What is it like to raise a child with high-functioning autism in Singapore? One brave mum shares her inspiring story with EVELINE GAN.
Margaret Shaikh had always known that her younger son was different from other kids.
While his peers were learning their ABCs at age three, Manoah had already figured out how to read most words in the newspaper fluently. Now aged 10, he also has an exceptional memory and learns fast.
But along with those signs of giftedness came the terrible temper tantrums and meltdowns.
As a baby, Manoah cried inconsolably every day. When he entered his toddler and preschool years, the uncontrollable meltdowns turned violent.
The biting, hitting, head banging and rages left his parents physically and emotionally drained – and at the receiving end of unkind comments and judging stares from people around them.
“Bringing him out was always challenging because he was unpredictable. For many years, we were unable to eat out because he could not sit through a meal. And if we travelled via public transport, his behaviour may cause a disturbance,” shares Margaret, 41, a stay-at-home mum. She has another son, aged 12.
Manoah’s “difficult” behaviour turned out to be autism.
In 2012, he was diagnosed with the condition after seeing a specialist at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) for his tip-toe gait.
“After the first consultation, reality sank in. Besides his tip-toe gait, we realised that he might have special needs,” says Margaret.
Up to 1 in 100 children here with autism
About one in 100 to 150 children in Singapore has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), says Dr Mae Wong, senior consultant at the Department of Child Development at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).
It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain development from early childhood.
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