Autism Network Singapore Advocates Rally for Support on World Autism Awareness Day

As World Autism Awareness Day approaches on April 2nd, the Autism Network Singapore (ANS) is gearing up to host open houses aimed at forging partnerships to enhance support for autistic individuals.

Themed “Partnering for Progress,” this year’s campaign urges mainstream institutions—ranging from public agencies to employers, corporations, and schools—to take proactive steps in understanding and assisting autistic individuals through various life stages within the community.

Comprising five social service agencies catering to over 5,000 individuals from birth to adulthood, the Autism Network Singapore acknowledges the growing awareness of autism in Singapore but emphasizes the need for greater action from the broader community.

To shed light on the diversity within the autistic community and foster new partnerships, ANS will conduct open house tours throughout April 2024. These tours, led by senior management from the agencies, aim to amplify inclusive efforts and expand support channels for autistic individuals and their families.

The schedule includes visits to various facilities:

• April 9th: Explore job sites at the Employability and Employment Centre by Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) to learn about employability training and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
• April 12th: Tour the Eden Centre for Adults (Clementi) by Autism Association (Singapore) to understand how programs cater to the unique needs of clients.
• April 16th: Attend a disability awareness talk at Rainbow Centre and explore their community-based services and work programs for autistic youths.
• April 20th: Experience St. Andrew’s Autism Centre, including their rooftop farm, where post-18 clients receive vocational training.
• April 26th: Visit AWWA School @ Bedok to learn about programs equipping students with essential life skills.

In addition to the open houses, the public can expect educational content and stories supporting autistic individuals on ANS’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Addressing the Post-18 Cliff

Despite strides in supporting persons with disabilities, services for autistic adults post-graduation remain inadequate, particularly for those with moderate to severe needs. Dubbed the “Post-18 Cliff,” this transition period presents challenges, including long waitlists for day activity centers and limited employment opportunities.

In response, the Autism Network Singapore launched the Autism Enabling Masterplan in 2021, aiming to address pivotal needs across the spectrum. With input from over 500 individuals, the plan emphasizes the importance of community involvement and highlights priority areas such as establishing quality standards for services and planning for life after caregivers.

Member agencies of the Autism Network Singapore have initiated cross-sector partnerships to improve inclusion, offering various programs and initiatives:

• Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) focuses on employment programs tailored to individuals along the spectrum, collaborating with diverse employers.
• Autism Association (Singapore) is launching the Eden Friendship Club to provide structured activities and support for autistic adults.
• AWWA emphasizes community living skills and partnerships with organizations for real-world training opportunities.
• Rainbow Centre introduces person-centered transition planning and pilot programs like Micro Jobs.
• St. Andrew’s Autism Centre’s Dignity of Work program offers vocational training in a supportive environment.

Rising Autism Rates and the Call for Inclusion

While formal studies on autism prevalence in Singapore are lacking, data suggests an increasing number of diagnoses, with over 5,500 children aged six and below diagnosed with developmental problems in 2018. Despite these numbers, social inclusion remains a challenge, with many Singaporeans lacking confidence in interacting with individuals with disabilities.

Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a broad range of conditions, and fostering inclusion and support is crucial in improving the quality of life for autistic individuals. As advocates continue their efforts, the call for community understanding and collaboration remains paramount in creating a more inclusive society for all.