Forging a Path for Children who March to the Beat of a Different Drum: Janice Tay of Bridging The Gap

When her son Emmanuel was 18 months old, Janice Tay noticed that his development was slower compared to his older sister at the same age. “I instinctively knew something wasn’t…

Does your Child have Autism? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect

When a child is first diagnosed with or suspected to have autism, it can be a very challenging time for the child’s parents and the family. In this early period,…

Understanding ADHD Challenges: When Your Kid’s Struggles Are Also Their Superpowers

Parents despair when their children are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). After all, no one wants their kids to live with ADHD challenges. Yet while early diagnosis is crucial for…

Understanding ADHD Kids: Dispelling Misconceptions with the Facts

Approximately five per cent of school-aged children are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). But what is it, really? Many people don’t believe that it’s a real condition. Others think that…

Wings of Change: Judith’s Fight for Her Special Needs Child Creates Ripples of Hope across Asia

Describing herself as fiercely independent, passionate, full of energy, and somewhat rebellious, Judith Julia Justin grew up in the local Singaporean education system. After completing her university education in Australia,…

When Maths Doesn’t Add Up – Could My Child Have Dyscalculia?

Does maths homework turn into a nightly battle? Your child seems to struggle with simple calculations, repeatedly make careless mistakes, or experience anxiety around the most basic mathematical concepts. Is…

12 Things to Know when you have a Child on the Autism Spectrum in Singapore

It is 4am at the emergency department of the hospital. Doctors have just managed to bring Norfadillah’s heart rate down — after four tries — from a panic-inducing 235 beats…

Are You a Caregiver for Your Child? – Please Read This (+ True Life Stories)

The case of 11-year-old twin boys found dead at Greenridge Crescent Playground earlier this year struck a nationwide nerve. The shock waves intensified when we learnt that the boys had…

7 First-rate Enrichment Programmes for Special Needs Children in Singapore

Most Singaporean parents think nothing of enrolling their kids in extra-curricular activities such as music, art, or sports. They hope to give their offspring a more holistic education outside of…

Nothing but Pride for her Two Autistic Sons

When her two sons were young, life was a guessing game for June Lim. “I had to do everything for them, like showering, feeding them their meals, changing their clothes,…

Resources for Families of Children with Special Needs in Singapore

Raising a child is not always easy. If you have one with special needs, you might find the going a little more tough. Hence, some parents may need that little…

10 Signs your Preschooler may have Dyslexia

A six-year-old child I taught could use polysyllabic words (very long words) to describe a very enjoyable school holiday vacation. However, when asked to spell these same words, the child…

Special Education and Inclusive Preschools and Schools in Singapore

The special needs education sector in Singapore offers a range of options for children who need extra attention. Some cater specifically to children with a particular disability. Others, like Pathlight,…

10 things I’ve learnt from having a Child with Down Syndrome

Having a child changes your life in many ways. Among others, it teaches you things about yourself that you never knew. In addition, you discover yourself capable of things you…

Autism: Beyond Awareness to Real Hope for this Doctor’s Son

“I felt utterly defeated. Autism had stolen my son from me. My perfect baby boy was slipping further away with every day, and it seemed nothing we did was helping,”…

SNTC offers Peace of Mind for Parents of a Special-needs Child

Having a special needs child can be a lonely experience. Even if your child has siblings, concern over his or her future beyond your lifetime could weigh on your mind….

An Open Letter from a Parent of a Child with Autism

It is every parent’s wish for their child to be healthy and normal. Being told otherwise by a teacher, doctor, or a bystander can be quite a shock. I always thought…

Grandpa Cherry Blossom at The Esplanade makes Theatre accessible to Children with Special Needs

In February this year, The Esplanade debuted its first sensory-friendly performance for children with special needs. This month, it presents its second, Grandpa Cherry Blossom, with three shows specially for children…

14 Life-Changing Tips to Know if You are Struggling with a Child with Autism

Have you ever felt helpless and clueless about how to manage your child? Were you shocked when you were told your child had autism and wondered whether the doctors were…

Helping Children with Special Needs through Dance/Movement Therapy

For children, especially those with special needs, movement is important. This is not simply a matter of health; a foundation of movement and activity in the early years paves the…

My Child has Autism. Now What?

When a child is first diagnosed or suspected to have autism, it can be a very challenging time for the child’s parents and the family. In this early period, many…

Integrating A Child with Dyslexia

Children with dyslexia often struggle when it comes to integrating with their peers. Because children with this condition may find it hard mingle and communicate with others, their social lives…

Schooling With Dyslexia in Singapore

Fanny Foo’s daughter, who has dyslexia, attends mainstream school. Jennifer, 12, has difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling. “As she is unable to read fluently, she gets a reader during…

All About Dyslexia

The Ministry of Education, Singapore, in their November 2011 publication ‘Professional Practice Guidelines for the Psycho-educational Assessment and Placement of Students with Special Educational Needs’ describes dyslexia as a type…

Coping with Your Child’s Special Needs Diagnosis

Every parent has high hopes for their child at his or her birth. But what happens when the child is diagnosed with a special need? How can parents cope with…

How does Early Intervention Help Children with Special Needs?

More children are being diagnosed with neurological disorders. According to a recent New York Times article, up to 11 per cent of school-going children in the United States have been…

What if I have a Child with Special Needs?

Katherine, a home-maker, did not notice anything wrong with her firstborn Michael until he was about three years old. She recalls, “He did not hold eye contact with people who…

Striving for a Normal Primary School

My daughter has a good friend, J, from her old preschool. He recently visited us on a playdate. It was a pleasant surprise to see that he was interested in…

Does My Child Have A Speech Delay?

The joy that parents experience when their child utters his or her first words is immeasurable. Conversely, if those words are slow to be heard, parents are understandably concerned. The…

10 Questions: ADHD & Attention Problems in Children

ADHD. These four letters inspire panic in the hearts of even the most seasoned parents. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is the most common childhood-onset behavioural disorder. Children with…