 | Welcome! | Jan 23, 2007 |
I enrolled my 2 boys (Dale and Tony) as Kiddie Crew at McDonald's Glorietta. Today is their 2nd day. I was apprehensive about Dale, as usual, being "exposed." Although I really am proud of him, I just have other thoughts that, again, Dale proved I shouldn't have. During the orientation, they went on a tour around the store/kitchen. Dale was the oldest among the 7 crew members. They were given their uniform (shirt, cap, bag, and ID) and were asked to sing the kiddie crew song. Dale didn't want to sing, of course. I had to result to threats, like taking away his DS lite and no PC time, to no avail. Their first day was no different. He still didn't want to sing. Although when it was their turn to go on the floor, he said "Mom, now this is more like it!" The boys were first assigned to clean tables, greet customers and assist them (bring their food to their tables) and the girls were assigned to take orders. A foreigner gave Tony a tip, but the McDonald's staff-in-charge saw it and made Anton return it. But then another foreigner gave another boy a huge tip and he was persistent to give it to the boy, so they couldn't stop it from there... but then it was the boys' turn on the counter, so it was the girls who got most of the tips. haha! See photos here. Video here. They were given free spaghetti and drinks afterwards. Today (2nd day), they were all assigned inside. Dale (I think because he was the tallest and oldest) was assigned to cook fries. Tony was taking and fixing orders. You can see from the video that Dale did well. The manager was happy about his performance. He danced a little even after getting a little burn on his finger. When Dale was relieved of fries duty, a girl was asked to replace him but the crew said she gave up coz it was too hot and that the basket was heavy. Dale and Tony had a little fight coz we think Tony got a little jealous of Dale getting all the attention. I then talked to the staff and told her if the two can be separated tomorrow, so that Dale won't mistakenly "steal" Tony's glory. hahaha. That was also the time I told them about Dale's little "problem." Everything turned out well! Dale proved to be focused on the job, but needs to practice more on communication. Tomorrow will be their last day on the floor. Thursday will be their art workshop, and on Friday is their mini graduation at the branch. On May 28, there will be a grand graduation at the World Trade Center with the other Kiddie crew members around the metro. See how they will dance on their graduation! Thanks in advance to all the managers and staff of McDonald's Glorietta for their kindness and support! Everyone was helpful and encouraging. I wish we started doing this since Ate Anea so all of them had the chance to be part of your team. God bless you all. Bright Steps SPEDLearning Center 1603 A. Mendoza St., Barangay CarmonaMakati City Tel. No. 9757295 /09178010811
My Little Butterfly Children’s Learning and Therapy Center 67 Regalado Avenue , Fairview , Q.C. Tel. No. 9393400
Ms. Deth Brabante ADM Asst. Speciabilities Development Center
11 Binmaka St. (nearBiak na Bato St.)
Manresa,Quezon City
1115 Philippines
Tel. Nos.(632) 361-9178 or 364-3460
www.speciabilities.comemail:speciabilities@yahoo.com
Thank you very much!
Teacher Ting V. Patriarca School Directress Thank you for everyone who supported me and Dale during the past couple of days. I am not going to lie and tell you that I am okay now with everything. My heart bleeds still. I've gone two days without sleep, and I became deeply depressed. I realized this was not an ordinary case. This was a case of discrimination.
It was my decision to transfer my children to my alma mater. The reasons were one, because it was nearer; and two, because I wanted them to be accustomed to a big school. Now, I realized I made the wrong decision.
It is too late now to transfer them again, and I don't want them to be strongly affected by all of these. A lot of you have informed and advised me to go to court with it. Some said to go to PAASCU and report the school and have their accreditation stripped.
Thank you.
But, I think that the best way to get back our dignity is to inform people, as many as we can, about the issue of autism and discrimination.
Dale was diagnosed as having autism at age 3. He was non-verbal at first, but he eventually started talking when his younger brother also started talking to him, making him our first therapist. We enrolled Dale in the early intervention program of Pasay City SPED Center, where he stayed for 4 years. During those times, he excelled intellectually and was even featured in the docufilm "Alyana" (by MiranaMedina; http://advocacine.wordpress.com).
He graduated from SPED with honors and was accepted as Grade 1 (fully included) at San Isidro Catholic School. Of course, being a child with special needs, there were minor problems that arose, but due to his intellect and easy grasp of things, we have never been called in for anything major.
During those years, he learned he was different from other children and he eventually accepted that he needed help. He was quick to accept faults and even quicker to forgive.
When he entered his recent school, he was placed in the "star" section (based on his grades and his entrance test results) and from day 1 we have encountered problems with them (see http://arolfdelano.multiply.com/journal/item/81/A_New_Beginning). During that year, we have had minimal problems with Dale and his teachers.
When he entered Grade 5, it was then a different story. During the first conference with his teachers, they even told me they were not sure how Dale passed Grade 4.
Now that this happened (http://www.facebook.com/notes/reich-delos-santos-santos/untitled/486215821253), I am not sure of what to do anymore. All I know is that not everything is about me, nor Dale. I have to think of my other two children who can survive in that school. Making a legal move can affect not only Dale, but them as well. And I wouldn't want that.
All I know is what the school did was wrong. They accepted my son knowing who he is. They have the responsibility not only to him, but to us parents and the whole community. The principal also told me that "yung iba nga pong teachers, pinapabayaan na lang nila si "Dale" for the benefit of the other students." Meaning, my son is being neglected as well.
His counselor told me, there were children who were worse than Dale. Others, were "normal." I'm not sure what's so "special" about Dale that they do not want him there.
I told Dale the truth. When he heard it, he smiled a little (the prospect of not going to school is tempting to every student), but his face slowly changed into a frown when he realized what I was saying. He said "You mean, they think that I'm gonna ruin everything when I'm there?" How do you answer that?
You may also ask me, how could I have had the heart to tell him the truth?
I love my son. That, I think, is obvious. I have done everything I could for him. I have shielded him to the best of my ability from things that might hurt him. But he is getting older. I believe that he needs to develop a deeper sense of understanding of how cruel the society we live in is sometimes, because if not, he will always be taken advantage of. I will not live forever, and I cannot stand up for him all the time. Getting sick made me realize how short life is.
I am not stupid. I graduated high school from that school, as well. I finished college with honors. I got my teaching license after pursuing a teaching certificate. I am now 6 units, a practicum and a thesis short of an M.A. degree in Education. I write for an international autism community website. And most importantly, I am the daughter of brilliant parents, both coming from clans that cannot be reckoned with. I cannot understand how they had the audacity to even suggest such a horrendous and inhumane act, and thinking they can get away with it.
Let this be a lesson to all teachers, because it was for me. Be reminded of what we have sworn into.
Section 2. A teacher shall recognize that the interest and welfare of learners are of first and foremost concern, and shall deal justifiably and impartially with each of them. Section 3. Under no circumstance shall a teacher be prejudiced or discriminate against a learner.
If you do not have the heart and compassion for ALL students, don't teach! This was said to be the noblest profession. Let us not tarnish the reputation of the teachers who are dedicated to their profession. Let us not be stagnant and be still. Teachers should also learn.
The prevalence of autism in 2009 was estimated to have reached 1:91 children. This just means that more and more children with special needs will come into your classrooms. Be proactive and learn how to manage and handle them. They are no different from any other children, except that they need more understanding and patience--two traits that should be inherent in every educator.
You do not even have to enroll in special courses. Google it!
Lastly, let us be responsible in making other people aware of this rising condition. People do not care, because they do not know. People do not care, because they do not have a "Dale." Ask yourself, if Dale was your son, would you do the same thing?
Please start by reading an article from the Inquirer. This gave me hope today. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/learning/view/20110116-314873/Engaging_Gabriel
We are currently celebrating National Autism Consciousness Week. See the Autism Society Philippines website -- http://autismsocietyphilippines.blogspot.com/2010/12/15th-national-autism-consciousness-week.html
For more information about Dale's journey, please go to http://possibilities1217.blogspot.com
Please be an angel by spreading the word.
Again, my sincerest gratitude to everybody. Hugs from Dale. God bless you.
 | Untitled | Jan 17, '11 3:53 AM
for everyone |
Sometimes, you realize that there really is no easy way for a child with autism. There will always be someone, or some organization that will put him down.
I just came from the Principal's office where my son, Dale (12), is now enrolled as Grade 5 (included). When I received a call from his adviser that the Principal wanted to talk to me, and it was about Dale and the upcoming "accreditation" visit (24th and 25th), my mind went into overdrive and it started speculating on its own.
There was only one thought that came into my mind. That they would want Dale to not come to school on the said dates. I was constructing words and answers that I will say to the Principal if that was the case.
Whatever those words were, it all disappeared when I actually heard what they wanted to say. I was right.
I was dumbfounded. I was hurt. I was moved to tears.
These people had the nerve to tell me that maybe Dale should stay at home. I stopped to breathe, looked away to control my anger, and asked her why. She said that it was the suggestion of the teachers, Dale is difficult to handle, that they will be observed in all aspects, etc.
There is a second option, that is, during the times that the teacher cannot handle Dale, he will be brought to the Guidance office.
So, having him stay at home was the first option?
I was shaking with rage, but I controlled myself. As an educator myself, I was trying to put myself in the shoes of those teachers. I tried my best to understand their situation.
I gave the Principal a third option. I said maybe his guidance counselor can shadow. She said that it was one of the options. My mind was, like, questioning their decisions. One of the options? Because from my point of view, and I think from every person involved with a special child will say, that was the BEST option.
I told her, if your teachers cannot control one child, I don't think that you deserve the accreditation. I also asked her, would Dale ruin their chances for accreditation? She said no. Then, I don't see any reason for them to fret and decide like this. It's awful.
I hate to say this, but I think the Principal is not fit to be one. This issue should be handled differently. The message should have been worded carefully. Every action should have been thought over and over. Pros and cons should have been considered before they acted.
They did not even think of the repercussions of their decisions? On this day and age of computers and online communities? I am not trying to besmirch their "good" name, that is why I have not included it in this post. However, things like this cannot be helped. If you throw a pebble in the water, ripples will form. I have also thought about the repercussions of this post, and it also cannot be helped. I am a mother. I was hurt and I have the right to voice my opinion just like they did.
Before I left, I told her that we stick to the decision that Dale will come to school on those dates. I use the word we, I said, because this does not just concern me. This concerns the whole family. And not just my family, but the whole autism community. But I also told her, that on my part, I will "condition" Dale so that during those dates, he will indeed behave.
When Dale arrived, I talked to him, he said "But I do behave when there are visitors! Of course, I have to because they are important people!"
I talked to his guidance counselor on the phone, and expressed my concerns. She was very apologetic, very helpful and open to suggestions and views. She also said that Dale does behave during observations last year. So, I left the issue with her. I also apologized for the additional work, and I expressed that I do understand where they were coming from, but they should also understand us first and foremost. This was not just any school after all. We pay them 50K a year for every child, and we have three in their care.
As Dale's younger brother said when asked if their decision was correct: "No, because we all have the right to education."
My professor asked us to do a reaction onthis, and still I couldn't think of not including Dale in it.
THREE LETTERS FROM TEDDY
If ever a moral lesson was asked of me about this piece, they are compassion and perseverance -- two traits that any teacher should have to reach the ultimate potential of every student. I wanted to become a teacher since I was young; however, I wasted my time when I grew up. I lost a clear goal and went on to a different path. I was not happy. I eventually became a teacher, a little too late, but still with perseverance, I have managed it. Along the way, God gave me three wonderful children, one of whom he wrapped in special gold paper and labeled it with “handle with care.” When he turned two, I learned why. He was diagnosed as having autism. I dropped everything and concentrated on making him better. When he did get better, I returned my attention to teaching. There were obstacles along the way like getting sick, but eventually I also got well. I had the chance to teach for a year in a classroom setting. There I learned compassion. I found out that no two children were alike and that some children need more attention than others. I am also not a hypocrite to say that I didn’t have favorites, because I did. =) However, God gave me another trial and made me sick again. It did not stop me from continuing my education. I still am praying for healing so I can teach again; if not as a preschool teacher, then as a college professor. Now, even though I do not teach in a classroom setting, I get to teach my children still, especially my son. So, here I am. Unlike Miss Thompson, I didn’t have a Teddy in my previous classroom, but I have aTeddy Bear forever in my heart. He is now sitting beside me, asking me how I can finish my “homework” if I keep on checking mytweets.
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” -- Walter Elliott | A first | Nov 6, '10 9:34 PM
for everyone |
Dale attended his first Night Dance last night. He said he enjoyed himself, but he wanted to go home early because he used up all his "moves," which he also demonstrated to me. He also said, almost all the girls wanted to dance with him. Haha!
Here he is now, at 11 (going 12 on December 17)--
Anyway, he and Anton (his bro) was soaked with sweat when they got home. Anton told me to make them bring extra shirts next time. I told him as this was a first for me, I didn't know exactly what they needed to bring. =)
The second Night Dance will be on February. I'm hoping that Dale will enjoy it better than last night. Hi Reich,
How’s Dale doing? I see that you haven’t posted in a while, but I just came across your blog, and I wondered if you would like to post something about a short video series our company just produced for Autism Awareness Month as a part of our Weekly Tips Series.
In the first video, our therapists highlight some key early signs of autism that parents can look for while showing video examples. The next three videos feature a single mother, Trina Mcfield and her twin sons, one of which was diagnosed with autism.
The videos are contained within a popup on our websitehttp:www.rethinkautism.com and I hope you take a look and help spread the word for Autism Awareness Month!
Thanks!
Kent Kincannon
Production Manger
Rethinkautism.com hi,
I'm an occupational therapist and just opened a clinic in Iloilo. I hope you can include my clinic's contact details on your list.
MILESTONES Child Development Clinic 2nd floor, Lopez Arcade E. Lopez St., Jaro, Iloilo City 033 857 74 00 / 0918 531 67 05
Thank you so much.
--
LuchieWe are THERATALK SPEECH AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CENTER located at #20 P. Javier St. Poblacion Plaridel Bulacan. Around 5-10 minutes away from Waltermart Plaridel. Our contact details are as follows: landline (044) 795 3608 and mobile 09272844561. You may call our secretary regarding the scheduling.We currently provide speech and language therapy and occupational therapy in individual, pairs and small groups as recommended by our therapists.
We are hoping to be added on your list of clinics.
Thank you so much!! Hi! Thank you for including us in your list of therapy centers in metro manila. Here is our updated list of contact details for your reference:
Little C.A.M.P. Clinic
(Children's Allied Medical Partners)
204-C Ilocos Sur St. Bago Bantay Quezon City
0917-5463883 / 0927-2284098 / 0919-4082011
littlecampclinic@yahoo.com
Thanks so much and more power! Good day! We would like to be included in your list of therapy centers in Metro Manila. We recently opened Let's Talk and Learn Therapy Center in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City last July 2010. The following are our contact details:
Let’s Talk and Learn Therapy Center 705 Heinz Road Le Mariche Residences, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City 412-6937, 412-6936, 0915-3518208 letstalkandlearn@gmail.com
We specialize in: Speech and Language Therapy Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy SPED tutorial services
Thank you very much. Best regards, Aira Kristina M. Basmayor, CSP-PASP Clinic Director We provide Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, and SpEd Tutorials to differently-abled children.Here are our contact details: Bright Beginnings Therapy Center Unit-6 DSS Bldg. Sumulong Highway Sto. Nino, Marikina City 1800 Tel #: (02)-3939397 Mobile: 0917-5629397 Email:brightbeginnings.tc@gmail.com Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/brightbeginningstherapycenter
Contact Person: Genelyn Mae P. Sadol, PTRP, RPT CREDITS: http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/famous-people-with-autism.html
Below is a list of famous people with autism, some with unspecified forms, high-functioning, autistic savants and severe autism.
Famous people with unspecified forms of autism
The following people have been diagnosed as being somewhere on the autistic spectrum but the specific classification is unknown.
Daryl Hannah, an American actress best known for her roles in Splash, Blade Runner and Kill Bill was diagnosed as a child as being 'borderline autistic'
Christopher Knowles, American poet
Matthew Laborteaux, actor on Little House on the Prairie
Katherine McCarron, autistic child allegedly murdered at the age of three by her mother, Karen McCarron.
Jason McElwain, high school basketball player
Michael Moon, adopted son of author Elizabeth Moon
Jasmine O'Neill, author of Through the Eyes of Aliens
Sue Rubin, subject of documentary Autism Is a World. Sue Rubin has no oral speech but does communicate with facilitated communication.
Birger Sellin, author from Germany,
Robert Gagno, actor from Vancouver,
Famous people with Asperger syndrome
Dan Aykroyd, comedian and actor: Aykroyd stated he has Asperger's, but some feel he was joking.
Richard Borcherds, mathematician specializing in group theory and Lie algebras
William Cottrell, student who was sentenced to eight years in jail for fire-bombing SUV dealerships
Craig Nicholls, frontman of the band The Vines
Gary Numan, British singer and songwriter
Dawn Prince-Hughes, PhD, primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author of Songs for the Gorilla Nation
Judy Singer, Australian disability rights activist
Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Laureate in Economics
Satoshi Tajiri, creator of Pokémon
Daniel Tammet, British autistic savant, believed to have Asperger Syndrome
Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal, Asperger Syndrome in the Family; Asperger syndrome advocate; education professor; and adult diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at age 35
People with high-functioning autism
Michelle Dawson, autism researcher and autism rights activist who has made ethical challenges to Applied Behavior Analysis
Temple Grandin, a designer of humane food animal handling systems.
Hikari Oe, Japanese composer
Bhumi Jensen, Thai prince, grandson of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand; killed by drowning in the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
Dylan Scott Pierce, wildlife illustrator
Jim Sinclair, autism rights activist
Donna Williams, Australian author of Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere; after testing for deafness in late childhood, and being labelled 'disturbed', Donna was formally diagnosed as autistic in her 20s
Stephen Wiltshire, British architectural artist
Axel Brauns, German author of the autobiographical bestseller Buntschatten und Fledermäuse and filmmaker
Famous autistic savants
Alonzo Clemons, American clay sculptor
Tony DeBlois, blind American musician
Leslie Lemke, blind American musician
Jonathan Lerman, American artist
Thristan Mendoza, Filipino marimba prodigy
Jerry Newport is an author, savant, and has Asperger's. His wife, Mary Newport, is also a savant on the autistic spectrum
Derek Paravicini, blind British musician
James Henry Pullen, gifted British carpenter
Matt Savage, U.S. autistic jazz prodigy
Henriett Seth-F., Hungarian autistic savant, poet, writer and artist
People with severe autism
Tito Mukhopadhyay, author, poet and philosopher Parents Of Grown Offspring With Autism More Likely To Split UpThe parents of grown children with autism are more likely to divorce than couples with typically developing children, according to new data from a large longitudinal study of families of adolescents and adults with autism. The study, published in the August issue of the Journal of Family Psychology by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Waisman Center, paints a new picture of the prospects of long-term marital success for parents raising a child with autism. The study is the first to track marital history of parents of adult children with autism. It reveals that, in contrast to previous assumptions, parents do not have a greater risk of divorce when their son or daughter with autism is young. However, as the child with autism grows into adolescence and adulthood, parents are more likely to divorce than are parents of typically developing children. Although findings reveal diminished prospects for a lasting marriage for parents raising a child with autism, the majority of marriages in this study survived. The study compared the marital fates of 391 couples - the parents of adolescent and adult children with autism - to a sample drawn from another large longitudinal study, the National Survey of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS). The goal of the study was to document the rate and timing of divorce of parents of children with autism, explains Sigan Hartley, a UW-Madison assistant professor of human development and family studies and lead author of the report. The study revealed that the divorce rate for parents of children with autism mirrors the divorce rate of the parents of children without disabilities until the child reaches 8 years of age. After that, the divorce rate goes down for parents of children without disabilities but remains high for parents of children with autism. "There seems to be a prolonged vulnerability for divorce in parents of children with autism," says Hartley. "Typically, if couples can survive the early child-rearing years, parenting demands decrease and there is often less strain on the marriage. However, parents of children with autism often continue to live with and experience high parenting demands into their child's adulthood, and thus marital strain may remain high in these later years." Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD, has symptoms that vary considerably in severity between individuals, but core characteristics of the disorder include difficulty establishing and maintaining social relationships, delayed communication skills, and repetitive motions such as rocking back and forth and hand flapping. Children with autism frequently require high levels of care and continue to live with parents as adults. "There is a lifelong profile of challenging behaviors and symptoms associated with autism," Hartley notes. "Few developmental disabilities appear to be more taxing on parents and there is a great need for support services for families when the child is an adolescent and adult. Providing support for couples to help them work on their marriages is an obvious step. If we can get information and support to these families, we hope to be able to support lasting marriages." The new study compares data from two large longitudinal studies, the Adolescents and Adults with Autism Study, directed by Marsha Mailick Seltzer, a UW-Madison professor of social work and director of the Waisman Center, and MIDUS, directed by UW-Madison psychology professor Carol Ryff. Both studies are funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison  | Guestbook | |
 | hello! just dropping by to invite to come at the expo this May 23-24 here's a link for more information http://hopurl.com/63074.comdo check it out! thank you and God Bless! :) |
 | hi!thnx for the comment on my blog at fs...i can't quite remember your son but i know he's such a gift to your family!
God bless you, dale and the rest of your family!!!!;) |
 | Happy birthday! God bless you! |
| Hello =) God bless you! Enjoy your evening. =) |
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