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!

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

First Seminar on Gender-Responsive Parenting for AUSome Parents, Bontoc, Mountain Province

 

July 24, 2026. A memorable day for the ausome community of Bontoc, Mountain Province. Parents, teachers, representative from the government agencies and the LGU of Bontoc participated in this first Autism awareness seminar. I thought that the parents might leave after lunch but they stayed, participated and listened. It was indeed a good day for learning! 

"A thriving school is never built alone. It takes a village, and a government that shows up!"

MPSPED and ASCCO join hands to break stigma and gender-sensitive issues

Cheppay, Bontoc — In a united effort to promote inclusion and understanding, the Mountain Province Special Education Center (MPSPED) and the All Saints Credit Cooperative (ASCCO) have partnered to launch a community awareness campaign aimed at breaking stigma surrounding Autism and gender-sensitive issues.

The joint initiative, held at Xuayan's, Cheppay, Bontoc brought together parents of learners with special educational needs, non-teaching of MPSPED, cooperative members, and local stakeholders for a day of talks and interactive activities.

“This partnership is about more than awareness. It’s about acceptance in our homes, schools, and workplaces,” said MPSPED Principal Ms. Ching E. Kilakil. “By working with ASCCO, we are bringing the message of inclusion beyond the classroom and into the community where our learners live. We hope for a more informed and compassionate Bontoc."

Key activities included:

1. Mental Wellness Activities, Gender Sensitivity and Caring for Caregivers Forum with PHO's Psychologist Eleonor B. Batnag where sessions covered respect, safe spaces and identification of level of stress/ burnout and self-care for Ausome parents.

2. Understanding Autism and Awesome Parenting to Ausome Kids Forum led by Dean Cuanso, founder of Ausome North. The session tackled realistic challenges and his colorful experiences of having 2 Ausome kids. He also shared strategies for support and communication which captured the hearts of the participants.

Bontoc Dad, Hon. Franklin Odsey also graced the activity and assured the local government's support to Learners with Special Education Needs as it takes on more extensive and proactive measures in implementing PWD policies.

BOD Chairperson of All Saints Credit Cooperative, Nikki Awilan expressed the cooperative’s commitment that as community-based institution, we believe GAD empowerment must go hand-in-hand with social empowerment. " Breaking stigma starts with education, and we are proud to stand with MPSPED in this cause.”, Awilan shares.

Parents and participants welcomed the initiative, noting that the activity has not only refreshed their perspective but also equipped them with a list of doable approaches when their children become too difficult to handle. "Sana meron ding ganito sa lahat para hindi iba yung nakikita o nasasabi nila kung may meltdown yung anak namin sa labas." says one of the mothers.

Prior to the activity an Advocacy Walk: WALK OF FAITH with parents and stakeholders was conducted (7am-7:45am) where learners distributed informative bookmarks to random community members.

MPSPED has announced that this is the first of a series of quarterly activities aimed at strengthening family, school, and community relations. BOFATOD officers, Bontoc-MPS representatives and process observers from the community also attended the CapB.

The partnership reflects the Department of Education’s push for inclusive education and the cooperative sector’s role in community development.

-Ching Kilakil

RAISING AUSOME CHILDREN IN AN INCLUSIVE WORLD! When parents challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and celebrate every child's unique potential, they help shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and empowered generation.

On July 24, 2026, the All Saints Credit Cooperative (ASCCO), in partnership with MPSPED, successfully conducted a Seminar on Gender-Responsive Parenting for AUSome Parents at Xuayan's Cafe, Cheppay, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

The seminar equipped parents with valuable knowledge on Gender-Responsive Parenting, Gender Sensitivity , Autism and Disability Awareness , and Inclusive Parenting Practices Participants were encouraged to foster loving , safe and supportive homes where both boys and girls—and every child regardless of ability—are respected valued , and empowered to thrive.

Because inclusive parenting goes beyond raising children—it nurtures understanding , celebrates differences , and builds a future where everyone belongs. Together, we can create a kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive world for every child. Every child matters. Every child belongs. Every child can shine.

- All Saints Credit Cooperative.

𝐌𝐏 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐃𝐏𝐑 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 (Municipality of Bontoc)

In line with the observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, the Mountain Province Special Education (MP SPED) Center conducted a seminar today, July 24, 2026, at Xuayan's Café, Cheppay, Bontoc Poblacion.

The activity brought together parents, educators, stakeholders, and advocates to strengthen awareness and support for inclusive education and the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Anchored on this year's theme, "Rights First – Legislation Forward – Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development," the seminar emphasized the importance of ensuring the equal participation of PWDs in the community.

MP-SPED Center Principal Ching E. Kilakil welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of working together to promote inclusive education through collaborative efforts among schools, families, government agencies, and the community.

In his inspirational message, Bontoc Municipal Mayor Franklin C. Odsey reaffirmed the municipal government's commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all.

Mayor Odsey emphasized that the observance of NDPR Week serves as a reminder that the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) must remain at the center of efforts toward building an inclusive and progressive society.

“Let us move beyond recognizing the rights of PWDs. Laws must not remain only on paper; they must be reflected in accessible spaces, inclusive services, equal opportunities, and communities where every person can participate, contribute, and live with dignity,” he stressed, reaffirming his administration's commitment to advancing programs and initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for PWDs.

The seminar also featured resource speakers who shared valuable insights on mental health, behavioral support, and inclusive approaches in working with children with special needs. Among the speakers were Psychologist Eleonor B. Batnag, and Dean C. Cuanso, founder of Awesome North organization, who discussed practical strategies for supporting learners with disabilities and strengthening collaboration among families, schools, and communities.

The activity forms part of the weeklong observance of NDPR, reinforcing the collective responsibility of government agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders in creating a society where every person is respected, valued, and provided equal opportunities to succeed.

- Bontoc LGU

I was happy for the result. It was a good start for Mountain Province.

 

 

 

 

Thank you everyone!

Ausome talk at Cafe Tagtag and MPSPED Visit. Bontoc, Mountain Province

 

I have been doing private conversations with ausome parents, caregivers and relatives of ausome kids since 2021 and I call it "ausome talks". These are moments where the parent/s and I will share our stories and learn from it. Most of the time I listen to what they say. The struggle, the stress, the burden and of course the happy moments. Sometimes I feel the heavy weight of their stories and get emotionally affected which I think makes me human. 

The other side of having ausome talks is me doing the talking if their are 3 or more people listening or if they came to listen and not to share. Be that as it may, as long as there is learning, everything is good.

The scheduled Ausome Seminar was July 24, 2026. I decided to go to Bontoc one day earlier and conduct Ausome Talk. I scheduled it at 2:30pm. Our coffee and venue was sponsored by TagTag Cafe, located at Omfeg. Pancho Building. Thank you Tagtag Cafe!

7 people came for the ausome talk including my college friend Brenda. It was a fruitful discussion and exchange of stories over a cup of brewed coffee and cake.

We shared. We learned. 

Planning the First Autism Seminar for Mountain Province.

Last July 08, 2026, I had the opportunity to meet mam Ching Kilakil, the current Principal of Mountain province SPED school. We discussed the possibility of me being their resource speaker particularly for the topic on autism awareness, care and support on July 24 at Bontoc, Mountain Province. My decision was an automatic YES! 

Months before our meeting, I was able to share my advocacy to Vice Mayor Atty Alsannyster Patingan and executive Assistant to the Mayor Ben Odsey. They gave positive responses on the municipality's support for autism awareness.  It is known that there are cases of autism in Bontoc but nobody talks about it in open. I was hoping that through this first ever gathering for autism would jumpstart the support needed. 

I was also amazed with Principal Ching Kilakil for going to possible resource speakers for her school activity. I appreciate that kind of work attitude. 

After discussing the topics to be covered, we set the date and the first autism learning seminar in Mountain Province.  

Ausome Center of the North (the creation)

 

Years ago, it was my dream to have a center for autism awareness, care and support here in the Cordillera Region. I encountered negative thoughts, resentments in organizing, issues about commitment in time, effort, money and many more. I felt alone and hopeless. But today, early steps towards achieving that dream has begun and I need your help to make this dream “Ausome Center of the North” a reality. This is for our children with autism and special needs.

Please allow me to share to you my advocacy. This is a long read, but it is worth every second of your time.

I am Dean Cuanso, founder of Ausome North and a father of two ausome kids. I was in denial for 4 years. It was very hard for me to accept but when I did, I devoted myself to be an advocate for autism awareness, care and support. My journey is widely published. Many of the stories, photos, videos and articles are posted in this page (thus the very long read).

I have been very vocal in wanting to have our very own Autism Office or Center. I had many opportunities to travel the Cordillera provinces and sadly I found out that there is little or no help at all to many families with autism. Hundreds or even thousands of Cordillera parents are looking for ways and means to support the needs of their kids with special needs and many of them are looking for guidance, learning, direction and support (emotional and financial).

I started to spread the word. For us to really have a long term support system, we need an “Office” or a “Center” not just a facebook group, but a real Non Profit Association with professional Board of Trustees, with a real office, real competent staff and a planned financial program for sustainability. It’s a long process but I know with everyone’s help, this can be achieved.

So early this year I started to look for potential space to rent. I saw many office and space for rent but to my surprise, most of them cost P12,000 – P20,000 per month, 2 months advance, 1 month deposit! I almost abandoned the idea of having an office until early June I saw a facebook post offering a recently vacated office. I went to check it out and saw the opportunity. Immediately, I rented the office. It is the cheapest from all those that I saw. P7,000/month excluding municipal and other services. It is near the highway and accessible to jeeps and taxi.

However, there is a need to renovate, paint and clean the area worthy for it to be called an “ausome office”. As of this writing, The office is being cleaned and cabinets and signage are being done.

This is the time I will ask for support. The office needs a lot of things like:

Paints

Rubber Mats

Foldable Tables

Monoblock Chairs

Office Table

Big Whiteboard

Sensory Toys

Educational Materials

Educational Supplies

CR and kusina stuff

Coffee Maker / Perculator

Budget for SEC Registration

Budget to Business Permit Registration

Budget for BIR Registration

Printer – continuous ink

External storage/ hard drive 4Terabyte

Internet

Competent Staff

Volunteers

 ANYTHING from your heart that you can give will be much appreciated, cash or in kind or any of the above needed things. I am devoting so much time for this project so that it will become a reality soon. To those who would like to help, you can bring to the office whatever you want to contribute – anything. Just please message me first before going so I can see you personally or assign someone to assist you, if I am not available.

To those who would like to send cash for the office, please send your contribution to:

PAYMAYA

Dean Michael Cuanso

09395961828 

 

Also, to those who would like to gift my ausome kids Roga and Rhemus, please send your love gifts to: 

GCASH : Dean Michael Cuanso, 09178504955

 

I will be devoting my time every morning 8am – 11:30am to be at the office starting July 20. And maybe even in the afternoon. But please message me earlier before going because I might be meeting someone somewhere. 

Google Map Location. Same building with PC Expreez

Thank you very much. I know we can do this!

-Dean

 

Care Concert for a Cause

Last June 07, 2026, a concert for a cause happened at the Benguet State University gym.

The performers were:

1. Romeo Ogong Tv
2. El Sarlipan
3. The Missionary Band
4. Kenneth Surait
5. Miss Jermaine
6. Roque Belino-OFFICIAL
7. Samuel Ephraim
8. Guest performers

Special thanks as well to our energetic and wonderful host, Darwin Sherwin. 

To all the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, donors, audience, and everyone who, in one way or another, contributed to the success of this concert for a cause — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness, generosity, time, effort, and support made this event possible for the Ausome North community. 

Indeed, it was a night where you were not only entertained, but also became part of a meaningful cause that spreads love, hope, and acceptance. 
Let us continue to spread love, help, kindness, and positivity — not hate. Together, we can make a difference.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat! 
God Bless everyone. - Claire Ticgue

My dream to have our own Ausome Center for our ausome kids is becoming closer to reality. It may take 20 steps to finish, we are on step 5, that is a good start. Here is the full video of the cause for last Sunday's Voices that Care CFAC held at BSU Gym. One step at a time we can do this!

Sorry, but I will continue to be noisy to be heard.

Tumayo at Mag-ingay! That is the only way we get to be seen and heard.

 

The Voices That Care was a success. The organizers gave P50,000 and a computer unit for Ausome North use. We are thankful. As of this posting, we are still waiting for the names and lists of the donors, sponsors and everyone who helped in this Concert for a Cause.

Autism talk for awareness and support, Sablan, Benguet

 Autism talk for awareness and support to ausome parents and community at the Multipurpose Hall of Banangan, Sablan, Benguet. Thank you mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr., Dra. Kimberley Gale M. Amboy, and Ma'am Catherine D. Ome and to all Barangay officials of Banangan, Sablan.

Dean Cuanso was able to talk to some parents with ausome kids and they agreed on having more awareness campaigns in the coming months.