Into the Penetrable Walls of Miggy

14 March 2015

Cousins on the Spectrum

Kuya Tristan, Miggy's first cousin, also on the Autism Spectrum, went missing yesterday for 7 hrs. He escaped from former Woodway High School Campus on Thursday, 11:45 am. Thank God, he was found unharmed by community members in Seattle who helped with the search. Tristan is now with his family, completely unaware of the danger and the distress of the people who love him, especially my sister. If this happened in the Philippines, our police would have to wait for 24 hours missing period for action to be initiated. To my sister, Ate Etchie, rest and sleep now. It's over. Tomorrow will be beautiful and bright. Our prayers are with you and your family. Always.

MISSING TEEN WITH AUTISM FOUND IN SEATTLE

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150312/NEWS01/150319653

28 February 2015

K-Zone Cutouts

This explains his obsession for K Zone Magazines. He couldn't miss the monthly issues which are usually shown on TV before it comes out in the market.
"Mommy, let's buy K Zone in National Bookstore when we go to SM," he tells me persistently everyday until he gets it.

22 February 2015

The Unveiling

THE UNVEILING
No one knows why autistic children are often so beautiful, but it can be a great comfort to their parents.
"It is surprising fact that many - if by no means all - autistic children are exceptionally good-looking. Hans Asperger who published a pioneering account of autism in 1944, remarked on the ethereal beauty of his patients almost as if it were a diagnostic symptom. No one so far as I know, has yet advanced a hypothesis to explain this." -from the book GEORGE AND SAM by Charlotte Moore.

Yesterday, Feb. 21, 2015 was the Baguio launch of the Colors of "A" Coffee Table Book featuring 43 special participants since 2009 when the photography workshop started. Miggy joined in 2010 at the time he was only 7 years old. Today, Miggy is twelve and has participated in 5 workshops and photo exhibits held in SM Baguio City.

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The same day the book was launched, the photo exhibit opened in the basement, SM Art Gallery Art where participants' entries of the 2015 Photo Workshop at The Winaca Eco Cultural Village in Benguet were showcased.

05 February 2015

My Lord is my Shepherd

This is Miggy's project in ESP 5, Psalms 23, The Lord is my Shepherd. Below is a collage of the procedure. I always take pictures of his school projects, academic and home activities, and behaviors which serve as my record/diary of what he could and could not do during a certain age. This way, I could monitor his development and plan ways on how to further improve him. The date imprint, as I always tell other parents, is a must.

Parts of a Newspaper

Filipino 5 requirement for the third grading period in Pines Montessori School. Mga Bahagi ng Pahayagan (Parts of a Newspaper).

01 February 2015

Teachers' Seminar on Autism Behaviors and Management at QHNHS

In celebration of the AUTISM Awareness Month and as preparation for the school's introduction of inclusive education in 2016 to students with disabilities, Quezon Hill National High School conducted a four-week seminar/workshop on SPED Program and Inclusion. I was invited to lecture on Autism Behaviors and Management, share my first-hand experience with dealing with autism and the whats-and-hows of daily struggles with the disorder.

AS with my other lectures, Miggy's autism journey plays a significant part, inspiring everyone and giving hope that there is light after the grim diagnosis, that is, if all the efforts of parents, teachers, therapists and caregivers are put together towards opening new doors and exposing them to fresh possibilities, integrating them in today's more accepting society, and building the best possible outcome for all PWDs.

Miggy, today, is a regular fifth grader at the Pines Montessori School, top 7 in class, one of the youngest fine photographers in Baguio City. Although the autism journey is long, tough, and not without misses, failures and heartaches, still, we find it encouraging, fulfilling and best of all, FUN and FUNNY!

An add-in to my lecture yesterday was Aristotle's "As to the exposure and rearing of children, let there be a law that no deformed child shall live," in his book Politics. Similar to my initial reaction when I read that in Parallels in Time, my audience was surprised and dismayed, as expected. Who wouldn't be?!

26 January 2015

THE COLORS OF 'A' SPECTRUM COFFEE TABLE BOOK

THE COLORS OF 'A' SPECTRUM COFFEE TABLE BOOK: A Compilation of Photographs 2009-2014 Manila Launch!!

Date: January 31,2015
Time: 10:00 AM
Place: SM Podium, 2nd Floor Atrium, ADB Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

ARTISMO, the culminating event of ASP National's Autism Consciousness Week features photography, painting and music!

Part of the event will be the launching of ASP Baguio's
The COLORS OF 'A' SPECTRUM COFFEE TABLE BOOK which features a remarkable compilation of photographs taken by 43 participants with ages ranging from 5 to 27, taken over the past six years during Colors of 'A' Spectrum Photo Workshops held at different venues around Baguio and Benguet from 2009 to 2014, a project conceptualized and brought to Baguio by renowned Canon Ambassador Mr. John Chua, advocate of Photography with a Difference !!

The participants were mentored by some of Baguio and Benguet's finest photographers and photo enthusiasts led by Sir Ompong Tan, Photo Workshop & Exhibit Director.

Our 43 participants:
Kevin, Kerby, Vaughn, Carlo, Jeremiah, Vincent, Ivan, JJ, Miggy, Patricia, Jerald, Alex, Charles, Karen, Ma. Cecilia, Onel, Talek, Lyera, Lynette, John William, Danielle, Joshua, PJay, Stephen, Sani, EJ, Alexandra, Maverick, Russel, Ryan, Keefe, Kahlil, Sky, Claire, Josef, Ven, Malik, Marcial David, Miguel Antonio, JM, Justin Carl, Anne Marie and Kaizar

Participants, families and mentors are all enjoined to be at the launch. For those who can't make it, there will be a Baguio Launch at SM City in February as well. Details will be posted once finalized!

20 January 2015

Miggy's 5th Photography Workshop

As all of you already know, Miggy has been into photography since he was 7 years old.
The Colors of A Photography Workshop by the Autism Society of the Philippines, in partnership with Play and Say Therapy Center, Baguio Photographers Club, Colorworld and SM Baguio, happened this time in Winaca Eco-Cultural Village in Tublay, Benguet. Last year was at BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet. Yearly, after these workshops, their photos are exhibited at the SM Art Gallery, SM Baguio. Again mentored by the famous, Lino Tabangin, Miggy, as always, being already too comfortable with his longtime mentor, took the workshop like it was natural, but fun and serious play.

08 January 2015

Welcome to my blog, EDUC 105 (Sped) classmates!

Hi classmates! Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by. May this blog somehow inspire, enlighten, and provide you with some useful information regarding autism --- information coming from my firsthand experiences with the disorder. I humbly (and proudly) introduce to you my son here, MIGGY, a twelve-year-old boy with autism. Witness how we cope, struggle and manage the disorder that for some may be disabling to the whole family. Get the feel of how we live with the disorder, normalize situations and make use of every moment as a learning experience not just for us but for Miggy as well.

Challenging, yes! Despite some difficulties we've gone through and survived before (and sometimes until today), the endurance, effort and time we have put in have turned out to be fruitful, rewarding, encouraging and a great deal to be thankful for. Always at the end of every day, we - Daddy Gerry, Mommy Yolette, Sister Clarisse and Special Miggy - manage to come out victorious, happy, fulfilled and united as ever.

Attached here in this post is a picture of Miggy and his 19-year-old sister at the SM Baguio parking lot waiting for Daddy.

Why did I post this? This image shows that Miggy is not the "escaping child or eloping child" so typical of children with autism. His Ate is not even holding him and not even afraid that Miggy would dart off and be hit by the approaching car. You may probably not know how big a milestone this is for any autistic child. Miggy is now aware of danger. Very untypical of autistics!

31 December 2014

Playing Near Children

Having social deficits and not knowing how to interact with other kids, shown here is a picture of Miggy with Blessie (not real name). Miggy on the autism spectrum disorder, and the girl with ADHD. Notice how Miggy plays near and not with the other kid. This is one of the hallmarks of autism.

24 December 2014

Batang Paslit Photo Exhibit

Dear readers,
This is Miggy's entry to the Batang Paslit Christmas Photo Exhibit, SM Baguio, SM Art Gallery, Lower Basement. The exhibit runs from December 16, 2014 to January 16, 2015. Miggy is the youngest participating photographer and the only "SPECIAL" invited to this photography activity.

07 December 2014

Seminar on Inclusive Education and SPED Program

Grade 7 Teachers, Pines City National High School, December 6, 2014

It was an honour for me to be invited to share my firsthand experiences on the management of autism. The school has 2 diagnosed cases of autism and some students showing manifestations of the disorder. I suggested some strategies that work for Miggy and other special students mainstreamed in Pines Montessori School. In acknowledgment, Pines City National High School vowed to implement them.

03 December 2014

Doing Assignment in Microsoft Office Word

Another Mom Session, doing his assignment in Word.

I taught him basic operations in Microsoft Office - when to use the SHIFT, CAPS LOCK, TAB keys; how to add COLUMNS; choosing FONTS and adjusting FONT SIZES; BOLDING, HIGHLIGHTING, ALIGNMENT, and SAVING.

Shown above is his project in English - Stories with moral lesson, scarpbook style which I will show here after it is completed.

02 December 2014

Christmas is just around the corner.

A little late for Christmas decorations.
Normally, we decorate the Christmas tree in October (long before Halloween) but we had been too busy lately with Miggy's projects and homework, and my (Mommy's) schooling. I'm into my Professional Teaching Certification Program at the University of the Philippines Open University, by the way.

And besides, we had to wait for Miggy's sister, Ate Clarisse, to come home from Manila where she's studying and taking up Speech and Language Pathology.

Decorating for the yuletide season has been a teamwork tradition for my two kids since a decade ago and it was never broken since then.

Pictures taken at Robinsons Magnolia and at Le Monet, Camp John Hay:

28 November 2014

Pines Montessori Field Trip 2014

This school year's educational trip of Pines Montessori School: Trip to Pagasa Weather Station Baguio City, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and Camp John Hay.

27 November 2014

Mosaic Art

This is the making of Miggy's combined project in Arts and Science using bird feed, rice grains, black beans, and crayon shavings.

15 November 2014

Where's Waldo

Miggy just keeps going back to this favorite activity, the look-and-find Where's Waldo. Notice at how naturally he pointed at Waldo. We all know that majority of children with autism are inherently incapable of pointing and sharing objects of interest. Already outgrown, yes! An added X on the autism checklist.

07 November 2014

Changing Fractions

This collage shows Miggy changing mixed fraction to improper fraction and improper to mixed but of course with the use of a calculator because it would take him ages without it. This is another accommodation by the school for special children's difficulties which all schools should consider and implement too.

06 November 2014

How to draw Baymax

This is how to draw Baymax, the robot character in the movie Big Hero 6 which we are about to watch today. Just the two of us... mother and son bonding.

03 November 2014

Cereal Box Activity

Not a time and chance for learning wasted. That's my Miggy, always busy.

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.