Schools are seeing more kids with autism and fewer with other needs such as multiple disabilities.
There are currently 25 special education schools for students aged seven to 18 in Singapore, with three more to be set up by 2032 to cater to those with autism.SINGAPORE - Some special education schools that have traditionally served children with conditions like intellectual disability are taking in more students with autism.
Minds, which previously catered solely to people with intellectual disability, saw a 60 per cent increase in enrolment of kids with autism, compared to 2022. Close to 700 out of over 1,000 students across the four schools the organisation runs have both autism and intellectual disability. Around 70 per cent of students at the two schools have autism, while the other 30 per cent have multiple disabilities, which refers to having at least two impairments across a range of sensory, cognitive and physical functions. Individuals with multiple disabilities may also have accompanying medical issues.
To support students, Minds launched an Autism Spectrum Disorder-Intellectual Disability programme at Fernvale Gardens School, and this has been gradually rolled out to all four schools since January 2023. To address students’ sensory needs, the school also made changes to its environment, such as having clear physical structures in classrooms, installing ambient lights, improving acoustics and using neutral colours for walls and furniture.
Putra’s mother Juliah Sulaiman, 45, said her son, who was non-verbal, is now able to speak a few words. And while he used to have meltdowns in places with loud noises, he now puts on earmuffs to block out the sounds. Rainbow Centre’s teachers create visual schedules and learning materials, as well as structure learning areas in a way to help students process information and follow instructions better.
One such student is Sara Lim, who has mild intellectual disability and Dravet syndrome, a rare form of severe epilepsy with prolonged seizures that are often triggered by hot temperatures or fever.
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