Autism

Definitions and Scope

Autism

The medical pathological model of autism

Singapore's Autism Resource Centre regards autism as a lifelong developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to make sense of the world and relate with others. The degree of autism can vary on 2 dimensions, mainly the severity of autism and one's intellectual ability.

Autism as parallel embodiment

autism as a Parallel Embodiment – whose system of social connectivity is based on an elemental-material Space of Mind, and from which emerges an alternative empathic system

Children & Youth

See Just Cause Asia's sector report on Children & Youth with Autism in Singapore here.

Statistics

As of 2015, there are about 30,000 people with autism in Singapore.[1]

Based on statistics from the Autism Resource Centre, in a city of 5 million people 50,000 of them have autism, meaning that 1% of Singapore's population have this disorder. Out of this 50,000, 11,500 are under the age of 19.

Desired impact for target group

(For children) To improve in their areas of weakness. For example, a child may require intensive speech therapy if lack of speech is considered the main issue that hinders them from further development.

Objectives

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Objective #1:

[Objectives should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg. youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify]

[Also indicate the size of this specific need & projected demand were data is available]

Existing Resources

[e.g. existing services or programmes both private or public; relevant policies and legislation]

Gaps and Their Causes

[Some gaps could be due to 1) capacity of solution to meet size & projected demand, 2) quality of solution (effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, scalability etc.), 3) accessibility (geographical, cost to client)]

Possible Solutions

[Based on the specific gaps and reasons for those gaps, what might be solutions that can help? Insert existing but untapped resources, or new ideas that have not been considered yet]

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Objective #2: To improve in their area of weakness to allow for further development

Existing Resources

Specialised clinics in the Institute of Mental Health provides specialist service in diagnosis as well as parent education and individualised intervention. Multiple forms of therapy including behavioural and occupational are also available.

Gaps and Their Causes

Possible Solutions

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Objective #3: Helping more individuals with autism enter the workforce

Existing Resources

Employability and Employment Centre (E2C) by Autism Resource Centre:

- Offer services to enable people with autism to perform successfully

- 5-stage process consisting of pre-assessment, assessment of strengths, interests and needs, vocational training, job placement and on-site support at their workplace

- Offer services for employers who are interested in hiring people with autism in their companies (e.g. engage the supervisors and colleagues on how to work with these individuals)

Gaps and Their Causes

There is still discrimination against individuals with autism which deters many companies from hiring them.

- Stereotypes that they are inefficient workers

Possible Solutions

- Put in more resources into educating companies / businesses and raising awareness on the abilities and strengths of individuals with autism

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Objective #4:

Existing Resources

Gaps and Their Causes

Possible Solutions

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Resource Directory

Caregiver Resources & Blogs

Brenda Tan documents her journey with her son Calder: http://brendaandautism.blogspot.com/

A stay-at-home dad whose son is autistic: http://stayhomedadandson.blogspot.sg/

[insert organization name]

Insert web link