• Wear an ASP Angels Walk Shirt or green shirt and a medical-grade face mask.
• Expect to be exposed to the sun and no air conditioning.
• Bring an extra shirt, face towel, cap, or umbrella.
• Optional, just incase shoes get wet, bring extra shoes and socks or slippers.
• Do not bring big bags to the venue -- leave them in the vehicle.

Health Protocols

• Bring your vaccination cards (No vax card, no entry into the ship).
• Do not come with fever, cough, cold, or diarrhea.
• Observe proper social distancing.

How to get there

• Participants must be responsible for their transportation.
• Participants are expected to be at the Coast Guard Education Training And Doctrine Command (CGDETDC) (Map) at 9:00 am.

What to expect

• When you get to the venue, look for the ASP banner or Cenin Faderogao, who is managing the event.
• Chapter leaders are expected to manage their group/members, especially during the waiting time.
• No assurance that latecomers can be accommodated.
• Expect 4-5 inches of water in the parking area -- high tide
• The tour will be done while the ship is docked; it will not be sailing out to sea.
• There will be an opportunity to board a smaller vessel for a short ride for those who wish.

0900H Assembly and release of name tags (Map)

0930H PCG Ceremonies: Exchange of Tokens and Distribution of Snacks

1000H 10-min ride followed by Tour of BRP Melchora Aquino - Pier 15 (Map)

1130H Packed Lunch - Mess Hall or to-go

1230H End of Tour Event

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Posted in: 4pwas,members

A great experience we had during "Lightyear", a Sensory-Friendly Movie treat

Our moviegoers on the autism spectrum and their families had a wonderful time together at the showing of "Lightyear" at Cinema 1, The Block, SM City North EDSA. SM Cares, SM Cinema, and Disney PH hosted the "Lights Up, Sounds Down" for the ASP community last June 30, 2022. Sensory-friendly movie showing is a special opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum and others to enjoy films in a safe and accepting environment.

Our happy moviegoers with their families

The Lagdameo family from ASP Mandaluyong shared that while they were prepared to see kids running all over the theater and hearing loud comments from them, it was their own Cairos who stood out as the kid who was running across, right in front of the movie screen during mid-screening: “We remain thankful everyone had been prepared for things like these.” As a bonus, Cairo’s 12th grader cousin, who is considering becoming a teacher in special education, got her exposure beyond Cairos during her cousin’s first cinema date.

Lagdameo Family

“Sa labas pa lang po makikita na ang excitement sa mata ni Ashley kasi first time n’ya na manuod sa movie theater after 2 yrs (one can see the excitement in Ashley’s eyes because it was her first time to watch movies again after 2 years).” Mommy Sheryl of ASP San Mateo was touched with the very accommodating staff of SM Cares and SM Cinema. Ashley enjoyed the big and soft SM Cinema chairs, while eating popcorn from SM Cares; laughing out loud from time to time.

Happy viewers of "Lightyear" movie

“Napakalaking tulong po nito para sa mga batang may kinakaharap na sensory issues tulad ng malalakas na tunog, madilim na lugar, hindi makatagal sa kanilang kinauupuan at iba pa (This is such a big help for children with sensory processing issues, like loud sounds and dark places, and who can’t still sit still for a long time,” shared by the Glori Family of ASP San Mateo. The family enjoyed the Disney PH’s “Lightyear. ” “Masarap sa aming pakiramdam na walang sumisita sa amin kapag sinasaway namin ang nag-iingay, tumatayo at palakad-lakad naming bunsong anak (it feels good that no one minded us whenever we stopped our son who was already getting noisy and walking around).”

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Posted in: 4public,members,sfm

ASP Lakbay Aral to the Mabini Shrine

The Autism Society Philippines will hold a Lakbay-Aral and museum tour to the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in Tanauan, Batangas on Saturday, 23 July 2022, at 1:30pm. ASP welcomes active ASP members to participate in this event.

The Lakbay Aral Poster

Families and chapters must arrange for their own transportation to the site and bring their own food if they want to have a picnic after the tour. Interested participants may register below until 15 July 2022.

The Apolinario Mabini Shrine is situated in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, and is the site of Gat Apo’s birth. In the heart of a residential area along the Tanauan-Talisay highway, it has a library, a museum, and his tomb. Map

This community event is to commemorate the 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, from 17 to 23 July 2022 as per Proclamation No. 1870 (1970), as amended by Proclamation No. 361 (2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (2002). This year’s theme is "Working with Government in achieving equal access to Education, Employment and Livelihood towards Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities". The primary aim of this week-long commemoration is to raise public awareness of disability and to inspire all citizens to actively contribute to improve the economic and social conditions of people with disabilities.

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Posted in: chapters,members,ndpr,ndprw

Speak From a Skillful Heart : Reflections from ASP’s Speakers Training

When I learned that the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) would be holding a public speaker’s training, I instinctively knew that this would be different from other speakers' training that I have been to. After all, ASP is composed of passionate parents and advocates who have propelled the organization to become what it is now – vibrant and strong.

My instinct was right. From the organization, preparation, and actual conduct of the program, the trustees made sure that we maximized our time and learning. Materials were sent weeks in advance, so we can learn based on past speaking engagements of the trustees. During our first meetings, questions were answered clearly, and assignments were given ahead of time, so we were prepared for the succeeding session. In between, there were small meetings for those who needed clarification or had questions. We were set up for success.

Participants were asked to prepare their presentation and submit it via a platform where groupmates could have easy access to watch and give comments on it. I found the assignment to be challenging considering the technical arrangement involved. In many ways, this training also made me more familiar with the online platform. I liked that I had the time to watch the presentations of my groupmates to learn from them and identify areas for improvement.

During the second session, participants were able to share their comments on the presentation of the group as well as listen to the comments on their own presentation. I thought that this was a creative and fun way of learning. I felt I was in a safe space as I shared and listened to others.

ASP Leaders who join our Speaker's Training

Over-all, I am glad and grateful to have attended this training. I learned that while many ASP members can truly speak from the heart, it pays well to be skillful in doing it so that our message and advocacy towards autism awareness, appreciation, and accommodation can reach far and wide.

About the Contributor: Olive Medina is mom to a young adult on the spectrum, Lorenzo, and his sister Lizzie. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, she is also the co-founder of Lorenzo's Sanctuary. Mommy Olive is the past president of ASP Sta. Rosa.

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Posted in: leaders,members

ASP National President Mona Veluz, Christmas Message 2021

Mona Magno-Veluz

Hello po sa inyong lahat!

Naka isang taon na naman po ang Autism Society Philippines. Bilang isang pamayanan na binubuo ng mga pamilya, marami po tayong paghihirap na nadaanan ngayong taon. Mahirap kumita, hindi tayo makalabas, nasa bahay ang mga bata, hindi makapasok sa eskwela, walang therapy, kulang sa socialization. Pero dahil na rin sa pinag kaloob sa ating lakas, tayong mga pamilyang may kaanak na may autism, nkakaraos tayo. Laban lang!

Ngayong pandemya, talagang lumalabas ang galing ng mga magulang, mga kuya't ate, mga tito't tita, mga lolo't lola, na nagpapalibot sa atin ng pagmamahal para tuluy-tuloy ang pag ganda ng kalagayan nating lahat.

Sa ASP, wala man tayong face-to-face events, tuloy ang mga virtual monthly seminars, family support groups at ASP Homepowertment trainings, counseling and therapies. Bonggang-bongga ang ASP PweDay na nagbibigay saya sa mga kabataan may autismo bawat sabado. Ang ASP AutisMALL na tumutulong sa kabuhayan ng ating mga pamilya at ang ASP Autism Works na rumarampa para makahanap ng pang matagalan trabaho para sa mga taong may autismo na handa na.

Hindi rin po nawala ang pag-katawan ng ASP sa Pilipinas, sa ASEAN Autism Network at sa ASEAN mismo. Tuluy-tuloy po ang pag-wagayway naten ng bandilang Pilipino sa ASEAN. Bilang isang halimbawa ng effective na community driven and family centric advocacy.

Salamat po sa mga chapters na sukdulan ang kayod para tumulong sa mga members naten, para ramdam pa rin nila na katuwang nila ang ASP. Kahit maraming ginagawa at pinagkakaabalahan ang gobyerno, salamat po sa patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan sa LGU para mabakunahan ang mga gustong magpabakuna at para kasama pa rin ang mga issues ng ating mga pamilya sa pagpaplano ng direksyon ng mga lungsod at bayan sa 2022 at lagpas pa.

Ngayong Pasko, sana po masarap ang ulam ninyo, sana masaya, malusog at ligtas ang mga mahal ninyo sa buhay. Let us continue to join hands in inspiring acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of the Filipinos on the spectrum and in building a genuinely autism-ok society.

On behalf of the hardworking leadership and staff of Autism Society Philippines, and my family, happy holidays!

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Posted in: leaders,members

Sensory Integration: Calming Strategies for the Home

Date: 23 October 2021, Saturday
Time: 9:00am (we are not accepting late-comers)
Register below to get the zoom link.
Deadline of registration is 22 October 2021, Friday at 12nn
This learning event is EXCLUSIVE TO ASP MEMBERS

Sensory Integration October 2021 Poster

Sensory Integration is about how our brain receives and processes sensory information so that we can do the things we need to do in our everyday life. Our brain interprets the information it receives, then uses all of this information to help us respond to our environment. Most persons with autism have problems with sensory integration and this manifests in odd or challenging behaviors. Movement is important in sensory stimulation and we need to make sure our children are moving and active. Participants will learn practical strategies and sensory-rich activities we can do at home that can help PWAs cope or overcome their sensory processing difficulties.

IMPORTANT: Validated members will receive an email with the Zoom details. Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by Friday, 22 October at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderator:

Ms Cecile Sicam

Cecile S. Sicam is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as Secretary, President from 2001 to 2004; Vice President.

Cecile has been teaching children with special needs for more than 2 decades. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara County, California; and upon her return resumed her position as Program Coordinator of Bridges Foundation Inc.

Our Speaker:

Ms Anya Sanchez

Maria Anya Paola P. Sanchez, OTRP works as an occupational therapist at the St. Luke’s Medical Center, QualiMed Surgery Center – Manila, and Independent Living Learning Centre. She is also a contributing writer for the blog of Theracare, a family-centered therapy clinic in Davao. When Anya was the Apple Tree Integrated School’s program consultant, she helped develop the institution’s Blended Learning Program for students with disabilities even before the pandemic. She was also the clinic coordinator of Apple Tree’s school-based therapy center. Together with the Apple Tree staff, Anya pioneered the school’s push-in therapy services, which allowed Apple Tree’s occupational therapists and speech pathologists to shadow their patients during classes and extra co-curricular activities. She also developed many of the guidelines for conducting push-in sessions virtually.

Anya took up BS Occupational Therapy at the UP Manila. This year, she obtained her Diploma in International Health at the UP Open University.

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Posted in: members,seminar

Structured Teaching at Home

Date: 02 October 2021, Saturday
Time: 9:00am (we are not accepting late-comers)
Register below to get the zoom link.
Deadline of registration is 01 October 2021, Friday at 12nn
This learning event is EXCLUSIVE TO ASP MEMBERS

Structured Teaching at Home Poster

Structured teaching is a system for: organizing space; change of activities with schedules; work study systems to facilitate learning process; and material organization to promote independence. Its primary purpose is to improve adaptation of persons with autism by modifying or structuring the environment to accommodate learning challenges of those in the spectrum.

Long before the “new normal”, our resource person has been consistently practicing structured teaching at home. This zoominar features application of structured teaching at home from the resource person's personal experiences with her son on the autism spectrum and those of other families she met.

Participants will also be given practical tips on how to create doable routines, conducive learning spaces and visuals supports in small spaces at home.

IMPORTANT: Validated members will receive an email with the Zoom details. Send us an email via autismphils@gmail.com if you have not received your Zoom credentials by Friday, 01 October at 1pm. Please do not share your link — only one device per name shall be accepted.

Our Moderator:

Ms Cecile Sicam

Cecile S. Sicam is one of the 11 original founders of the Autism Society Philippines. She has served ASP in many capacities, as Secretary, President from 2001 to 2004; Vice President.

Cecile has been teaching children with special needs for more than 2 decades. She taught SpEd for three years Santa Clara County, California; and upon her return resumed her position as Program Coordinator of Bridges Foundation Inc.

Our Speaker:

Ms Dang Koe

Dang Uy Koe was honored as the inaugural ASEAN Prize laureate in 2018 for her regional autism advocacy. She is ASP’s Chairperson Emerita and Past Chairperson of ASEAN Autism Network. She graduated with degrees in Communication Arts from the University of Santo Tomas and the University of the Philippines. A sought-after speaker who travels to many parts of the country sharing hopes and building dreams with families living with autism, Dang is the recipient of 2013 Apolinario Mabini Award for Rehabilitation Volunteer and UST’s 2009 The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award for Humanitarian Service for her autism advocacy work.

Dang is the mother to three boys, including Gio, an adult on the autism spectrum, who propels her to be a passionate autism advocate.

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Posted in: members,seminar

Motivating Communication in Children and Youth on the Spectrum

Date: 04 September 2021, Saturday

Time: 9:00am (we are not accepting late-comers)

Register below to get the zoom link

Deadline of registration is 03 September 2021, Friday at 12nn

This learning event is EXCLUSIVE TO ASP MEMBERS

Motivating Communication Poster

Discover the many opportunities to teach language and communication skills at home. This webinar will help our parents create a conducive home environment that inspires speech in our children on the spectrum.

Our Speaker:

Ma. Cynthia Rodriguez-Quiasonis the pioneer that started it all. As founding President of the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists, she opened a venue where we could all learn and grow together, collaborate with each other in ensuring that we continue to improve in our profession, and that every Filipino who needs our help may be assisted by providing quality service. She laid the foundations for the association, which we have grown to respect and love today. Her career speaks of years of dedicated service, not just to clients who need speech and language intervention, but also to her fellow speech pathologists, paving ways to uplift and constantly improve the profession.

A graduate of BS Speech Pathology from UP-CAMP in 1985, Teacher Ting's 29 years as a speech pathologist encompasses advocating for the profession in various events and seminars, providing services to both pediatric and adult clients, which she continues to do as a Senior Consultant at Speech Ladder Therapy Center and as the co-owner of the Center for Exploration and Experiential Development, and educating generations of future speech pathologists, formerly in the UP- College of Allied Medical Professions, and currently at the UST-College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Teacher Ting continues to be dedicated to the association's cause, being active in the various activities of PASP. Truly, a model of high standards for current and future speech pathologists.

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Posted in: members,seminar

ASP hosts New Member and Volunteer Orientation in August

Despite the hard rains, the ASP Orientation for New Members and Volunteers, moderated by ASP Trustee Janette Peña was held in Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 13 August 2016. The session aims to help new advocates to understand more about autism, calibrate on disability-friendly language and introduce the work done by the Autism Society Philippines.

The participants were encouraged to find personal ways to contribute to the advocacy. This special session welcomes the members of the newly-formed ASP New Manila.

Ms. Janette Peña leading NMVO

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Posted in: 4parents,chapters,members,nmvo

ASP welcomes ASP NMVO Batch 1

“An idea is like a play. It needs a good producer and a good promoter even if it is a masterpiece. Otherwise the play may never open; or it may open but, for a lack of an audience, close after a week. Similarly, an idea will not move from the fringes to the mainstream simply because it is good; it must be skillfully marketed before it will actually shift people's perceptions and behavior.”

― David Bornstein, How to Change the World

ASP welcomed participants to the first of the monthly New Member and Volunteer Orientation (ASP NMVO) at the Autism Society Philippines National Headquarters last 12 March 2016.

ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz presided over the orientation with assistance from ASP National Trustee Peng So, ASP UP-CAMP President Jeng Rodriguez and ASP Program Manager Cenin Faderagao.

NMVO small group discussion

The event opened with the Autism Advocate’s Prayer and the ASP version of the Philippine National anthem. The 28 participants introduced themselves and explained why there were there. Half were parents eager to understand what the organization can do for their families. The other half were educators, psychologists and professionals eager to be part of ASP’s journey towards and Autism-OK Philippines.

Ms. Mona proceeded to give an overview of what autism is, to expound the nuances of language and labels around autism and to share the mission and programs of ASP and its activities over the next few months. The large group split into the parent and the volunteer circle where the participants continued to discuss the next steps in how they want to be involved in the advocacy.

Moving forward, ASP will conduct an orientation for the growing number of ASP members and volunteers monthly. Please monitor our Facebook account for announcements.

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Posted in: angel corps,members,orientation,volunteers