How autism is viewed in Singapore (spoiler alert: it’s bad!)

Personal Experiences
Content Warning: ableism, inspiration porn, murder of Autistic children

Consuming content about autism in most Singaporean media can be triggering for me.

The narrative is often either “Look how brave and inspiring these parents are for having to care for this poor tragic Autistic kid!”

Hugs and heartaches: Ageing parents stay strong despite challenges raising children with autism. Mr Goh consoling his autistic son Duane. Though Duane is 40, Mr Goh said it's like always having a little child at home. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan).

(Source: “Hugs and heartaches: Ageing parents stay strong despite challenges raising children with autism”, CNA, 28 Dec 2019)

“You have your expectations, your hopes, totally destroyed … On top of that, you have a big burden to take care of this person and help this child to do as well as possible,” she said.

(Source: “IN FOCUS: 'It's overwhelming' – the reality of raising a child with autism in Singapore”, CNA, 26 Aug 2023)

Or “You’d never guess that this person with a super special talent actually has autism! They didn’t let their autism stop them! See how they overcame their challenges!”

Jordan Er is a school prefect, a gold medallist in badminton doubles and basketball at the inter-school Play Inclusive games, and an aspiring chef who cooks meals for his family. You would never guess the 16-year-old was once shy with his limited social and academic skills holding him back from group activities. He used to only know how to travel to and from school.

(Source: “Aiming for more: How student is not letting autism stand in the way of being a competitive basketballer and chef”, The Straits Times, 30 Nov 2023)

Being a special needs youth does not stop Lee Jun Le from practising calligraphy. Or for that matter, completing his artworks in under a minute.

(Source: “Autism no barrier for teenager and his love for art and calligraphy”, The New Paper, 14 Aug 2023)

There’s also news about parents and caregivers killing their Autistic children, and it’s not uncommon to see people here sympathising with those parents/caregivers. It’s hard for me to witness that.

IN FOCUS: 'It's overwhelming' – the reality of raising a child with autism in Singapore. After a father was sentenced earlier this month for killing his two sons with autism, netizens expressed empathy towards his struggles as a caregiver. Parents, teachers and experts told CNA about available support for autism – and the need to make sure children and caregivers don't fall through the cracks.

(Source: “IN FOCUS: 'It's overwhelming' – the reality of raising a child with autism in Singapore”, CNA, 26 Aug 2023)

As far as I know, there’s no autism organisation in Singapore that is led by Autistic people. So the messaging and support that you often get from autism organisations here is nothing but patronising.

Eden Centre for Adults supports individuals with moderate to severe autism to maximise their potential to live dignified, meaningful and independent lives.

(Source: Autism Association (Singapore))

With a smile, Pastor David adds: “I admire their Innocence. Most of them don’t do things out of malice; they’re simply playful or anxious. They don’t lie or scheme; what you see is what you get. So it’s easy to get to know them and serve them.”

(Source: SAAC Chaplain Reverend David Teo: “People With Disability Also Have Abilities”, St. Andrew’s Autism Centre, 26 Apr 2024)

I had a really horrible experience with a local autism organisation, and I felt that I couldn’t trust any other autism organisation in Singapore after what I went through.

If I had the means and know-how to do so, I’d love to help set up an Autistic-led organisation here. Maybe someday in the future!

Read more on:
Personal Experiences

This blog supports webmentions. Send me a webmention here.