Behavioral Management Talk

On Thursday June 20th, EAP Malaysia's Director, Jochebed Isaacs, will be giving a talk at Kingdom City on Behavioral Management. Take a look at the flyer below to find out all the details!

EAP's Amazing Race! (Teacher's Day Outing)

18th of May 2013 marked the day of EAP’s first ever amazing race event. The race began at 2.00 pm and took place throughout the Bangsar Baru area. A total of 24 participants took part in the race, while 9 coordinators were assigned to four checkpoints scattered throughout the area. It was a perfect day for the race, as the sun was bright with no trace of rain, thus allowing the race to be conducted smoothly.

 

The event was organized to enhance the relationship between EAP staff members as well as to emphasize teambuilding. Hence, the challenges at each of the four checkpoints were designed to meet this goal. The challenges faced by participants included body coordination, receptive instructions, tolerance, as well as communication. Once participants had completed these challenges, they had to race back to the EAP centre for the fifth and final challenge; a tongue twister. 

 

When participants first arrived at the centre, they were filled with curiosity, excitement and apprehension about the upcoming challenges. However the moment the race began, all such feelings were replaced with fierce competitiveness and teamwork. The race took approximately one and a half hours to complete. After 45 minutes of rest back at the centre, participants then headed to dinner. 

 

The Masters of Ceremony, Nisha and Chloe, welcomed the guests and initiated icebreaking conversations before inviting the main coordinator of the event, Emma, to give a speech. Following the speech, guests were treated to a video highlighting Teachers’ Day and dinner was served afterwards. While everyone was enjoying dinner, the director of EAP Malaysia, Jochebed was called to present the prizes for all the participants. And this preceded her own speech which included an inspiring poem dedicated to Teacher’s Day (read the poem below).

Chloe and Nisha

Jochebed Isaacs

 

The event ended at around 6.30pm with everyone taking a group photo to commemorate this unforgettable event. All in all, the Amazing Race was an exhausting but highly enjoyable event and one which certainly enhanced the bond between all of us at EAP Malaysia.

 EAP Team

 

Written by:

Claudia, Choo Ying, Edward, Emma & Sunny

Therapists, EAP Malaysia

 

 

A Poem for Special Teachers

 

 You greet me every morning with a great big smile
Help me out of the car
Even if it takes a while

I am a little girl who cannot hear or speak
But still you understand me,
Week after week.

I have more challenges than most other people, you know
But you never give up on me
Even if my progress is slow

You help me with my daily life skills
Help me to succeed
Teach me how to sing and play
Adapt it to my special needs

I am strong and happy
I like to giggle and tease
Sometimes I may even drop down on my knees

You work very hard everyday,
Help me learn and grow
You are patient, kind and loving

This I wanted you to know
It takes a special person to be a teacher like you
And my Mommy and Daddy are grateful
For everything you do!

Written by
Monica McDivitt
(taken from: http://differentizgood.org/2011/04/a-poem-for-special-teachers/)

To All The Mothers

Google Image

My mother loves me unconditionally.
Even though I repeat the same old things.
My mother loves me so well you see.
She's patient when I cannot be.
She doesn't mind me pacing back and forth.
She doesn't mind the jibberish.

 

When I am frustrated beyond my means.
She sings, Don't worry the storm is over."
When I feel no one understands,
Mom is there to hold my hand.
To all the parents around the words whose
journey seems like this.
We know that you love us dearly.
But having you in our lives makes us blessed.

 

By Meshell Baylor

 

A child with autism wrote a poem expressing what she feels from her mother and dedicates this message to all parents. 

 

Taken from: http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/autism-poem-to-all-the-mothers.html

 

 

From all the kids at EAP Malaysia and all the teachers and staff too, we wish you a Happy Mother's Day!

 

US Embassy Visit to EAP Malaysia

US Embassy representatives with EAP Malaysia Staff (left to right) Ms Charissa Kang (EAP Malaysia's Business Manager), Dr David Johnson, Ms Jacqueline Pouncy-Smith, Ms Jochebed Isaacs (EAP Malaysia's Director), Ms Cecile and Ms Jessica Schnepple.

 

On the morning of Monday, 22nd of April 2013, EAP Malaysia had the privilege of hosting the US Embassy's Regional Medical Psychiatrist, Dr. David Johnson (based in Bangkok) and Social Worker Ms. Jacqueline Pouncy-Smith (based in Washing DC) on their visit to Kuala Lumpur. Ms. Cecile, Medical officer and Ms. Jessica Schnepple, Community Liaison, joined them on their visit to EAP as well. Their visit to Malaysia consisted of getting to know the types of facilities available in the country. 

 

 

Autism Walk Postponed

While we were all looking forward to the Autism Walk this year, unfortunately, we regret to inform you that it has been postponed to next year. This is due to the oncoming elections and fear that the dates may clash.

 

However! EAP Malaysia have other things planned in conjunction with April's Autism Awareness Month. So keep watching this space for exciting things to come!

 

Stay tuned guys!

EAP Annual Dinner 2013

December is a significant month for many. It marks the end of a year well spent, as well as a season of giving in the Christmas spirit. For those at Early Autism Project Malaysia, it also means a dinner celebration is in order.

This year we feasted at Silver Spoon, Publika. Therapists and consultants rocked up in their dazzling attire fit for a ball. Dinner began with a short ice breaker hosted by our very entertaining emcee duo, Chloe and Jerusha. The games continued throughout the night while we each made several trips to refill our platters at buffet counter in between. 

Dancing seemed to be the running theme and all three groups gave it their best at competing to claim the winning title. The judges for the night were none other than our three restaurant hosts, the head chef and his assistant, and of course the restaurant manager. With only 10 minutes to plan, each group was required to choreograph to an upbeat Christmas carol by Alvin and The Chipmunks. Many a creative thought was thrown into the cauldron of ideas and we pulled it off with much absurdity and peals of laughter.

The night then proceeded with a surprise appreciation video for our Director Jochebed, to which she gave a heartwarming speech of gratitude for what we've all accomplished as a company thus far. Certificates of recognition were given to each group of therapists and outstanding individuals for their excellence and hard work put into making a difference in the lives of our children.

The Guardian Angels were also revealed through a final gift exchange between "Angel" and "Mortal". Many were able to guess who their Guardian Angel had been throughout the past month, and others who couldn't, were truly surprised to discover the truth. Presents slowly dwindled from under the Christmas Tree and into the hands of happy Mortals on the receiving end.

We ended the night with full tummies, way too many photos, and tresured memories to last a lifetime. And now, on to a brand new year just around the corner!

More photos to come on Facebook soon! 

Music Day at EAP Malaysia

Last Thursday was an important day for many of our kids here at EAP Malaysia. We held our annual Music Day to celebrate our kids’ progress after all their hard work at EAP. This includes both center-based kids as well as home-based kids. Preparations for certificates and goodie bags were made prior to the day itself. 

All the kids who attended and participated in the event had been through two practices in the period of two weeks before the day itself. They were also prepared for the event through social stories, explaining the expectations for the day. 

I sat down with our Director, Jochebed who would be the Master of Ceremony, and we ran through the itinerary. Sound checks were done, the kids were given a break from their curriculum just before, and everyone got ready to welcome the parents who started arriving around mid afternoon. I was slightly nervous upon their arrival. It was finally happening! But fortunately, I had my consultants and friends at EAP giving me support throughout the day.

Jochebed Isaacs giving her welcoming speech

The event kicked off when all the parents had arrived. Jo gave a welcoming speech, briefly introducing our Music Class at EAP. This was then followed by a video titled Music Class with Emma, which was taken from our blog. Then, she went on to introduce the “Big Boys” at EAP. This was my cue to take over the floor with these two boys, Einstein and Ironman (their nicknames). They went up on the small stage and performed the song You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Initially, Ironman was slightly scared of the major changes in the hall, but after explaining to him what was going on and what was expected of him, he felt calmer. He performed as best as he could alongside Einstein, who sang with confidence. At the end of the song, they gave a bow together for the audience.

Parents proudly watching their children perform

Following this, the other two boys, Prince and King (nicknames) joined in the group activity. All four boys sat in for a short Circle Time. Each of them were given the chance to choose a video of any song. It was nice to see that they were all so calm and had their attention on the activity instead of the major changes in the environment. After watching all four videos, they were all rewarded with a token. 

The next activity was Reach for the Sky, an activity involving body movement. The kids performed this activity in pairs. Finally came the most anticipated activity, the mini concert! Each kid held a musical instrument; the King had the tambourine, Ironman had a xylophone, Einstein had a keyboard, and the Prince had the drumsticks for the drums! As soon as the music was played, the boys hit the right notes to Do Re Mi, from the Sound of Music. 

They all had fun, with big smiles on their faces singing to their hearts delight. It was definitely a moment to remember for all of us. As the song ended, they were all rewarded with tokens, and went to take their seats with their parents.

Emma making her speech

Then it was my turn to speak. I said a few words expressing my appreciation for all the effort put forth by the kids, as well as my gratitude to all my friends at EAP for their support and help given at times in need and to the consultants for all their guidance, and also to the parents for their continued support, time, and effort they spend on their children. There was so much that I wanted to say, but time was against me and I had to move on with the awards ceremony.

One of our families at EAP Malaysia

The awards ceremony highlighted each child’s strength in therapy as well as their participation in Music Class. They were each awarded with titles of Mr Artistic, Mr Perfectionist, Mr Incredible, Mr Independent, Mr All Rounder, Ms Dancing Queen, Ms Tenacious, and Mr Einstein. The day ended with a quick closing speech from Jo and a video showing our favourite moments at EAP throughout 2012. 

As told by, 

Emma

Lead Therapist and Music Teacher, EAP Malaysia

EAP Malaysia at the US Embassy Community Event.

News flash: 

On the 27th of September, EAP Malaysia was invited to the US Ambassador's Residence to meet the new members of the U.S. Embassy Community. Amidst cocktails and a delicious spread, we had the opportunity to network with other professionals, service providers and educators. 

School Shadow Workshop

Calling all therapists working as school shadows, and parents who are prepping their children with special needs for school. You'll want to sign up for this one! Just send an email to nisha@autismmalaysia.com to register! More details to follow. 

It's Sibling Day Again!

That's right! Once you've read the details below, send an email to nisha@autismmalaysia.com to register before the 8th of August! (That's tomorrow) 

Special Needs Art n Craft Day

This Saturday, 14 July 2012, The National Association of Special Education, together with support from the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya is organising the, 

Special Needs Art n Craft Day 2012. 

The ”Special Needs Art n Craft Day 2012” is hosted with a specific aim to provide a platform for children with special needs to express their feelings and to expand their creativity through arts and crafts. This event is aimed towards exposing the children with special needs to different surroundings apart from their school and home.

The event is open to any interested individuals. Its admission is free. However, children with special needs (primary school: maximum 14 years of age; secondary school: maximum 19 years of age) who would like to take part in the art and craft competition will be charged RM20.00 (inclusive of a t-shirt and lunch).

Apart from the Art and Craft Competition, they will have other events such as Batik Making Demo, Movie, Performances, Art n Craft Auction, and Sales.

Where: Administration Block, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya.

When: 9.00am - 2.00pm

Sibling Day

The 9^th of June 2012 was a very fun day at our Stepping Stones center in Bangsar. New friendships were made, new games were learnt, everyone laughed till their tummy hurt, and most importantly the concept of same/different brought a whole different meaning to five different children who had siblings with special needs.

Sibling day is a day where brothers and sisters of children with special needs get to meet other siblings in a fun and relaxed environment. This day is designed for siblings ages 6 -13 and the activities usually run for about three hours.

To break the ice we started off by making name tags for ourselves. We had to write our names, age and draw how we think we look like. The children immediately got busy making their name tags. Then we each had to introduce ourselves and make a silly action while saying our name. The children got really creative and it was very impressive. We thought we would make it more interesting by having a “snowball fight”. The children were divided into groups and were given recycled paper “snowballs” to throw to the other team. The team with the least amount of snowballs on their side would be the winner. This definitely broke the ice among the children.

After playing some active games we did a little bit of discussion and peer support. We talked about how we are all different, have different experiences , look different, like and dislike different things, and many more. The children were also able to talk about their siblings with special need and how they handle the differences. This was really an eye opener as I observed the other children getting some ideas on how to handle their siblings too. We also played some games in between and the sound of laughter from the children was priceless. I missed being a kid at that point.

Then we adjourned to the kitchen to make our lunch. We made individual pizzas for lunch. The children got really creative with their pizzas. While waiting for the pizza to cook the children were talking about movies they have watched recently, their school and life in general. When the pizza was cooked everyone ate very quietly. This was the only time I realized the group was quiet.

We then took some silly pictures and said goodbye. The children wanted to come next week again to hang out – which meant they had lots of fun. Pictures should be up on our Facebook soon! 

We will be having another Sibling Day coming up this year so just watch out for our advertisement somewhere in August 2012.

Written by

Jessica Ganesha

Consultant, EAP Malaysia

Walk for Autism Highlights.

It's as if we can't get enough of The Walk! This time see if you can spot your faces! Many thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers, and to you, for making this happen! =D 

Celebrating Those Who Make A Difference

When I started Kindergarten, I would come home after school and put on my mother’s heels. I would point to an empty wall with a stick and ask my imaginary students to read along with me. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. 

When I was little I told myself that when I become a teacher I will give my students beautiful stickers and cool stamps for work done well. I will use my red pen to mark their work and give them stars and then sign my name.

However, this did not last for very long. When I became a little older I started hearing the adults around me saying that if I don’t study hard enough,  I’ll have no choice but to become a teacher when I grow up.  I am sure some of us have heard of this – Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach. Initially, I was very puzzled by this comment. Later, I figured out that teaching was not a respected job. People were more interested in me if I said that I want  to be a marine biologist when I grow up.

Fast forward to May 2012. I have been teaching for about seven years now. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I am proud to say that I am a teacher and I love giving out stickers and stamps. If someone ever tells me that only those who can’t, teach, I will tell them what we do. In conjunction with Teacher’s Day, I would like to share a poem with our fantastic EAP’s therapists and all the wonderful teachers around the world! Once again, Happy Teacher’s Day!

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

A poem by: Taylor Mali

The dinner guests were sitting around the table
discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain
the problem with education. He argued:
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided
his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests that it's true
what they say about teachers: "Those who can...do.
Those who can't ... teach."

To corroborate, he said to another guest: "You're a
teacher, Susan," he said. "Be honest. What do you
make?"

Susan, who had a reputation of honesty and frankness,
replied, "You want to know what I make?"

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they
could. I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal
of Honor and an A- feel like a slap in the face if the
student did not do his or her very best."

"I can make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence."

"I can make parents tremble in fear when I call home"

"You want to know what I make?"

"I make kids wonder."

"I make them question."

"I make them criticize."

"I make them apologize and mean it."

"I make them write."

"I make them read, read, read."

"I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful, and definitely beautiful over and over and
over again, until they will never misspell either one
of those words again."

"I make them show all their work in math and hide it
all on their final drafts in English."

"I make them understand that if you have the brains,
then follow your heart...and if someone ever tries to
judge you by what you make, you pay them no
attention!"

"You want to know what I make?"

"I make a difference."

"And you? What do you make?"

Written by, 

Huey Sien

Senior Consultant, EAP Malaysia

(In celebration of last week's Teacher's Day @ EAP Malaysia)

UKM Students Learn About Autism.

On Monday, the 14th of May 2012, 10 post-graduate students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) came to visit us at Early Autism Project Malaysia. During their one hour visit, our Director, Jochebed Isaacs explained to them autism and the treatment approach implemented at EAP Malaysia.

 

Below is an encouraging email we received from one student:

Hi Jochebed, 

I attended the visit on Monday to The EAP centre and I would like to thank you for providing useful information to all of the Masters and PHD students. I enjoyed my session watching how therapists help children. These children are indeed beautiful and I hope they would learn and grow to be wonderful adults! 

Love,

Pravina Shagar

Thank you Pravina. We're glad you had a good session. Till the next one! 

"Walk for Autism" on Malaysia Chronicle

Friday, 04 May 2012 15:14

Overshadowed by Bersih but still a very special and inaugural 'Walk for Autism'

Written by  Sarah Lim

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On the 28 April 2012, Early Autism Project Malaysia held their first annual Walk for Autism at Bangkung Park, Bangsar. There were 497 pre-registrations and more than 300 registered people who showed up on the day itself, not counting walk-in registrations as well.

The host for the day was none other than Capital FM’s deejay Asha Gill. Before the 5km walk began, EAP Malaysia’s Director Jochebed Isaacs gave a brief but informative introduction on autism, stating that awareness on autism and early intervention is of utmost importance.

The walk took slightly more than an hour to complete and participants were treated to free iced Milo from a Milo van waiting at the finish point.

Fun for all

Two clowns joined the walk as well, keeping the atmosphere lively and fun for participants of all ages. Various exhibition, food, and children’s booths were set up for participants to enjoy throughout the day.

Beautiful artworks by children with autism were on display as well as posters containing basic knowledge on autism.

A lucky draw contest was held and 5 hampers worth RM50 to RM100 were given out to winners as well as artwork done by one of the youth from our centre, Chuah Chern Yi.

Among those who assisted the flow of events were students from HELP University College, the Scouts from SMK Damansara Utama, RELA, and first-aiders from St. John’s.

Early Autism Project Malaysia would like to thank their participants and sponsors for making this event a successful one. Skymolite (M) Sdn Bhd, Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia (RELA), Plenitude Berhad, Golden Arches Restaurant Sdn Bhd (Mcdonalds), TSL, Says.my, Daily Muscle Body Transformation Camp, Cupcake Chic, Health Lane, Skylace, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya, Love on Wheels Healthcare Services Sdn Bhd, Herbal Life, and several individuals.

-  Early Autism Project Malaysia

This article was taken directly from the Malaysian Chronicle.

The Star reports our Walk for Autism!

Being the voice for autism

By VIJENTHI NAIR 

vijenthi@thestar.com.my

SUPPORT for a cause can be done in many ways, like walking. Some 300 people showed up on Saturday morning for the first annual walk for autism organised by Early Autism Project (EAP) Malaysia at Bangkung Park in Jalan Jejawi, Bangsar.

Hosted by local celebrity and Capital FM deejay Asha Gill, the event also had exhibition booths and activities such as games, face painting, lucky draw and clowns to liven up the walk.

EAP Malaysia director Jochebed Isaacs said the walk represented the statement that even when everything was progressing so fast globally, people still took time out of their busy lives to show that they want to make a difference, to be a voice for the children and people with autism.

I was here: The children making hand prints on pieces of canvas.

“In conjunction with World Autism Day on April 2, the Centres for Disease Control announced the latest statistics on the prevalence of autism which was one in 88 children! This has been declared an epidemic by the United States.

“It will not be long before all of us know someone or bump into someone with autism. The reason behind this walk is to raise awareness on autism,” she said.

Isaacs said there was a lot that we could do to help children with autism.

“Firstly, we need to be aware of the symptoms. Before the age of three, they would usually reflect delayed or abnormal development in three areas which are language development, social skills and behaviour.

Limbering up: The participants doing some stretching exercises before the flag-off.

“If you see a child demonstrating these red flags, encourage their parents to seek professional help as soon as they can. The earlier the treatment, the higher the chances are for the child to catch up.

“Members of society can also cooperate. Business owners can hire them with a job coach, parents should be open to their child being a peer to a child with autism or volunteer to help support families with autism.

“A little show of tolerance, not staring at a child who is having a meltdown and judging them or their parents, helps,” she said.

She added that the more people knew about autism, the fewer myths would persist such as children with autism were aggressive.

“If you were to just imagine for a moment, not being able to speak and not understanding what was happening and being taken from place to place, different transitions, would you not show some form of frustration or anxiety? Maybe that’s why our children show aggressive behaviour.

“Other than that, we also hope the public becomes aware that there are treatments available for autism and that not all hopes are lost,” Isaacs said.

EAP Malaysia is a programme and clinic for the treatment of children with autism and is currently providing therapeutic treatment for families in Klang Valley besides training workshops with follow-up supervision in other locations. For more information, visit autismmalaysia.com or eapmalaysia.blogspot.com

This article is taken directly from The Star Metro.