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.
この記事は Young Parents Singapore の March - April 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Young Parents Singapore の March - April 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.