ASP’S Homepowerment Program – Empowering Families thru Training and Therapy Services for CWAs

The Autism Society Philippines is pleased to open the applications for Batch 9 of ASP's HOMEpowerment, a program that offers initial therapy to children with autism 8 years and below from indigent ASP member families.

HOMEpowerment digital poster

The program will be composed of occupational, speech and non-traditional therapy sessions. Parents will also receive training on how to continue their child's program at home, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for their child with autism. This offering was made possible by the generous donation of Kiehl's Philippines, as part of a global effort to support autism causes.

Here's how you can apply to the ASP's HOMEpowerment program:

1) The applicant family must ...
1.1 live within Quezon City's District 1, District 3 and District 4;
1.2 have a Certificate of Indigency, issued by DSWD or the barangay;
1.3 commit to attending all therapy sessions, parent trainings and to implementing programs at home; and
1.4 allow home visits by a parent-mentor

2) The child with #autism must ...
2.1 have a formal autism assessment report from a developmental pediatrician or a
recommendation from a licensed occupational or speech therapist;
2.2 be born no earlier than 1 September 2011 (approximately 8 years old and below);

3) The applicant family must fill out this form below. ASP will schedule interviews with the applicant families. THERE IS NO NEED TO FOLLOW UP. WE WILL REACH OUT TO ALL APPLICANTS FOR INTERVIEW SCHEDULES. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

4) ASP will select a limited number of children with autism to benefit from the program.

Occupational Therapy shall be conducted at the Quality Life Discoveries, at No. 70 20th Avenue Barangay San Roque, Quezon City, while Speech Therapy is offered at Center for Exploration and Experiential Development at Room 414 Jocfer Bldg., Commonwealth Ave. Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines aspires to extend this program to more families and to bring it to the provinces. Our experience from the pilot batch has helped us develop the program to better answer the needs of a growing autism community.

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Posted in: 4pwas,children,HOMEpowerment,therapy

ASP’S Homepowerment Program – Empowering Families thru Training and Therapy Services for CWAs

The Autism Society Philippines is pleased to open the applications for Batch 8 of ASP's HOMEpowerment, a program that offers initial therapy to children with autism 8 years and below from indigent ASP member families.

HOMEpowerment Digital Poster

The program will be composed of occupational, speech and non-traditional therapy sessions. Parents will also receive training on how to continue their child's program at home, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for their child with autism. This offering was made possible by the generous donation of Kiehl's Philippines, as part of a global effort to support autism causes.

Here's how you can apply to the ASP's HOMEpowerment program:

1) The applicant family must ...
1.1 live within Quezon City's District 1, District 3 and District 4;
1.2 have a Certificate of Indigency, issued by DSWD or the barangay;
1.3 commit to attending all therapy sessions, parent trainings and to implementing programs at home; and
1.4 allow home visits by a parent-mentor

2) The child with #autism must ...
2.1 have a formal autism assessment report from a developmental pediatrician or a
recommendation from a licensed occupational or speech therapist;
2.2 be born no earlier than 1 September 2011 (approximately 8 years old and below);

3) The applicant family must fill out this form below. ASP will schedule interviews with the applicant families. THERE IS NO NEED TO FOLLOW UP. WE WILL REACH OUT TO ALL APPLICANTS FOR INTERVIEW SCHEDULES. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

4) ASP will select a limited number of children with autism to benefit from the program.

Occupational Therapy shall be conducted at the Quality Life Discoveries, at No. 70 20th Avenue Barangay San Roque, Quezon City, while Speech Therapy is offered at Center for Exploration and Experiential Development at Room 414 Jocfer Bldg., Commonwealth Ave. Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines aspires to extend this program to more families and to bring it to the provinces. Our experience from the pilot batch has helped us develop the program to better answer the needs of a growing autism community.

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Posted in: children,HOMEpowerment,therapy

ASP pilots HOMEpowerment Program -- Therapy Services for CWAs

We are celebrating World Autism Acceptance Month with the launch of yet another groundbreaking initiative!

Teacher My Sorongon demonstrating
an approach during the EDEIP at Pasay City

The Autism Society Philippines is pleased to open the applications for Batch 1 of ASP's HOMEpowerment, a program that offers 10 months of therapy to children with autism from indigent families, for a minimal fee of P50 per session.
The program will be composed of occupational, speech and non-traditional therapy sessions. Parents will also receive training on how to continue their child's program after the 10 months, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for their child with autism. This offering was made possible by the generous donation of Kiehl's Philippines, as part of a global effort to support autism causes.
Here's how you can apply to the ASP's HOMEpowerment program:

1) The applicant family must ...

1.1 live within Quezon City's District 1, District 3 and District 4;
1.2 have a Certificate of Indigency, issued by DSWD or the baranggay;
1.3 be willing to attend all therapy sessions, parent training and implement home programs for 10 months; and
1.4 allow home visits by a social worker.

2) The child with #autism must ...

2.1 have a formal autism assessment report from a developmental pediatrician or a recommendation from a licensed occupational or speech therapist;
2.2 be born no earlier than 1 January 2010 (approximately 8 years old and below); and
2.3 be clear of physical disabilities or co-morbid medical conditions.

3) The applicant family must fill out this form below. ASP will schedule interviews with the applicant families in April 2018. THERE IS NO NEED TO FOLLOW UP. WE WILL REACH OUT TO ALL APPLICANTS FOR INTERVIEW SCHEDULES. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

4) ASP will select thirty (30) children with autism to benefit from the program.

The venue of the pilot batch of the ASP HOMEpowerment Program will be at the Quality Life Discoveries, at No. 70 20th Avenue Barangay San Roque, Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines aspires to extend this program to more families and to bring it to the provinces. Our experience from the pilot batch will help us develop the program to better answer the needs of a growing autism community.

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Posted in: children,HOMEpowerment,therapy

ASP Sta. Rosa Aqua Therapy

The ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter had a wonderful time learning the basics of Aqua Therapy last July 12, 2015 at the Banahaw Clubhouse of Sta Elena Golf and Country Club, Sta. Rosa Laguna. The whole day event composed of lectures and actual pool session conducted by Christian Oliver Cruz, Head of Physical Therapy at Quality Life Discoveries.

PWAs Swimming during Aqua Therapy with Mr. Christian Oliver Cruz

Parents, teachers, family members and our Persons with Autism (PWA) learned basic aqua therapy techniques and understood how these form of adjunct therapy can be a good form of exercise, relaxation, sensory integration and a means to build self-confidence and social skills. Aside from the learning, it was a good bonding moment for the family and our ASP Sta. Rosa team as we all partake of good food and shared stories and laughter. The group will hold another follow up session to provide the participants opportunities to practice what they have learned.

About the contributor: Olive Medina is mom to CWA Enzo and his baby sister Lizzie. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother, she works as General Manager for a logistics company, a part time college lecturer and part time yoga instructor. She is also the president of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4pwas,chapters,community,regional,seminar,sports,swim,therapy,water

ASP CSFP in an Animal-Assisted Therapy for PWAs feature

The ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga Chapter members were honored guests at ABS-CBN’s “Salamat Dok” episode which tackled animal-assisted therapy for individuals with autism.

It was a gratifying experience as we were treated, as genuinely special guests. Our Chapter President, Joyla Ofrecia and her son and four more kids with autism and their companions were able to join the location shoot. We reached Camayan Beach Resort at 9:30pm where cozy family rooms were reserved for us and a sumptuous dinner was prepared by the shore.

The cameras started rolling at 9am the following day. We were directed to go to Ocean Adventure for the Dolphin Encounter; while the hosts, Bernadette Sembrano, Alvin Elchico Dr. Francis Samonte and Joyla Ofrecia talked about autism, its nature, signs and symptoms; and how dolphins and other animals can help children with autism.

Ms. Joyla Ofrecia interview in Salamat Dok

In the background, the kids and mommies enjoyed a very close encounter with Zack, the smart dolphin -- assisted by dolphin trainers led by Kuya Paulo. We made him sing, waved hello, tickled its tummy, and the coolest trick was the water fight! The kids won’t stop hugging and kissing Zack. It was indeed, a very memorable experience for both mommies and the kids.

From picking us up in San Fernando via ABS-CBN van, up to driving us back home safe, we were all treated very well! Thank you, “Salamat Dok” for making our kids feel more special than they already are.

The episode aired on 18 April 2015, Saturday at 6am.

About the contributor. Melanie Liang is ASP CSFP Chapter Secretary and mom to 7-year-old Josh.

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Posted in: chapters,media,regional,therapy

ASP joins SPU in Launch of Music Therapy Center

The Autism Society Philippines was represented by Ms. Cecile Sicam, ASP Trustee at the launnch of the Music Therapy Program at St. Paul University Manila last 10 October 2014. She was joined by other esteemed educators who witnessed the ribbon-cutting, a survey of the facilities and a lecture-demo.

Ms. Cecile Sicam and Ms. Sol Bautista with St. Paul staffs

St. Paul’s University Manila boasts that this is “the first Music Therapy Center in the Philippines, which will provide music therapy services for differently challenged children, adolescents, and adults. As with all music therapy sessions, the goals of the music therapy offered in the Center depend on the needs, abilities, and challenges of the clients. They can range from increased mobility to improved communication skills, to reduced anxiety or exploring personal issues. Through music therapy’s well planned, professional, and skillful use of music, St. Paul University Manila hopes to help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities of various kinds and to help children with developmental disabilities to reach their highest potentials.”

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Posted in: education,therapy,university

“Pursuer of Dreams” Workshop held in Imus

ASP-Imus held a watercolor workshop entitled Pursuer of Dreams last September 27, 2014 at the activity center of Robinson's Place in Imus, Cavite. It was attended by 10 CWAs, 7-15 years of age, and their siblings. Most of them came from the Imus Public Sped Centers.

ASP Imus “Pursuer of Dreams” Workshop with paintings

A kind-hearted individual who also has a brother in the Autism Spectrum provided the art materials and snacks for this event. It is one of her dreams to organize a watercolor workshop for CWAs to help them and their siblings express themselves through painting and thereby create a bond between them.

The parents of the participants are very thankful for this opportunity given to their children. They are very proud of their kids for their achievements in that activity.

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Posted in: art,community,regional,therapy

ASP Alfonso hosts Free Therapy Sessions

ASP Alfonso was blessed on 21 September 2014 for being able to host free therapy sessions held at Sanghiyang, Alfonso Central Elem. School, through the support of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Municipality of Alfonso.

Ms. Janette Peña, Mr. Evert Malapad and therapists with educational materials

We are very thankful to Mr. Evert Malapad, active ASP parent member and SPED practitioner. Through his kind effort, he brought in a team of occupational and speech therapists to our municipality of Alfonso. They are T. Liza Gozo (OT), T. Michelle Rafols (OT), T. Joie Brillantes (ST) and T. Julie Rimanado (ST). The team also donated educational materials to the SPED Program of Alfonso Central Elementary School, where most parents are ASP members. About 36 children with special needs from this school and the community were given assessment and recommendation services.

Mam Jan Peña of ASP National was also there for giving us support. She also donated activity books for student and teacher reference. We hope this is just a start of a journey towards ensuring quality life of all children wih special needs. Once again in behalf of all parents here in Alfonso, thank you!

About the contributor: Ms. Jeanette Vidallon is the President of ASP Alfonso; and an active mover in the growing advocacy in their community.

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Posted in: community,regional,therapy

August 30 Saturday Back to Back Seminars

Emergency Skills For Families of PWAs
9:30am – 12:00pm

Does the threat of flood, earthquake and other natural disasters have you worried about your child with autism? The seminar will dive into the basics of what a family who lived with autism should do before, during and after emergency situations. Learn potentially life-saving techniques and skills; and create a plan that will keep your family safe.

Mark Anthony T. Padil is a graduate of BS Physical Therapy from Our Lady of Fatima University in 2002. He has worked as a Behavior Therapist ABA / VB - Shadow Teacher with individuals with autism in school, center and home-based environments. Teacher Mark assists in emergency and disaster alleviation efforts and in the promotion of public safety, disaster-preparedness and community service with the Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team and with the CRS-AFP Civil Relations Service. He is founder of the eMergency Autism Response sKills (eMark) Services.

Our speaker, Mr. Mark Anthony Padil and Ms. Solinda Bautista

Music Therapy For Individuals With Autism
1:30 – 3:30pm

Studies reveal that most children, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder respond positively to music -- making music a potentially powerful therapeutic tool. Music interventions used within a therapeutic relationship for individuals with ASD have encouraged social interactions, increased attention and communication attempts, reduced anxiety, and improved body coordination. Though well-established as an allied health profession in other countries, music therapy has yet to be better known in the Philippines as a therapeutic option, and thus our session speaker will enlighten us on what it is, why and how it works, why it is an art and science at the same time, how it is carried out and how it benefits individuals with special needs.

Ma. Solinda Garcia-Bautista is amongst the first batch of graduate students learning Music Therapy at the St. Paul University Manila College of Music and the Performing Arts, a Center of Excellence for Music pioneering Music Therapy programs in the Philippines starting 2013. Sol concurrently gave chase to Business Administration and Accountancy at the University of the Philippines and Music at Sta. Isabel College. After delivering her piano graduation recital and garnering eighth place in the CPA boards, she plunged into an intense 28-year corporate career in Information Technology with top global firms. She helped transform businesses through technology as a consultant working locally and abroad, including mission-critical engagements in New York, Chicago, Tokyo and Hong Kong, and as a senior executive for a large global financial firm. Sol concertizes whenever time permits.

Single Seminar	Double Seminar
Pre-reg. *until Aug 27 ASP Member - P500.00 Non-Member - P600.00	Pre-reg. *untilAug 27 ASP Member - P 800.00 Non-Member - P1,000.00
On-Site Registration ASP Member - P600.00 Non-Member - P700.00	On-Site Registration ASP Member - P1,000.00 Non-Member - P1,200.00

Venue: Auditorium, 4th Floor Philippine Information Agency, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
Map: http://bit.ly/1o9dJ4F
Seminar Fee is inclusive of certificate, handouts and snacks.

Pre-registered participants may pay to Autism Society Philippines, Metro Bank, Kamias Branch Account Number 047-3-04751874-2. Please fax the deposit slip with the name/s of participant/s to ASP office and bring it on the day of the seminar. On-site registrants will be accepted depending on the availability of slots. There will only be 70 slots available. No refund will be given to participants who do not show up on the date of the seminar. For more details, please call ASP at 7-903-5496.

The ASP Education and Empowerment Program serves as a platform to educate Filipino parents and professionals on the various interventions, modalities and theories surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their application and implementation are left at your discretion. The views and personal experiences of the speakers are their own and may not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.

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Posted in: 4parents,4pros,4public,music,seminar,special,therapy

Art of The Innocents

(This article describes the talk on Teaching Art to Special Needs Individuals given by Barbra Dans Paguia, Founder, Chairman of Board and Program Coordinator of Bridges Foundation, Inc. on 5 April 2014.)

“The Art of the Innocents” lecture revolves around one’s experience while teaching art to adolescent students with special needs. The students are currently enrolled at Bridges Foundation, Incorporated. The art program was started in March 2011 in consultation with lecturer’s mother and mentor, Araceli Limcaco-Dans, an Art Educator and one of the country’s known visual artists.

Standing in front of arworks

During the implementation of the art program, the lecturer came upon significant realizations she wishes to share with parents, teachers, relatives and friends of students (or young adults) with special needs. Through art activities, art education as a key subject can be a very effective tool in tapping many educational, behavioral and emotional goals of individuals with special needs.

When implementing art, our goal is to focus on what the creative activity does for the person, and not on the product. Copying or tracing the picture of a fish may look good, but it is mechanical. Copying or tracing may help a bit in the fine motor development of the student, but it may also be harmful, as the process of copying deprives the person of many things: the joy of discovering, the joy of realizing that he can conceive his own interpretation, the pleasure of forming a picture in his mind, and the self-confidence that comes with creating something concrete on his own.

Hence, in the art activities in this lecture, as will be shown through Power point pictures and videos, the student is provided with tools such as paper, colors, clay and so forth. With the proper motivation or stimulus, he is able to form images in his mind, and by using his hands, his eyes, his feelings, he is able to synchronize his senses to show them on paper or clay. He undergoes what we call the creative process. This process allows him, nay, gives him the chance to imagine, to choose, to plan, to innovate, to express himself without words. In so doing… the process becomes joyful and emotionally satisfying. It promotes his self-confidence. It becomes therapeutic. He is able to concentrate longer. In his joy with the activity he is able to compare with others and exercise critical thinking, he learns to share more. For art becomes his pictorial language. And this is why we call this simple lecture, “The Art of the Innocents.”

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Posted in: art,community,sm,therapy

ASP Dagupan Colors: An Art Workshop

ASP Dagupan City Chapter held a play date for children with autism, including kids from the Stimulation and Therapy Activity Center last 29 March 2014 at the Dagupan City National High School, Abong na Alumni,Tapuac District, Dagupan City.

CWAs enjoying and having fun doing artworks

Starting with an action song about colors, the children with autism were also guided as they learned the basic colors thru the color wheel, simple landscape coloring, abstract painting followed by mask making. To cap the day off an origami workshop that taught the kids to create swans, fishes and frogs thru paper folding was facilitated.

This activity is one of the many slated by the ASP Dagupan City Chapter for the year to be able to expose both kids and their parents to mainstream society to overcome their fear and or hesitation to socialize and to help in the advocacy of the group rallying for the unbiased and non judgmental inclusion of these children in society.

This article is a contribution of Ann Cua, ASP Dagupan Chapter volunteer.

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Posted in: chapters,community,regional,therapy

ARTism: Drawn Together

Artists on the autism spectrum gathered together on 1 March 2014 at SM City San Lazaro as they showcased their talents in an art event promoting autism awareness.

ARTIsm poster

“ARTism,” a benefit art expo by the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP College of Medicine, with the Autism Society Philippines and the Association for Adults with Autism in the Philippines as partners in the autism community, was an art exposition aiming to promote awareness on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by giving them, along with other participants, a venue for self-empowerment through art and music.

The event was participated by many regular and budding artists, young and old, surrounded and inspired by artworks created by such individuals with autism as Vico Cham, Andrei Macapagal, and students of Sta. Belina Learning Center in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

While the participants create their own masterpieces, they were serenaded by the music of ASP’s talents. Tum-Tum Mendoza, winner of the 2013 National Music Competitions for Young Artists, rendered classical and contemporary musical pieces on his signature marimba. Also, Christian Caragayan, Trisha Cardino, and Clarence Cruz, who all performed during ASP’s Angels Walk at the MOA Arena, shared their talents before everyone.

I also had the honor of sharing my experiences, as I discussed with the participants on my journey as both a multimedia designer and a self-advocate, what with my projects with ASP, including 1Pangako and CAUSEPLAY, how such areas of art as graphic design and cosplay can be used as tools for advocacy toward autism awareness and understanding.

It was a great opportunity to showcase the wonders and the value of being on the autism spectrum, what with our achievements and skills being the highlight of this event, which also aims to benefit the Rehabilitation Ward of the Philippine General Hospital, through proceeds from both registrations and merchandise. It was also an opportunity for self-advocates like us to be drawn together and show that “Yes, we can.”

(This article is the contribution of Gerard Joseph Atienza, a proud self-advocate and the Secretary of the ASP Bacoor Chapter)

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Posted in: art,community,education,self-advocates,sm,special,therapy

The Power of the Arts

Metrobank Foundation’s Art for Healing project has excited me to no end, being a parent of two teenage boys diagnosed with ASD. In 2013, I helped organize a 6-day art psychosocial intervention workshop. In 2014, through a partnership between Metrobank Foundation, MADE, NCCA and SM Supermalls, a new batch of young PWAs was treated to a one-day workshop, exclusive for Autism Society Philippines members at SM Aura, in celebration of National Arts Month.

Art for Healing is a unique art psychosocial intervention workshop for teens with autism. This workshop differs from others as it allows PWAs the freedom to express their own thoughts and feelings without judgment. The focus is not on fine motor skills; but rather expression.

It is in the teenage years where most individuals, neurotypical or otherwise, struggle with their identity. Using the power of the arts, the workshop hoped to draw out how these participants saw themselves -- a potential challenge for teaching artists, in my view. When asked about what his commitment to mentor, despite how the workshop was a mix of teenagers with diverse ASD deficits, award-winning sculptor Jonathan Dangue gave a reply reflective of his inclusive nature, sans hesitation: “Oo ba. Ibang klaseng pag-iisip yan.” His answer assured me that the kids were going to be in good hands.

PWAs enjoying doing artworks

As much as noted artists such as Noell El Farol, Salvador I. Ching, Thomas Daquioag, Ferdinand Doctolero, Rex Tatlonghari were teaching the participants different techniques of expression, it was their open-mindedness and gentle nature that allowed them to connect with the children so quickly. They knew that the kids were very sensitive and that they have to be responsible in maintaining their energies. As they were having fun teaching the kids, the kids were enjoying expressing themselves through their self-portrait and the parents were relaxed and had generous smiles.

Attending psychologist, Dr. Grace Evangelista, was vigilant in keeping the mood relaxed yet productive. She assisted the artist / teachers if there were any sensory or behavioral issues.

Towards the end of the workshop, each child was asked to present their collages and what it meant. Ezekiel, presented an impressive and intricate collage that was given so much thought. The clarity of his thought was also reflected in his description of his collage. Jay Buenaventura showed his affections for his family as he show how he drew each of them in his collage. Show-and-tell did not exclude the kids who were non-verbal. Clay sculptor, Carlos, may have no words but he knew the sounds that his clay dinosaurs made and he also knew that he made us happy with his dinosaur impressions. The non-verbals were equally proud of their work and they clearly want to share.

Most people make the mistake that art is only for the rich or something that cannot put food on the table. Yet I have seen the power of the arts so many times. It has inspired, fulfilled and uplifted spirits. It has provided respite for those who are downtrodden. It builds character and discipline. It has the power to affect lives with its messages. Communities are formed and united with no need for words.

While others need data and evidence, only a trusting nature can understand what I had witnessed that day. I saw the love in each parent’s eyes as they see their children happy with their accomplishment. I saw teachers embracing the uniqueness of their students. I saw the beautiful gentle souls of kids (and adults) with ASD that can only be expressed beyond words. I saw a higher order of thinking that can only be delivered through the arts. I saw fledging community working together to supporting and uplifting kids with ASD. HeART for Healing always awards me to be a witness to the inclusive power of the arts.

We look forward to the stories and revelations from the next Art for Healing workshop in Davao.

This article is a contribution of Ms. Cristina Estampador, former ASP Trustee and current ASP project coordinator for the Art for Healing project.

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Posted in: art,chapters,community,metrobank,sm,therapy

Celebrating NACW 2014 in Davao

Autism Society Philippines Davao Chapter celebrated the 18th National Autism Week with various of fun filled activities. Despite being under a low pressure area and the looming fear of low participation, the rains stopped in time for opening on 19 January 2014 at 3 pm, with the program at SM Lanang Premier SMX conference hall.

Pastor Ruben Hernani Jr. spoke of giving importance and role of the parents and family in caring a person with autism (PWA). This was followed by an orientation from the Davao City Police Office in handling PWAs involved in misdemeanour and from the DSWD on the rights and responsibilities of Persons with Disabilities. A showcase of talents of our PWAs featured Popo Uy, SPED Bangkal students, Henry Basquez, DAICF students and Andrei Morales.

After the program, the much awaited Angel’s Walk began, wherein more than 300 individuals participated -- walking around the mall, congregating at the Fountain Court. The song 1Pangako played in the background as the sun set on the fulfilling day. We also conducted an orientation to the security force of SM City Davao.

Photos from Andrei Morales' Facebook album.

A Stress Management Workshop was conducted on January 20 at 6:00pm at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center, facilitated by Mr. Atho dela Cruz, a psychologist and biodynamic healing energy therapist. This workshop was intended for parents, teachers and handlers of PWAs. He discussed how one can relieve stress temporarily through music, massage, communication within family. Before the workshop, Ranny Uy’s family ensemble played cool jazz music, entertaining the audience and setting the mood to start with the workshop. The event attracted more than 100 hundred participants.

A sensory-friendly movie titled “The Nut Job” held on January 25 at 10:00 am at the SM City Davao culminated the week’s celebrations. Bringing up the lights, turning down the sound, allowing the PWAs to bring in thier own snacks, eliminating movie previews and advertisements, welcoming audience members to get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, go in and out of the cinema (without compromising safety) supports desensitization training of PWAs towards acquiring socially-appropriate behaviors inside movie houses. During the showing of the film, once could hear laughing, shouting, and crying specially for the first timers. For the second sensory-friendly movie sponsored by ASP Davao Chapter, the theatre was almost filled to capacity.

A tri-media blitz complemented the weeklong activities. ASP Davao leaders spoke about autism and our autism advocacy on Club 88 forum on GMA-7, DXRP-AM Radio ng Bayan, DXAB AM Radio and MOR FM Radio of ABS-CBN, SM Kapehan and the Sun Star Davao.

This article was contributed by Maripet B. Cagas of ASP Davao Chapter.

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Posted in: angels-walk,chapters,community,nacw,regional,sm,therapy

Project HeART for Healing Workshop on February 9

The Autism Society Philippines, the Metrobank Foundation and the MADE-NOW (Metrobank Art & Design Excellence – Network Of Winners), the alumni organization of the Foundation’s 29-year art and design program, collaborated to bring you “Project HeART for Healing,” an art therapy program that uses the science of art psychotherapy and the technical skills of the artists in 2013.

Teens with autism in Project HeART for Healing Workshop

Another “Project HeART for Healing” workshop will be held on 09 February 2014, Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the SM Aura, with the support of Metrobank Foundation and SM Communications. Moderated by psychologist Dr. Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, the 3-hour workshop is an art psychosocial intervention for teens with autism to help them build a good sense of self and confidence.

This workshop is open to budding artists aged 13 and above, who belong to an ASP member family. Seats are limited to 40 participants. Deadline for submitting an application is 7 February 2014, Friday.

Register now!

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Posted in: 4pwas,art,best,chapters,metrobank,special,therapy

Hope Abounds: Sta. Rosa Community Based Therapy

Those who have been exposed to special needs individuals would know that given the proper interventions, these individuals will go a long way in life. But we also know that these interventions come with a price. And to those who have been blessed to have access to these interventions, there is no better way to give thanks than to pay it forward. This is being true to our design as creations of our God who is loving and generous.

ASP Sta. Rosa and Los Baños Officers

With the help of the Sta. Rosa Chapter and Los Baños Chapter of the Autism Society Philippines, the Los Baños Association of Parents with Disabilities, volunteers and friends, we conducted a free occupational, speech, special education and psychology assessments to special needs individuals from indigent families last 30 November 2013 at the New Los Baños Municipal Hall.

In the spirit of bayanihan, certified professionals worked with volunteer parents. After this activity, trained volunteer parents will act as therapists to implement the recommendations of the professionals not only to their own children; but also on other children within the community.

Contributed by Vicky Erolin, ASP Sta. Rosa Laguna

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Posted in: 4parents,4pwas,best,chapters,community,regional,therapy

ASP lobbies for inclusive health benefits

The Autism Society Philippines is one with many disability groups in the inclusion of our unique medical and therapeutic needs under the benefits of the country’s universal healthcare program, Philhealth and of the private health maintenance organization (HMO) insurance.

In a position paper submitted to the Senate in September 2013, the ASP saw the need to engineer more laws and policies towards inclusive development. Among them was the availability of creative mechanisms for funding our medical and therapy costs. The parents of the individuals on the spectrum would welcome reforms that will help them fund the interventions for their children. One hundred percent tax-deductibility of intervention expenses of parents for their children with disabilities, Philhealth-supported therapy, interventions included in HMO coverage are only some of the creative solutions our sector would like our leaders to champion.

The Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines, Inc. (OTAPI) -- a valued ASP partner in this cause -- has proactively appealed for occupational therapy services to be accredited for Philhealth coverage. OTAPI is currently working on proposed changes to the implementing rules and regulations to the Republic Act 9241 otherwise known as the Philhealth Act.

ASP Vice President Cecilia Sicam and Program Coordinator Raph Torralba, Mrs. Nelia De Jesus of NCDA, Christopher Molin of PDAO-Naga City and Mr. Jose Dela Cruz of Philippine School for the Deaf at the ceremonial launching of the Z-Morph Prosthesis Benefit Package introduced by Philhealth on 31 October 2013.

As ASP National works with the government agencies and private organizations, we enjoin ASP chapter leaders and members to be part of the process of change. You can do something today.

As honest taxpayers, we need universal access to free medical and therapy for our family members with autism. Please write a letter or submit a community petition to your representatives in Congress to inspire them to ACT.

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Posted in: government,law,therapy

Early treatment may help kids with autism Two years of therapy can help children as young as 18 months, study says

updated 8:26 a.m. ET Nov. 30, 2009

CHICAGO - The first rigorous study of behavior treatment in autistic children as young as 18 months found two years of therapy can vastly improve symptoms, often resulting in a milder diagnosis.

The study was small — just 48 children evaluated at the University of Washington — but the results were so encouraging it has been expanded to several other sites, said Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer of the advocacy group Autism Speaks. Dawson, a former University of Washington professor, led the research team.

Early autism treatment has been getting more attention, but it remains controversial because there's scant rigorous evidence showing it really works. The study is thus "a landmark of great import," said Tony Charman, an autism education specialist at the Institute of Education in London.

There's also a growing emphasis on diagnosing autism at the earliest possible age, and the study shows that can pay off with early, effective treatment, said Laura Schreibman, an autism researcher at the University of California at San Diego.

The National Institute of Mental Health funded the study, which was published online Monday in Pediatrics.

Children aged 18 months to 30 months were randomly assigned to receive behavior treatment called the Early Start Denver model from therapists and parents, or they were referred to others for less comprehensive care.

The therapy is similar to other types of autism behavior treatment. It focused on social interaction and communication — which are both difficult for many autistic children. For example, therapists or parents would repeatedly hold a toy near a child's face to encourage the child to have eye contact — a common problem in autism. Or they'd reward children when they used words to ask for toys.

Children in the specialized group had four hours of therapist-led treatment five days a week, plus at least five hours weekly from parents.

After two years, IQ increased an average of almost 18 points in the specialized group, versus seven points in the others. Language skills also improved more in the specialized group. Almost 30 percent in the specialized group were re-diagnosed with a less severe form of autism after two years, versus 5 percent of the others. No children were considered "cured.

Ashton Faller of Everett, Wash., got specialized treatment, starting at age 2.

"He had no verbal speech whatsoever, no eye contact, he was very withdrawn," recalled his mother, Lisa Faller.

Within two years, Ashton had made "amazing" gains, she said. Now almost 6, he's in a normal kindergarten class, and though he still has mild delays in social skills, people have a hard time believing he is autistic, Faller said.

The treatment is expensive; participants didn't pay, but it can cost $50,000 a year, Dawson said. Some states require insurers to cover such costs, and Autism Speaks is working to expand those laws.

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