Into the Penetrable Walls of Miggy

17 July 2013

Day 5, Awarding of Certificate and a Privileged Dance with Jollibee

A very special day for a very special boy.

A surprise Jollibee appearance really made his day!

And here's another treat - A privileged dance with Jollibee whom they had to borrow from another Jollibee branch. Imagine this big an effort just to make my child this happy!

That's the store manager, Mr. Bryan Heruela, awarding Alphonse Miguel Cuevas this Certificate of Excellence for his participation in the Jollibee Talent Camp.

Looking on was Ate Anna who hosted the program.

From left: Jollibee (of course! Who wouldn't know this BEE?!), Assistant Manager Ryan Malicdem, Store Manager Bryan Heruela, Asst. Manager Kathylene Anog, and Asst. Manager Randy Acidera.

Not in this picture are Asst. Managers Karen Bumanghat, Vanj Villena, and Lin dela Cruz, who likewise helped in the workshop's fruition.

To Jollibee Upper Session Branch, we thank you beyond words from the bottom of our hearts. Through your warm and unselfish generosity, a new avenue and a more promising and productive future have been laid out for our son.

To Jollibee Foods Corporation: Keep producing the best food and the best people. Cheers for a job very well done!

11 July 2013

Another busy day on his Day 4

A busy Monday. A birthday party was ongoing. Everyone, including Miggy, bustled around the kitchen and into the party room. He enjoyed working in the kitchen - measuring and weighing spaghetti noodles, pouring sauce and sprinkling cheese, pouring soda and juice in cups and inserting straws, helping prepare the chicken, fries and burgers, and occasionally attempting to help carry the food trays.

Everybody was busy and yet they made time for making Miggy's Day 4 enjoyable and unforgettable.

Looking on and supervising were Sir Randy, Ma'am Karen and
Ate Jahara.

When asked: Where do you work, Miggy?

Very quickly, "I work in Jollibee."

"I want to eat the cake," he said over and over to Mr. Bryan Heruela, the store manager, when they visited the party room.

His reward for his hard work, a take-out of his favorite Jollibee fries and spaghetti.

04 July 2013

Fun-filled, Work-filled Day 3

On his Day Three, he was too at-home, dashing through the kitchen, the counter, and the dine-in area. And as always, everyone gave in to his irresistible charm.

That's Mr. Ryan patiently teaching him how to make the delectable coke float.

Another proof of self-control mastered. Seeing those crispy chicken pieces, who wouldn't want to sneak a pinch or bite?

This is how every burger is paper-wrapped - all the goodness packed in and ready for the hungry customer.

Getting dirty with chicken-flouring.

Making sure spaghetti noodles are weighed for equal distribution per serving.

Wow, he got to pour sauce and sprinkle cheese too!

The perfect gravy made only for the perfect crispy chicken.

Fruits of his labor: Chicken joy and spaghetti

Ate Anna (his day 3 mentor): Miggy, what do you want to eat? Chickenjoy or spaghetti?
Miggy: I want chickenjoy with spaghetti.

A picture with the happy bee while waiting for Daddy.

01 July 2013

Day 2 of his Jollibee Workshop

A lot of exciting things happened on Day 2. Again, he was greeted by the friendly guard by the entrance.

And like a regular, he headed straight past the counter and into the kitchen where he was met by Ate Jannah and some very warm Jollibee staff. Evident was their impressed reaction to this lively little boy handsomely dressed in Jollibee uniform which I altered from a big medium-sized polo to a small DIY shirt.

He was instructed to front as a counter boy, guided to punch orders, accept payments, open the cash drawer, hand in change to customers, squirt the sodas in cups, twirl the ice cream in cups, pack fries in paper pockets.

Kuya Pao, assisting Miggy with the soda orders.

What he enjoyed the most was helping in the preparation for a kid's birthday party which was to happen that afternoon. Miggy arranged the party give-aways on the table, carefully lined them (which is what children with autism do best) and was taught how to make the hats and set them on each paper mat on the table.

Amazing was his self-control. Oh, how he loved those give-aways and yet he didn't even attempt to open or get one for himself.
If he was younger, he would have insisted to have at least one. And God knows we couldn't go home without it or bedtime would later be too difficult. A sleepless night for sure.

Then at the end of the session was, of course, the treat: burger and fries (and no soda or tea or juice. I brought him strawberry milk.)

“Ma’am, are fries and burgers the only ones he eats in Jollibee,” one of the assistant managers asked me.

“No, he just thought that this is a routine. He was given fries and burger on the first day so he thought that all throughout the workshop, he could only have those, ” I replied all too knowingly of my son.

“Ma’am, he said he doesn’t like softdrinks,” the lady said.

“Yes, he doesn’t drink tea and soda. Just water or milk. Juice but very seldom. At nearly 11 years old, he hasn’t eaten chips and candies. Oh, there was one time he licked a lollipop and that was 2 years ago on a Halloween. He doesn’t have cravings for those food simply because I didn’t allow him to eat those ever since, “ I informed the seemingly disbelieving staff. It's the first time they probably even heard of a boy who doesn’t eat candies.

Sweets, as we all already know, can cause hyperactivity especially in children with behavioural disorders.

28 June 2013

His first day of the Jollibee Workshop

Today, on his first day of the workshop (exclusively for him and probably the first time they did this for a special child), he was oriented by Ate Jahara and Kuya Bryan (the store manager). Then, he was toured around the kitchen with strict hands-on-your-back instruction, taught some kitchen rules, and made to pack those fries in a cute paper pocket and weigh. And finally, a taste of that steaming fries.

27 June 2013

Family Drawing

"Oh, sorry, sorry! I forgot Lola."
And he added his Grandma to his already finished drawing of a family (a homework in Values).

23 June 2013

From this to this to this

His handwriting at 3:

At 7:

Today, at 10 yrs/10 months: A consistent Best in Writing awardee

17 June 2013

First Grade 4 Homework: The World Map

15 June 2013

He cheats

He loves the Logo Quiz.

But here's the catch. Look, he cheats!

25 May 2013

Mahjong

Self-taught mahjong. I was surprised to see that he could play mahjong when no one in the house knows how to play it.

24 May 2013

Unboxing the Pipo Max9

If you're not brand-conscious and you want a quality tablet at an affordable price, then this is the one for you.

The Pipo M9 tablet is powered by the latest rockchip RK 3188 quad core, 1.8Ghz and runs on Android 4.1 Jellybean. It boasts its big 10.1 in. ten-point capacitive touchscreen display with a decent 1280 x 800 high definition image resolution. It has 2gb RAM and 16gb storage, dual camera (front 2mp and back 5mp).

The Pipo M9 gives you fast and seamless performance for video streaming, web browsing, social networking, and game plays. It gives you clear, bright and vivid pictures of treasured candid moments.

Free Android apps await you. Why buy when there are thousands of free apps to choose from?

There are autism series apps too. Hundreds of them. And they are FREE!

Pipo M9 is half the price of the two leading tablet brands. With the unstoppable and inevitable soaring prices of every commodity in our country, why go for the expensive one when you can get the same quality for a much much lesser price? Convinced? You'd better be.

Hahaha! Just explaining. Anyway this is my blog and I can post whatever I want.
What I am only trying to say here is I'd rather spend that extra money for his therapies and tutorials.
Point cleared.

Even before owning his very own tablet, Miggy had searched and watched several of Zack Scott's Angry Birds Star Wars and Angry Birds Space game tutorials on Youtube. Hmmm.... a cheater.
So that's why he plays those games so well. Really, this 10-yr-old autistic boy cheats! He knows how to CHEAT! Big word! Very untypical of autistics. I don't really know if I'll be happy or sad, proud or ashamed.

May this documentation of my son's journey through autism inspire all of you. Here, you will see not only my struggles to enter his world, but you will also witness his greatest efforts to fit into mine.

Be inspired with my prayers, hopes, perseverance and endurance in trying to recover my child.
How about you? Do you have stories to tell? You are free to leave your comments and suggestions here. I would love to hear from you.
Be my friend and join me as I break down the not-so-impenetrable-walls of my very special Miggy.

Surprising Autism Information You Need to Know

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

What Do You Really Know About Autism?:

There are plenty of myths about autism spectrum disorders out there. Some folks still believe, for example, that people with autism are all geniuses or mentally challenged. Others believe that people with autism are the result of poor parenting choices. These myths have been soundly debunked, both here and in many other places. But even those of us who are well-grounded in autism basics may be surprised by some of these facts, which are emerging from recent research.

Autism Is a Plural Noun:

Autism is not a single disorder. In fact, mainstream researchers agree that the autism spectrum is probably a collection of multiple disorders with multiple causes, prognoses, and appropriate treatments. Quite a bit of recent research has uncovered a number of distinct genetic differences (some inherited, some spontaneously mutated) that seem to be associated with various types of autism.

We Know What Causes Autism (Sometimes):

We do know what causes autism -- but only in about 20% of cases. Causes include genetic mutations, heredity, pre- and post-natal trauma or exposures to alcohol or drugs, and, in some cases, injury. In addition, some research suggests older parents, environmental pollution, and even pesticides.

Some Kids "Outgrow" Their Autism Diagnoses:

Quite a few children who are diagnosed with autism at a very young age are no longer diagnosable with autism by the time they’re school-aged. The reasons for this are controversial, and range from the possibility of misdiagnosis to ordinary maturation to claims of a cure through behavioral, developmental and/or biomedical interventions. Whatever the reasons, many children who are diagnosed with autism as toddlers will not be diagnosable by the time they're in fifth grade.

There's No Window of Opportunity for Treating Autism:

Early intervention (diagnosis and treatment prior to age three) is very helpful indeed, but there is no “window of opportunity” that slams shut at a certain age. Thus, even children who are diagnosed later or receive less early intervention may do quite well in the long run. The "now or never" approach to autism treatment is a result of media hype -- not research findings. Early intervention does, however, provide a now-or-never opportunity to allow non-verbal children to develop some kind of useful tool for communication (picture cards, signs, or even spelling boards).

Even a Cure May Not Be a Cure:

There is no official “cure” for autism. In fact, researchers like Dr. Susan Levy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia argue that even when a young child is no longer diagnosable on the autism spectrum, he is probably still autistic. Issues that may not be of significance for a preschooler (e.g., executive functioning, picking up on complex social cues, etc.) may loom quite large as a child moves through the grades.

Late Talking is Not the End of the World:

Late talking is not an indication of a poor prognosis. Even if a child is not yet verbal at age three or four, she may still do very well in the long run.

Kids with Autism Aren't Always Visual Thinkers:

Children with autism may or may not be visual thinkers. Thus, school programs designed with visual thinking in mind may or may not be appropriate for any individual child with autism.

No One Knows Which Treatments Work for Which Kids:

After many years of research, we still don’t know which treatments are most effective for which children -- or whether one treatment is more effective than another. Behavioral interventions are the best-researched treatments for autism, but even top scientists acknowledge that developmental interventions may or may not be equally useful for any given child. Meanwhile, only two drugs -- Risperdal and Abilify -- have been approved for use with children on the autism spectrum, and neither addresses “core” issues of autism (social/communication deficits).

What Are the Different Names for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

Autism is a "spectrum disorder," meaning you can be a little autistic or very autistic. But the diagnoses within the autism spectrum aren't clearly named, nor are the symptoms always the same even within the same diagnosis. What's worse, terms like "severe autism," "mild autism" and "high functioning autism" aren't true diagnoses at all - they're just descriptive terms to help parents and teachers better understand a child's status on the autism spectrum.

What Is the Autism Spectrum?

The "autism spectrum" describes a set of developmental delays and disorders which affects social and communication skills and, to a greater or lesser degree, motor and language skills. It is such a broad diagnosis that it can include people with high IQ's and mental retardation - and people with autism can be chatty or silent, affectionate or cold, methodical or disorganized. "Autism Spectrum" is also another, less formal term to describe the Pervasive Developmental Disorders.

Official diagnoses within the autism spectrum are autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

What Are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?

"Pervasive Developmental Disorder" is a formal term that means exactly the same thing as the less formal "autism spectrum disorder." As with the autism spectrum, the group of disorders described as pervasive developmental disorders includes autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

What Is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome describes individuals at the highest-functioning end of the autism spectrum. Unlike other autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome is often diagnosed in teens and adults. People with Asperger syndrome generally develop spoken language in the same way as typically developing children, but have a tough time with social communication. These difficulties that become more obvious as they get older and social expectations rise. Because people with Asperger syndrome are often very intelligent - but "quirky" - the disorder is sometimes nicknamed "geek syndrome" or "little professor syndrome."

What Is Mild Autism?

The term "mild autism" is not an official diagnosis. It's simply a more descriptive term than "Asperger syndrome" or "autism." Generally speaking, when people use the term mild autism they are referring to individuals whose symptoms fit an autism spectrum diagnosis, but who has strong verbal skills and few behavioral issues. Those individuals may, however, have significant problems with social communication. They may also have problems coping with too much sensory input (loud noise, bright lights, etc.).

What Is High Functioning Autism?

Like "mild" autism, high functioning autism (sometimes shortened to HFA) is a made-up term that's become more and more commonly used. HFA is a tricky term, because it can be hard to distinguish a person with HFA from a person with Asperger syndrome. The official distinction is that people with HFA had or have speech delays, while people with Asperger Syndrome have normal speech development. But there may also be very real differences in terms of social awareness, personality characteristics, and other traits. The jury is still debating the fine distinctions.

What Is PDD-NOS?

"Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" is a mouthful of words that are often applied to people on the autism spectrum. It describes individuals who don't fully fit the criteria for other specific diagnoses, but are nevertheless autistic. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to define the symptoms of PDD-NOS, which may range from very mild to very severe. As a result, the term is rarely used outside of practioners' offices. Most parents, therapists and teachers prefer to use more descriptive (though less official) terms to describe their children, students and patients with PDD-NOS.

What Is Severe Autism (Autistic Disorder)?

Severe autism is officially termed autistic disorder. It goes by many other names, though, including profound autism, low functioning autism, or classic autism. People with autistic disorder are often non-verbal and intellectually disabled, and may have very challenging behaviors.

What Is Rett Syndrome?

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects only girls. It is the only one of the autism spectrum disorders that can be diagnosed medically (so far). Girls with Rett syndrome develop severe symptoms including the hallmark social communication challenges of autism. In addition, Rett syndrome can profoundly impair girls' ability to use their hands usefully.

Top 10 Treatments for Autism

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

As you start to dig deeply into the literature on autism treatments, you'll find dozens of available options. Which are the "best" treatments? As the professionals will tell you over and over again, every child's needs are different. The treatments described in this article are among the best known, best researched, and most likely to produce positive results.

1. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)is the oldest and most fully researched treatment specifically developed for autism. ABA is a very intensive system of reward-based training which focuses on teaching particular skills. If any autism-specific therapy is offered by your school and/or covered by your insurance, this will probably be the one.

2. Speech Therapy

Almost all people with autism have issues with speech and language. Sometimes these issues are obvious; many people with autism are non-verbal or use speech very poorly. Sometimes the issues relate not to articulation or grammar but to "speech pragmatics" (the use of speech to build social relationships). Across the board, though, speech and language therapy is likely to be helpful for people with autism.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on building daily living skills. Since many people with autism have delays in fine motor skills, occupational therapy can be very important. Occupational therapists may also have training in sensory integration therapy - a technique which may help autistic people manage hypersensitivity to sound, light, and touch.

4. Social Skills Therapy

One of autism's "core deficits" is a lack of social and communication skills. Many children with autism need help in building the skills they need to hold a conversation, connect with a new friend, or even navigate the playground. Social skills therapists can help out setting up and facilitating peer-based social interaction.

5. Physical Therapy

Autism is a "pervasive developmental delay." Many autistic people have gross motor delays, and some have low muscle tone (they're unusually weak). Physical therapy can build up strength, coordination, and basic sports skills.

6. Play Therapy

Strange as it may sound, children with autism need help learning to play. And play can also serve as a tool for building speech, communication, and social skills. Play therapists may have training in particular therapeutic techniques such as Floortime or The Play Project - or they may incorporate play therapy into speech, occupational or physical therapy.

7. Behavior Therapy

Children with autism are often frustrated. They are misunderstood, have a tough time communicating their needs, suffer from hypersensitivities to sound, light and touch ... no wonder they sometimes act out! Behavior therapists are trained to figure out just what lies behind negative behaviors, and to recommend changes to the environment and routines to improve behavior.

8. Developmental Therapies

Floortime, Son-rise, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) are all considered to be "developmental treatments." This means that they build from a child's own interests, strengths and developmental level to increase emotional, social and intellectual abilities. Developmental therapies are often contrasted to behavioral therapies, which are best used to teach specific skills such as shoe tying, tooth brushing, etc.

9. Visually-Based Therapies

Many people with autism are visual thinkers. Some do very well with picture-based communication systems such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication). Video modeling, video games and electronic communication systems also tap into autistic people's visual strength to build skills and communication.

10. Biomedical Therapies

Biomedical treatments may include pharmaceuticals, but most often biomedical treatments for autism are based on the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) approach to autism therapy. Doctors trained in the DAN! "protocol" prescribe special diets, supplements, and alternative treatments. None of these treatments have been approved by the FDA or CDC, but there are many anecdotal stories of positive outcomes.