Teaching them to Fish

By: Marileth Enriquez, ASP Laguna Chapter Volunteer

Many of them are misunderstood. Some are pitied. Some are avoided, for the fear of being hurt by them. Here in Laguna, information on autism is limited and misconceptions still prevalent.

Yet, I commend the parents for their patience and support. But sad to say, their nurturing and loving, though important, are just ingredients to the whole recipe. To provide support to these children can be very expensive. For some families, sending them to school or to programs to help their children may not be their top priority. Because of poverty, education becomes a luxury. If hunger becomes the family’s constant guest— education becomes unnecessary.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” so the saying goes. In a span of 12 years, ASP Laguna Chapter established programs to help these children. Through Divine Providence and the help of family, friends and volunteers, three community-based intervention centers in Calamba, Paete and Liliw, are now fully or partially subsidized by the local governments.

the work, live and play program of ASP Laguna Chapter

The Autism Resource Center (ARC) in Los Baños, established the Work, Live and Play Program for young adults with autism and related developmental disorders. In 2009, United Parcel Service Foundation (UPSF) funds this project for one year. They have given purpose and meaning these children, now adolescence and adults. Click here to watch an excerpt of their programs and services.

ASP continues to work hard for the future of Filipinos with autism. Be an Angle for Autism. ASP Laguna Chapter needs your support. Write us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496 ASP Laguna contacts asplagunachapter@yahoo.com.

ORIGINAL from comment post: http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/02/04/iac_day4/