She Plans Programmes To Enrich Learning For People With Autism
Lead teacher Siti Nor Aisyah Binte Sarip was among the staff who helped to get St. Andrew’s Autism Centre started in 2005. Here, her most memorable moments from the journey.
Interacting with Persons with Autism
Individuals with autism often have difficulty understanding and responding to non-verbal cues, which can make communication challenging. This can lead to heightened anxiety, which in turn can result in challenging behaviours. As a result of these challenges, individuals with autism may struggle to develop and maintain relationships. This can be especially difficult for children with…
Tips for Supporting Individuals with Autism at Work
Navigating the workplace can be challenging for anyone, but for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be especially difficult. From sensory sensitivities to social communication challenges, there are many factors to consider when supporting individuals with ASD in the workplace. Here are some tips and strategies to help create a more inclusive and…
Sensory Sensitivities and Autism: What You Need to Know
Sensory processing issues are a common feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting up to 95% of individuals with the condition. These issues can cause individuals to experience heightened sensitivity or under-responsiveness to sensory input, which can in turn impact their ability to engage with the world around them. Common Sensory Processing Issues in Autism…
Debunking Autism Myths and Misconceptions
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding autism, which can lead to misunderstanding, discrimination, and inadequate support for those who need it. In this article, we aim to debunk some of the most common autism myths and misconceptions. Myth #1: Autism…
What is Autism? Understanding the Basics.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and perceive the world around them. You may have heard the phrase “spectrum” when it comes to autism, and that’s because it’s a broad term that encompasses a wide range of abilities and challenges. You…
Managing Meltdowns: A Guide for Retailers
Many persons with autism experience meltdowns. The public often finds it hard to tell autism meltdowns and temper tantrums apart, but they are very different things. Here is a guide to help you better manage a meltdown, or support a caregiver who is managing one. What is a meltdown? A meltdown occurs when someone feels…
All In A Day’s Work: Life As An Autism Coach
Observing Malkeith as he carries out his duties, be it patiently guiding his clients as they go about their activities or managing challenging behaviours, there is a certain rhythm and ease with which he does things that can only come from over a decade of experience on the job. Today, I joined him on his…
From Isolation to Integration, One Outing at a Time
Looking out the window, Viknesh clutches his bag expectantly. The excitement in the air is palpable. Today is movie day for the residents at St. Andrew’s Adult Home. For 28-year-old Viknesh, the last time he set foot in a cinema is a distant memory from years ago. As a child, Viknesh loved watching movies at…
Scarred, but not broken…
It is hard to look at the thick calluses covering Alfred’s forearms without feeling a whole gamut of emotions – like shock, pity, curiosity and even fear. The scars are physical manifestations of daily self-injurious behaviour over his 34 years of life. Alfred is a non-verbal adult with ASD and he bites himself as a…