Singapore sets out new master plan to help autistic people

Singapore’s Autism Resource Centre (ARC) is rolling out a new master plan to prepare autistic people to live and work independently from an early age.

CAPE TOWN, March 30 (ANA) – Singapore’s Autism Resource Centre (ARC) is in the process of rolling out its new master plan to prepare autistic people to live and work independently from an early age.

Stephenie Khoo, deputy executive director of the ARC, told Channel NewsAsia on Monday that the master plan also includes helping caregivers prepare their loved ones on the autism spectrum for life after they (the caregivers) die.

While much has been done for the younger children and teens on the spectrum, there are many gaps in the adult space once they leave school.

“The autism master plan has highlighted some of these gaps in a few key areas, with the first being learning for life,” said Khoo.

“We find that many students who leave school have very limited learning options and the second area is employment… employment options are very limited and many aren’t able to obtain or keep a job,” she said.

Khoo added that another key area they’ll be focusing on will be the development and growth of autistic leaders in the community.

In order to do so, they have launched an “enabling academy” which will source, develop and deliver learning options and solutions for autistic adults throughout their lives.

Meanwhile, for caregivers, the ARC has created a playbook which contains a structured way for them to make the necessary arrangements and plan their children’s lives after they have passed on.

“On the employment front, we’ve begun working with our employment centre on a toolkit of best practices for hiring and supporting autistic adults in the workplace,” said Khoo.

“Also, in the residential living options area, we are looking at a project to develop alternative residential models to be able to support them,” she said.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher