More than Most Mothers
Meet two mothers of two adults on the autism spectrum SAAC has had the privilege of working with. Each has a unique story that illustrates the determination and resilience needed to care for and raise autistic children.
He Ain’t Heavy; He’s My Brother
What is it like to share family life with a special sibling? Let’s get an inside look at the bond siblings share, with SAAC@Siblings4LIFE series.
Stoic Man in Black
Dressed in black from head to toe, with dark shades covering his eyes and a black ear piece, almost inconspicuously, placed in this ears, he may appear menacing.
The lead character from a new Men in Black sequel or a local spin-off of Vincenzo? Neither.
Meet Henry, the father of a 28-year-old autistic resident at St. Andrew’s Adult Home (Sengkang) [SAAH].
Our Unsung Heroes – Dedication to Relate
Unlike most schools in Singapore, two teaching staff at St. Andrew’s Autism School would lead a small class size of six students. For about four and a half hours daily, during school terms, our teachers deliver the customised curriculum, helping our students develop functional, independent and daily living skills, nurturing each one holistically as our students focus on learning and growing.
Our Unsung Heroes – Enabling Autistic Adults to Live with Dignity
Coaches at our Day Activity Centres (DACs) spend six hours each day, five days a week, working closely with clients with moderate to severe autism. Being a DAC coach is an intensely engaging role. Beyond the requisite knowledge and skills, the ability to read situations. react quickly and respond appropriately is a daily reality for which a lot of understanding, patience and creativity are needed. And not forgetting that the role can be physically demanding too.
Let’s meet two of our coaches and find out why they choose to work with adults on the autism spectrum.
Our Unsung Heroes – Guardian Angels of SAAH
Twenty-five individuals from different towns in Mizoram, Northeastern India, left their hometown in pursuit of a common goal – better lives and job opportunities – in a country they have never been before. That was in 2019.
Two years later, these individuals have grown and changed in more ways than one. From acclimatising to the culture, to overcoming challenges in caring for autistic individuals with varying behavioural issues, they have had their fair share of ups and downs.
Let’s meet Sety and Omomi, two of our care staff from a team comprising persevering individuals who are dedicated to nurturing and caring for our residents at St. Andrew’s Adult Home (Sengkang) [SAAH].
Living with Autism – Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Ze Liang has progressed significantly since he first started attending Day Activity Centre (Siglap) [DAC (Siglap)] in November 2007. He used to be extremely rigid, reacting physically if there were changes to his routine, and refused to eat all but limited types of food.
Ze Liang’s story also illustrates a fact about autism – it is not temporary but lasts a lifetime.
IF ONLY I COULD
She observed the routines and movements of the staff, as she planned and waited patiently to execute her escape plan. Then unnoticed, she stole a staff uniform, dressed in it and duped the security guards as she made her way out of the secure facility. Natasha Romanov in a scene from the yet-to-be released Black Widow movie?
But this is not from a movie plot nor is it even fictional. This is true account of an adult on the autism spectrum who was then temporarily warded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Developing Through School Towards Employment
At 15, he received the Lee Kuan Yew Exemplary Student Award. Two years later, he won a silver medal for Singapore at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Read on to discover the story of a unique young man on the autism spectrum.
IN MEMORIAM
When the late Dr NK Yong walked into a room, it lit up. His quiet warmth and stately presence, felt. It was our honour at St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) to have made his acquaintance, and our privilege to have been deeply touched by his giving.