Making “Sumbong” about Tristan

By: Elizabeth Udquin, President ASP UP CAMP Manila Chapter

Having a special child is not an easy task. Having two boys with autism is doubly challenging. Dealing with their daily activities, the stresses raising two boys, and additional obligations, were eased by the generous assistance of my in-laws.

One day a parent from Caritas Manila told me about Center for Therapy Services at UP CAMP Manila. The session only cost 50 pesos per session! Right then and there, I called CTS UP CAMP’s Administrative Aide, Ms. Cathy Gagata, to include my first born son Cholo, in the wait list.

After two weeks, I received a call for Cholo’s initial evaluation. A month later, he was accommodated for Speech (ST) and Occupational Therapy (OT). That was year 2007. The following year, my other son, Tristan, was also diagnosed with autism. He was scheduled for screening after 3 months and also got the slot for OT.

Thankfully, after four years of speech therapy, Cholo, (6 years old) my eldest, can now communicate his needs verbally. He used to be totally non-verbal and had temper tantrums. Now, he can ask and answer where and what questions. Best of all he can make “sumbong” (tell on) when Tristan, his younger brother misbehaves!

Cholo and Tristan

Based on the latest evaluation report I received from the PGH’s Developmental Pediatrician, Cholo is now age-appropriate in his self-help, gross/fine motor and school related skills; while his brother, Tristan’s (4 years old) skills are two years behind.

I am thankful for the trainings and seminars conducted by UP CAMP and ASP National Office. They have contributed in equipping parents like me to become more effective in handling my children with special needs. And my children’s progress is a result of collective effort from the therapies they have been receiving from the Center for Therapy Services at UP CAMP Manila, the teachers from Sped Center at St. Dymphna plus the consistent implementation of home programs for them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the staff of Center for Therapy Services CTS Pedia, Adolescent and Adult for making their time to put up and maintain the clinic; and also to the resident therapists and clinical instructors, who continue to educate parents and caregivers in Managing CWAs through the Home Instruction Program.

Special thanks to Dean Cabatan, Mr. Kristoffer Mendoza, Doc. Ferds Garcia, Ms. Penny Cheng and Ms. Alma Fabros in their continued support for ASP UP CAMP Chapter projects and activities. To God Be the Glory!