Understanding Autism: The Autism Society Phils-Iloilo Chapter provides a venue for handling autism better
Lope Manlapaz, vice president: Prima
Ibieza, treasurer: Neva Gregorios,
secretary: Editha Jardeleza: Mary Gen
Mahinay, PRO: and Harold Derquito,
auditor.
Autism is a developmental disability that severely hinders the way information is gathered and processed by the brain, causing problems in communications, learning and social behaviors. It typically appears during the child’s first three years, occurs roughly in 15 to 20 of every 10,000 births and is four times more common in males than females. People with autism live normal life spans and some of the behaviors associated with it may change or disappear over time.
Having an autistic child is not a simple matter. Oftentimes, we hear of parents worried about what will happen to their children once they're gone? How will their autistic child face life without the necessary skills to do such? Also, there's that stigma on autistic children being unruly. Other kids make fun of them instead of trying to understand them.
Angelo Jardeleza looks at his works on
exhibit after his photography workshop.
It is not easy but this is something that can be handled quite well once parents are given the needed support as well as the society given an idea as to what autism is all about. One such support is being part of an organization whose members can understand each other because they share the same experiences.
Thus the birth of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). It has a chapter here in Iloilo. It is a non-stock, non-profit organization of parents, professionals and institutions dedicated to the education and well-being of children and adults with autism.
The ASP envisions an environment conducive to the development of persons with autism and other disabilities to become, to the best of their potentials, independent, self-reliant, productive, and socially accepted members of society.
Aims
Tinkering with our camera.
The ASP aims to promote public awareness of autism; to act as a support group for families with autistic children and adults; to provide referral services identifying appropriate educational and medical expertise and facilities; to network with other organizations; institutions and professionals working for the promotion of legislation and public programs for persons with autism; and to initiate or assist in the creation of appropriate programs for autistic individuals.
Programs and Services
Its programs and services are: orientation and counseling services for families of newly diagnosed autists; family support group discussions; referral services for medical and educational requirements of families; siblings program-support group for brothers and sisters of persons with autism; sharing educational materials and references; discounted rates on lectures and seminars sponsored by ASP; and continuing education/training of families, teachers, therapists and caregivers of autists through seminars and film showings
Helping Out
Those who are interested to help the ASP-Iloilo Chapter can do so in several ways. One is to give financial and material assistance like educational materials for children, literature on autism, supplies. Then, assist in the different areas of operation e.g. counseling, liason with media, correspondence and other administrative tasks, writing articles, fund raising, etc. Then, lobby for legislation for the promotion of the welfare of children with autism
Contact Information
The ASP Iloilo Chapter can be reached through these numbers: (033) 3200527, (033) 3206317 and (033) 320-5655 or mobile numbers 09214319797, 09052904672 and 09194483885.
ASP-Iloilo Chapter's president is Edith Jardeleza and she can also be reached through e-mail edith_jardeleza@yahoo.com. You can also join ASP_iloilo@yahoogroups.com.