Parents might differ in many opinions, from parents’ styles to methods of discipline, to even things as simple as how to put your baby down to bed at night. Sometimes, these differing opinions might even take place in the same family unit.
However, we can all agree on one thing. Every child is certainly a blessing. While most family units in Singapore are pretty nuclear, one thing is for certain- it does take a village to raise your little blessing or two!
No matter the age or ability of your child, sometimes you might need a little extra helping hand. This is nothing to be ashamed of! Many support systems, whether made up of friends and family, or organisations specifically created to provide support, are here to offer a helping hand.
So if you are a Mom or Dad of a special child, in need of a little extra help, here are some local resources that provide a range of assistance for you and your child’s unique needs.
Here at SmileTutor, we applaud every parent who tries the best for their child- and we do hope you find the adequate support you need to bring up your special child happy and healthy!
Disclaimer: We at SmileTutor are not healthcare or mental health professionals. Should you suspect that your child has special needs, please reach out to your healthcare provider for further diagnosis.
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SG Enable:
SG Enable is a government-established agency in Singapore that provides various support services and resources for persons with disabilities. They offer information, financial assistance, and employment support.
SG Enable offers a wide range of support not just for individuals with special needs, but to companies and organisations looking to provide support for special needs individuals.
For persons with disabilities who are looking for financial support, SG Enable offers grants to help defray the high cost of living in Singapore. They also offer avenues for vocational training, as well as placement in inclusive workplaces. This list is in no way exhaustive, if you are interested in the wide range of social and community-based initiatives they have to offer, their website (linked above) is definitely worth a visit.
For groups outside the family unit, grants are also offered for companies looking to create a more inclusive work environment, as well as organisations that are interested in being training partners.
For those with lower support needs, individuals need to have an avenue for employment, so that they can feel a sense of independence, as well as have the valuable life skill of being able to provide for themselves.
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Special Education Needs (SEN) Support:
The Ministry of Education in Singapore provides SEN support services for students with special needs. This includes specialized educational programs and resources to cater to diverse learning requirements.
On the website hyperlinked above, parents with special children in or about to enter the education system can find resources best suited to their needs.
If you’re looking for an inclusive school but don’t know where to start, there is a comprehensive list of government-funded schools sorted by your child’s primary diagnosis. Considering a government-funded school might be helpful for budget-conscious parents.
If you are still considering a diagnosis, there are resources for you to arrange for your child to get an official medical diagnosis, as well as avenues for early intervention.
Early intervention helps greatly for children with special needs and lessens the learning curve for them when it comes to grasping social nuances and emotional regulation.
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Autism Resource Centre (ARC):
ARC is dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. They provide training, educational resources, and advocacy services to enhance the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Parenting is hard, don’t do it aloneReceive weekly parenting tips, latest MOE updates, and how to prepare your child for examinations.You have successfully joined our subscriber list.The ARC provides support outside the family unit as well, with helpful resources for workplaces on how to include members of their staff who are on the spectrum.
This organisation supports individuals with autism across a wide age range, offering early intervention programs, as well as facilities for education, as well as training and job placement opportunities.
While there is still not much support for those with less support needs, hopefully with more inclusion in the education system and the workplace, there can be more opportunities for those across the spectrum to get the adequate support they need.
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Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS):
MINDS is a voluntary welfare organization that focuses on empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. They offer a variety of services, including education, vocational training, and residential care.
This volunteer-based organisation offers support to individuals with a wide range of intellectual disabilities. For those who care for their children or wards with special needs full-time, there’s also a wing for caregiver support.
Support for caregivers is often greatly overlooked, but a much-needed factor in supporting those who have special needs. Caregiver burnout is a very real affliction that can affect any type of carer, from the professional to those in the family.
It is very important for the caregiver to also prioritise their well-being, so they can adequately look after their charges.
We hope that through reading this article, you can find some help in the resources that aim to provide comprehensive support for parents of children with special needs in Singapore. Here at SmileTutor, we pride ourselves in being an inclusive space, both in the workplace and well as in our client base. That is why we offer tuition for children with special needs, with expert tutors trained to handle different needs across a wide range of diagnoses.
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