PURPOSE OF THE EVENT

The Autism Society Philippines Angels Walk for Autism is an annual advocacy
event that has been held since 2007. It has grown from 200 to 24,000
registered participants in 2018. The pre-walk show will is aimed to showcase
the talent of persons with autism and celebrate the advocacy’s accomplishments.

THE EVENT VENUE

The event is annually held at the Mall of Asia Arena popularly known as MOA
Time
6:30 AM Gates Open
8:00 AM Performances of children with Autism
9:00 AM Main program
10:00 AM walk proper
12:00 NOON walk ends

PARTICIPANTS
Families of persons with disabilities, students or individuals that wishes to
walk for the support of people with autism and also to show awareness of
Autism to the world in general.

AUTISM
Everything You Need to Know About Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a group

of neurodevelopmental disorders.

These disorders are characterized by problems with communication and

social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted, repetitive,
and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior.

ASD is found in individuals around the world, regardless of race, culture, or

economic background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), autism does occur more often in boys than in girls, with
a 4 to 1 male-to-female ratio.

The CDC estimated in 2014 that nearly 1 in 59 children have been

identified with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a group

of neurodevelopmental disorders.

These disorders are characterized by problems with communication and

social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted, repetitive,
and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior.

ASD is found in individuals around the world, regardless of race, culture, or

economic background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), autism does occur more often in boys than in girls, with
a 4 to 1 male-to-female ratio.

The CDC estimated in 2014 that nearly 1 in 59 children have been

identified with ASD.

What tests are used to diagnose autism?

An ASD diagnosis involves several different screenings, genetic tests, and

evaluations.

Developmental screenings

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children

undergo screening for ASD at the ages of 18 and 24 months.

Screening can help with early identification of children who could have
ASD. These children may benefit from early diagnosis and intervention.
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a common
screening tool used by many pediatric offices. This 23-question survey is
filled out by parents. Pediatricians can then use the responses provided to
identify children that may be at risk of having ASD.

It’s important to note that screening isn’t a diagnosis. Children who screen
positively for ASD don’t necessarily have the disorder. Additionally,
screenings sometimes don’t detect every child that has ASD.

Other screenings and tests

Your child’s physician may recommend a combination of tests for autism,

including:

 DNA testing for genetic diseases

 behavioral evaluation
 visual and audio tests to rule out any issues with vision and hearing that
aren’t related to autism
 occupational therapy screening
 developmental questionnaires, such as the Autism Diagnostic
Observation Schedule (ADOS)

Diagnoses are typically made by a team of specialists. This team may

include child psychologists, occupational therapists, or speech and
language pathologists.

How is autism treated?

There are no “cures” for autism, but therapies and other treatment
considerations can help people feel better or alleviate their symptoms.

Many treatment approaches involve therapies such as:

 behavioral therapy
 play therapy
 occupational therapy
 physical therapy
 speech therapy

Massages, weighted blankets and clothing, and meditation techniques may

also induce relaxing effects. However, treatment results will vary.

Some people on the spectrum may respond well to certain approaches,

while others may not.

Alternative treatments

Alternative treatments for managing autism may include:

 high-dose vitamins
 chelation therapy, which involves flushing metals from the body
 hyperbaric oxygen therapy
 melatonin to address sleep issues

Research on alternative treatments is mixed, and some of these treatments

can be dangerous.

Before investing in any of them, parents and caregivers should weigh the
research and financial costs against any possible benefits. Learn more
about alternative treatments for autism.

Can diet have an impact on autism?

There’s no specific diet designed for people with ASD. Nevertheless, some
autism advocates are exploring dietary changes as a way to help minimize
behavioral issues and increase overall quality of life.
A foundation of the autism diet is the avoidance of artificial additives. These
include preservatives, colors, and sweeteners.

An autism diet may instead focus on whole foods, such as:

 fresh fruits and vegetables

 lean poultry
 fish
 unsaturated fats
 lots of water

Some autism advocates also endorse a gluten-free diet. The protein gluten
is found in wheat, barley, and other grains.

Those advocates believe that gluten creates inflammation and adverse

bodily reactions in certain people with ASD. However, scientific research
is inconclusive on the relationship between autism, gluten, and another
protein known as casein.

Some studies, and anecdotal evidence, have suggested that diet can help
improve symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a
condition similar to autism. Find out more about the ADHD diet.

How does autism affect kids?

Children with autism may not reach the same developmental milestones as
their peers, or they may demonstrate loss of social or language skills
previously developed.

For instance, a 2 year old without autism may show interest in simple
games of make-believe. A 4 year old without autism may enjoy engaging in
activities with other children. A child with autism may have trouble
interacting with others or dislike it altogether.
Children with autism may also engage in repetitive behaviors,
have difficulty sleeping, or compulsively eat nonfood items. They may find it
hard to thrive without a structured environment or consistent routine.

If your child has autism, you may have to work closely with their teachers to
ensure they succeed in the classroom.

Many resources are available to help children with autism as well as their
loved ones.

Local support groups can be found through the national nonprofit The
Autism Society. The organization Autism Speaks also provides targeted
toolkits intended for the parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends of
children with autism.

Autism and exercise

Children with autism may find that certain exercises can play a role in
alleviating frustrations and promoting overall well-being.

Any type of exercise that your child enjoys can be beneficial. Walking and
simply having fun on the playground are both ideal.

Swimming and being in water can serve as both exercise and a sensory
play activity. Sensory play activities can help people with autism who may
have trouble processing signals from their senses.

Sometimes contact sports can be difficult for children with autism. You can
instead encourage other forms of challenging yet strengthening
exercises. Get started with these tips on arm circles, star jumps, and other
autism exercises for kids.
How does autism affect girls?

Because of its gender-specific prevalence, autism is often stereotyped as a

boys’ disease. According to the CDC, ASDs are about 4 times more
common in boys than in girls.

However, this doesn’t mean that autism doesn’t occur in girls. In fact, the
CDC estimates that 0.66 percent, or around 1 in every 152 girls, have
autism. Autism may even present differently in women.

In comparison to recent decades, autism is being tested earlier and more

often now. This leads to higher reported rates in both boys and girls.

How does autism affect adults?

Families who have loved ones with ASD may worry about what life with
autism looks like for an adult.

A minority of adults with ASD may go on to live or work independently.

However, many adults with ASD require continued aid or intervention
throughout their lives.

Introducing therapies and other treatments early in life can help lead to
more independence and better quality of life.

Sometimes people who are on the spectrum aren’t diagnosed until much
later in life. This is due, in part, to a previous lack of awareness among
medical practitioners.

Seek help if you suspect you have adult autism. It’s not too late to be
diagnosed.

Why is autism awareness important?

April is World Autism Month. It’s also been deemed National Autism
Awareness Month in the United States. However, many advocates have
rightly called for the need to increase awareness about ASDs year-round,
and not just during 30 select days.

Autism awareness also requires empathy and an understanding that ASDs

are different for everyone.

Certain treatments and therapies can work for some people but not others.
Parents and caregivers can also have differing opinions on the best way to
advocate for a child with autism.

Understanding autism and people who are on the spectrum starts with
awareness, but it doesn’t end there. Check out one father’s story on his
“frustrations” with autism awareness.

What’s the difference between autism and ADHD?

Autism and ADHD are sometimes confused with one another.

Children diagnosed with ADHD consistently have issues

with fidgeting, concentrating, and maintaining eye contact with others.
These symptoms are also seen in some people on the spectrum.

Despite some similarities, ADHD isn’t considered a spectrum disorder. One

major difference between the two is that people with ADHD don’t tend to
lack socio-communicative skills.

If you think your child has symptoms of hyperactivity, talk to their doctor
about possible ADHD testing. Getting a clear diagnosis is essential to
ensure that your child is receiving the correct treatment.

It’s also possible for a person to have both autism and ADHD. Check out
this article, which explores the relationship between autism and ADHD.
What’s the outlook for people with autism?

There are no cures for ASDs. The most effective treatments involve early
and intensive behavioral interventions. The earlier a child is enrolled in
these programs, the better their outlook will be.

Remember that autism is complex, and that it takes time for a person with
ASD to find the program best suited for them.

WHAT IS ASP’S ADVOCACY?

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization

working towards an environment that empowers persons with autism
spectrum disorder to become the best of their potentials, self-
reliant, productive and socially-accepted members of an Autism-OK
Philippines.

OVERALL EVENT OBSERVATION (500 words)

GALLERRY PICTURES OF THE EVENT

http://www.autismsocietyphilippines.org/

https://www.healthline.com/health/autism