Monday, August 17, 2026

Ausome North Office Update

 After 2 months of looking for help, we now have some office materials to start with. Below is a video update of the current office status. Although we still need a lot to fully function as an Ausome Center, this is a good start.

Thank you to everyone who made this dream possible!




Tuesday, July 28, 2026

AUSOME NORTH EXPLAINED (Ano ang ausome North)

 

Ausome North (2024) is a community-led advocacy group based in Benguet, Philippines, dedicated to supporting and creating a safer environment for neurodivergent children. Founded by local entrepreneur and cinematographer Dean Michael Cuanso—who rebranded his original (2021) "Autism Benguet" platform in a region wide scope after going around the Cordillera Region—the group actively conducts awareness campaigns through seminars and ausome talks, connects families, shares vital resources, and promotes inclusion throughout Northern Luzon.

Key Programs and Initiatives:

Missing Children Database: Building a localized registry of children on the autism spectrum to help the local police, barangay, lgu and first responders quickly identify and reunite missing or wandering children with their family.

Activities: Hosting community bonding events, such as the gathering at the La Trinidad KM5 Market during World Autism Day, allowing kids to express their creativity alongside local volunteer artists through ausome art and Christmas get together and give giving.

Community Summits: Organizing family meetings and summits focused on streamlining the process of obtaining PWD IDs, discussing regional autism ordinances, and mapping public health services.

Mission Statement

To empower children with autism and their families based in the Cordillera Region by raising public awareness, delivering compassionate care, fostering inclusive support networks, and ensuring a safe, secure environment where every child can thrive.

Vision Statement

A Region (Cordillera) where every child on the autism spectrum is understood, cherished, fully supported, and granted the security to reach their full, extraordinary potential.

Benefits of Joining Ausome North

Joining an autism organization—whether as a family, an autistic individual, a volunteer, or a supporter—opens doors to a network designed so no one has to navigate the journey alone.

Here are the core benefits broken down by what members gain:

1. Direct Benefits for Families and Individuals

Emotional Community & Validation: Navigating sensory needs, school systems, and developmental milestones can feel isolating. Connecting with peers provides immediate, non-judgmental understanding and shared experiences.

Access to vetted resources: Organizations curate reliable local databases—from neurodiversity-affirming speech or occupational therapists to inclusive schools, respite care options, and sensory-friendly recreational events.

Social and Skill-Building Programs: Many organizations host sensory-friendly outings, social clubs, life-skills workshops, and peer mentoring sessions designed specifically to encourage confidence and belonging.

2. Benefits for Volunteers, Professionals, and Community Members

Specialized Training & Practical Insight: Members gain hands-on experience and training in neurodiversity-affirming communication, sensory regulation strategies, and crisis de-escalation techniques.

 How to Join Ausome North

The greatest impact of joining an autism organization is replacing uncertainty and isolation with structural support, actionable information, and genuine connection.

Because autism organizations serve diverse groups—families, volunteers, and partner groups—the requirements depend on how you are joining.

Here is a breakdown of what is typically required based on the role:

1. General Members & Families (Beneficiaries Seeking Support & Community)

For parents, caregivers, and autistic individuals looking to join a local or national group:

Registration Form: completely accomplish the Ausome North form. Provide latest photo of family and member.

Membership Dues (Optional): Many non-profits offer free membership, while others charge a nominal annual fee to help fund community activities (to be discussed by Board of Trustees).

 Code of Conduct: An agreement to respect privacy, uphold inclusive language, and maintain a safe, supportive environment in group spaces.

 Note on Diagnosis: Since many in the region to not have formal assessments, we do not require a formal medical diagnosis just to join, attend support groups, or participate in social events. However, official documentation may be requested for some programs.

2. Volunteers & Support Staff

Staff and Volunteers should have appropriate understanding and training in handling children with autism.

3. Board Members & Professional Advisors

Relevant Background: Expertise in special education, therapy, law, fundraising, non-profit management, or lived experience as an autistic adult or caregiver.

Governance Commitment: A formal pledge regarding meeting attendance, fiduciary oversight, and advocacy efforts.

 Financial Oversight: Annual financial reporting, clear bylaws, and transparent governance structures.

Organization, meetings and office establshment is currently ongoing. Ausome North will be formally launched, complete with SEC, BIR and Mayor's permit by January 2027.

Ausome North Tadian (The making)

 

After the successful Autism seminar at Bontoc, I received a message inviting me to Tadian if I did not yet go home to La Trinidad. They wanted to have their own organization for autism care and support because they (tadian) also have kids with autism. Not 1, not 2 , not 3 but many! I did not hesitate to say YES! Since I have 7 hours to spare before the last trip going to Baguio City, I know the side trip to Tadian would be great for the ausome parents.

The travel from Bontoc, via a mini bus, to Abatan, Bauko was around 1 hour. and around 25 minutes until the Cafe of mam Di Kollin, the one who called me. The parenst were already waiting and Ausome Talk started as soon as I arrived. It was a good day of exchanges (stories). We have learned a lot from each other.


Before I left, they were already organizing Ausome North, Tadian Chapter!

Go go go AN Tadian!






/July 25, 2026