A Parent s Guide for Children with Special Educational Needs

Transcription

1 A Parent s Guide for Children with Special Educational Needs

2 2012 Ministry of Education, Republic of Singapore All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All contents in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the talents concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by author, publisher, creative agency or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologise for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate information or omissions in a subsequent reprinting of the publication. Published by Ministry of Education 51 Grange Road Singapore ISBN : Printed in Singapore Available online at MOE s Parents in Education website at A Parent s Guide for Children with Special Educational Needs

3 This booklet, A Parent s Guide to Choosing the Right School for Children with Special Educational Needs, is written for parents who may be concerned about the school choices for their children 1 with special educational needs (SEN). You may have learnt that your child has SEN and wish to find out more about what it means to have SEN, and the implications this has on your child s education. Some children with SEN may need extra help with their education. Some may need to find an alternative school that can provide the most suitable support for their unique needs. In accessing appropriate education that meets their learning needs, children with SEN can realise their full potential and lead successful lives. This guide aims to help you understand: what special educational needs are how you can help your child what schools can do to help your child how to apply to a special education (SPED) school We hope this guide will be a useful companion as you navigate this journey to explore the most appropriate educational support for your child. This booklet is not meant to be a substitute for professional advice. It is important to remember that each child is different, and the information in this guide may not apply to every child. 1 Children described in this guide, whether male or female, are referred to as he. Readers should be aware that this is for ease of reading, and does not imply that the experiences of the child are gender specific.

4 Finding Your Way Around This Guide Your child s special educational needs 6 What does it mean to have special educational needs? Choosing the right school 22 How do you decide on the best school for your child? What can a mainstream school provide? What do special education schools offer?...26 Case examples of children with special educational needs Mainstream school SPED school How can you help your child? Where can you get information? Common disabilities among children in Singapore Assessments 16 What is an assessment of special educational needs? Who should conduct the assessment? What happens next? Applying to a special education (SPED) school 34 How do you apply to a special education school? What is the SPED school application form? How do you complete the SPED school application form? When do you apply? What happens after you submit the SPED school application form? Questions to ask the professionals who assessed your child ANNEX SPED schools and their programmes

5 Mrs Lim is feeling lost and confused. Eric, her youngest child, has just been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Since Eric was two years old, Mrs Lim has noticed that he has not been behaving and developing like his peers. It was her good friend and neighbour, Mdm Rohayah, who recommended that she takes Eric to seek an assessment from a psychologist. Your child s special educational 1needs What does it mean to have special educational needs? How can you help your child? Where can you get information? Common disabilities among children in Singapore 6 7

6 What does it mean to have special educational needs? Like Mrs Lim, your child may have special educational needs (SEN). What does it mean to have SEN? A child is considered to have SEN when these three conditions are present: Firstly, he has been diagnosed with a disability. Secondly, he shows greater difficulty in learning as compared to the majority of his peers of the same age (e.g. difficulties in his social, language, academic or physical abilities). Thirdly, he requires different or additional resources beyond what is generally available for the majority of his peers of the same age. Compared to his peers, a child with SEN finds it more difficult to learn or to adapt socially. He may have difficulties: Doing school work Reading and writing Communicating with others Making friends Behaving appropriately in the presence of others Learning in school due to limitations in sight, hearing or physical mobility a different pace. The progress made by children with SEN depends partly on whether they receive appropriate support to meet their individual learning needs. How can you help your child? Many parents experience a range of emotions as they try to understand their child s SEN. Some of these emotions include anxiety, grief, anger, fear, guilt, surprise, as well as relief, acceptance and hope. In their distress, some parents may be confused about the diagnosis, and may not know how to help their child. Others may be reluctant to enrol their child in a special education (SPED) school, even though their child would benefit from services provided in the SPED school. Some parents and caregivers may adopt a wait-and-see approach, hoping that their child will outgrow his disability. Others may feel relieved that they now understand their child better and that they know how to support him in his growth and development. Although many parents may find it difficult to come to terms with their child s SEN, some have taken positive steps to move forward and find ways to understand and help their child overcome his difficulties. Every child is different. For example, two children with the same diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may have very different learning and support needs, and may progress at 8 9

7 The internet has a wealth of information but not everything you read is accurate or useful. Verify the reliability of the source of information and consult the professionals supporting your child. As parents and caregivers, you play a key role in helping your child. Start by finding out more information about your child s SEN. Speak to his teachers, other parents and caregivers, and the professionals working with him. Share with them his needs. Work together with his teachers to plan for support at school and at home. Understanding your child s needs, strengths and difficulties can help you to decide the right kind of support for him. Community-based agencies (e.g. family service centres) Voluntary welfare organisations (e.g. special education schools, Students Care Service) Centre for Enabled Living ( Finding the appropriate educational support may take time. Remember that the good decisions you make now can help your child reach his full potential in school and provide a successful transition into adulthood. Meeting other parents in similar situations and learning how they cope can be a great help. Remember you are not alone. Don t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Where can you get information? Look for books on SEN written by professionals. Search the internet for information about your child s diagnosis and look for answers to questions that you might have. Parents Support Groups can be a source of comfort and mutual understanding as parents who have gone through similar experiences can offer valuable information and advice. Other organisations you can get help from are: Children health services (e.g. KK Women s and Children s Hospital, National University Hospital, Child Guidance Clinic) 10 11

8 Common disabilities among children in Singapore In Singapore, persons with disabilities are defined as those whose prospects of securing, retaining places and advancing in education and training institutions, employment and recreation as equal members of the community are substantially reduced as a result of physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental impairments. 2 The following are some of the disabilities commonly seen among school children in Singapore. Autism spectrum disorders Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities which affect a person s ability to communicate and interact with others. Children with ASD have difficulties in three key areas difficulties in communication, difficulties in social interaction, and impairments in interests, activities and other behaviours 3. Intellectual disability Children with intellectual disability (ID) show significant difficulties in cognitive and adaptive functioning. Cognitive functioning refers to the ability to think, concentrate, formulate ideas, reason and remember. Adaptive functioning refers to the ability to handle daily demands in life independently, and includes communication, self-care, home living, motor, social and interpersonal skills. 2 Definition of persons with disabilities adopted by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) as used in the Enabling Masterplan For more information on ASD, please refer to the Patient Version of the local Clinical Practice Guidelines on autism at current/2010/autism%20spectrum%20d.pdf. Visual impairment Visual impairment refers to limitation or absence of sight, which includes partial sight or blindness. It is a severe reduction in vision that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses, and reduces a person s ability to function in some or all tasks. Hearing impairment Hearing impairment refers to both complete and partial loss of the ability to hear. Hearing loss can be conductive (may be treatable) or sensorineural (which will require hearing aids or cochlear implants). Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by brain injuries or abnormalities. Children with cerebral palsy may suffer from loss of muscle coordination and motor skills, speech difficulties, learning disabilities or other problems

9 Learning Disabilities Children with learning disabilities may have difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, recalling and organising information. This is caused by differences in the way their brains developed. Learning disabilities are not due to disadvantaged backgrounds, poor teaching, lack of education or low intelligence. Many children with learning disabilities have very good thinking and reasoning abilities. With appropriate support, these children can overcome their learning difficulties and achieve academic success. Among children in mainstream schools, two of the most common disabilities that affect learning are dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects the development of literacy and language-related skills. The core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Continue to strengthen the bond and spend quality time with your child, apart from taking him on visits to the doctors or to the therapists

10 At the meeting with the psychologist to discuss Eric s diagnosis, questions loomed large in Mrs Lim s mind: How did they arrive at Eric s diagnosis? What do the results mean? What can I do to help him? 2 Assessments What is an assessment of special educational needs? Who should conduct the assessment? What happens next? Questions to ask the professionals who assessed your child 16 17

11 What is an assessment of special educational needs? As a parent, you know your child best and may have noticed some problems with his learning or development for some time now. Beyond parental insights and observations, a formal assessment by a qualified professional or team of professionals is needed to best determine your child s special educational needs (SEN). A formal assessment of SEN is based on a variety of assessment tools, with careful analyses of all findings from different sources. A single assessment alone should not be used to determine your child s diagnosis. At the end of the assessment process, the professional should present a holistic profile of your child. It should highlight his strengths and difficulties in key areas of functioning developmental, learning, academic and social. The professional should provide a clear diagnosis of your child s condition and his learning needs. Bear in mind that a diagnosis does not change your child, rather, it explains him. Nurture a close and positive relationship with your child. Despite the difficulties that you may face from time to time, remember that everything you do every therapy, encouraging word, smile, hug will make a difference in his life. Most importantly, the assessment should include clear recommendations for intervention and support. These recommendations must be practical and effective for you to implement at home, and at school by your child s teachers. Additionally, the assessment should help you identify the type of support and education that he may require in the longer term. Who should conduct the assessment? It is important that the assessment is carried out by qualified professionals with relevant experience and training. This is because the professional s judgement will influence what you decide for the future of your child s education. Expect that you will need to be doing a lot of research. Keep a folder handy of your child s assessments and reports (e.g. medical, school) for bringing along during visits to doctors or therapists. Also bring your spouse or a close relative for support and for that extra pair of ears. Eric s medical Reports Eric s School First Year Assignments Eric s First Year ASSESSMENT Ascertain the credentials of the professional who assessed your child. For example, a psychological assessment should be conducted by a qualified psychologist registered with the Singapore Register of Psychologists ( If you suspect that your child has SEN and you are considering a formal assessment, you should discuss assessment 18 19

12 options with his school teachers. Depending on the difficulties displayed, the school may recommend for him to be assessed by psychologists from the Ministry of Education, or by professionals from a government/restructured hospital. Alternatively, you can have him assessed by a qualified private professional (e.g. psychologist, therapist). What happens next? Children with SEN may require different types of support. Discuss with the professional on a suitable intervention plan for your child. If he is already enrolled in a mainstream school, discuss his needs with his school teachers and the best ways to implement the recommended strategies. For some children, their needs may be better served in a special education (SPED) school. The next chapter will help you understand the different curricula and programmes offered in these schools. Questions to ask the professionals who assessed your child How should I explain my child s special educational needs (SEN) to him and to other family members? What are my child s chances for improvement? Will he outgrow his condition completely? About home-based intervention What are the interventions and strategies that I can use at home? What resources can you recommend? About school-based intervention What interventions and strategies can be implemented in his current school? What strategies should I discuss with his teachers? About school placement What are the school options that I should consider for my child? What are the programmes available in the special education (SPED) schools that can help my child? Take the time to understand your child s diagnosis and possible ways to help him. Below is a list of questions you may ask the professionals who assessed your child. About the diagnosis and the overall treatment What are the treatment, therapy and intervention options available to my child? Which would you recommend, and why? What areas should I focus on first? (e.g. language, social skills or behavioural difficulties) Are there warning signs that I should be alerted to, so that my child s safety can be managed? Read up on your child s disability. Seldom will you find a single book that captures all that you want to know about it, but reading widely will help you to build up a good resource of information and practical tips to help him

13 Mrs Lim wonders, Would a mainstream school or a special education (SPED) school be more suitable for Eric? How do I decide which is the best school for him? As Mrs Lim ponders over this matter, she thinks of her good friend, Mdm Rohayah, whose daughter has special educational needs (SEN). Years ago, Mdm Rohayah s daughter, Liyana was diagnosed to have mild intellectual disability. Mdm Rohayah remembers vividly Liyana s educational journey, in particular, the decision she made to enrol Liyana in a SPED school. She felt that the decision was a turning point for Liyana. Now 24 years old, Liyana is an independent young lady working in the food and beverage industry. 3 right Choosing the school How do you decide on the best school for your child? What can a mainstream school provide? What do special education schools offer? Case examples of children with special educational needs 22 23

14 How do you decide on the best school for your child? Now that your child has been diagnosed to have special educational needs (SEN), the next question in your mind may be, Which school would best meet his needs? Would a mainstream school or a special education (SPED) school be more suitable? What factors should I consider when making this decision? Generally, the choice of school depends on your child s learning and behavioural needs, and the type of support he requires. Consider his strengths and difficulties: Is he able to cope with the demands of his current mainstream school? Is he able to work on his own? Does he need frequent reminders and individual attention to stay engaged on a task? Can he follow group instructions and seek help when necessary? Both your child s cognitive ability and adaptive skills are important considerations when choosing a school. To learn successfully in a mainstream school: He will need to have adequate cognitive ability to cope with the mainstream curriculum. He will need to be able to think, concentrate, form ideas, reason and remember information well. He will also need to have adequate adaptive skills to cope with the learning environment and be able to learn in a large group setting. If he experiences many difficulties in these skills and requires a high level of support, a SPED school may be better for him. For example, he may require a specialised curriculum, customised classroom instructions (e.g. visual communication), or teachers and allied health professionals with specialised expertise not available in a mainstream school. Speak with the professionals and your child s teachers to seek their recommendations. Refer to pages for case examples of how the needs of children with SEN can be met in the different types of schools. Before deciding on a school, take the initiative to find out more about the programmes offered by different schools. Visit the websites of the different schools, attend their open-house, or arrange visits to the schools. What can a mainstream school provide? If your child has mild SEN, he may be supported in a mainstream school. For example, he may receive support from the school s Allied Educator in Learning and Behavioural Support [AED(LBS)] or Teachers trained in Special Needs (TSNs). The AED(LBS) is equipped to teach specific skills in reading, spelling, socialisation and organisation. Mainstream schools also run learning support programmes to help children who may need help in basic reading and mathematics. If your child has mild impairments in hearing, vision or physical mobility, additional support services can be arranged for him by his mainstream school. For example, the school can seek assistance from voluntary welfare organisations 24 25

15 such as the Asian Women s Welfare Association (AWWA) and Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) for training in the use of specialised equipment (e.g. assistive technology devices, motorised wheelchairs) and for advice for teachers on strategies to help your child in school. Many mainstream schools are equipped with full handicap facilities. This is to help children with physical disabilities better access the learning environment. These schools are located in different parts of Singapore. (See full listing at What do special education schools offer? If your child requires a greater level of support and is unable to benefit fully from attending a mainstream school, the professionals working with your child may recommend a SPED school. What support does a SPED school have that is not available in mainstream schools? A SPED school customises its curriculum and programmes to meet the specific educational needs of its students. SPED schools offer diverse programmes that cater to differing needs of children with SEN. For example, they may focus on developing communication and self-help skills, and basic Communicate frequently with your child s school teachers. It is important that you work together to ensure that your child enjoys learning and makes progress in all areas academically, socially and emotionally. reading and writing skills that are needed for daily living. For children who are able to follow the mainstream curriculum, there are some SPED schools that prepare students for national examinations such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Your child will also be offered special programmes that have been customised to his specific educational needs. For example, if he has difficulties interacting and communicating with peers, there are social and emotional learning programmes to help him develop self-control, social skills and emotional awareness. A child with severe difficulties in self-help skills may be explicitly taught important life skills for independent living (e.g. personal grooming, self-advocacy and awareness, toileting, dressing and feeding). Your child will also be given opportunities to develop his interests and talents (e.g. in computers or the performing and visual arts). Class sizes are kept small so that teachers can provide better attention and support to individual students. Increasingly, SPED school students are being prepared for entry into the workforce. A few SPED schools now offer vocational education programmes that lead to national certification. To enhance students employability after graduation, they may also be trained for job placement in local businesses (e.g. food and beverage, hospitality, horticulture and landscaping industries). SPED school children are also given opportunities to interact with peers from the mainstream schools through partnerships with mainstream schools in the neighbourhood. Joint activities are planned for the students so that they can interact and learn from one another

16 In terms of physical facilities, SPED schools may be better equipped to cater to specific educational needs of students. SPED schools are equipped differently (e.g. soundproof rooms for children with sensory disabilities, commercial kitchens for children undergoing vocational education, hydrotherapy pools for children who require physiotherapy). SPED school students also receive support from allied health professionals such as psychologists and therapists. There are also social workers who look into family life support services such as counselling, provision of financial assistance, and caregiver and sibling support, to ensure holistic support for the child. There is a wide range of financial subsidies and grants available in SPED schools if you need financial help. Speak to the staff or social worker in the SPED school to find out more about the financial support schemes available. Case examples of children with special educational needs Case example 1 Peter is a Primary 4 boy who was diagnosed with dyslexia a year ago. His mainstream school makes arrangements for him to attend subsidised specialised remediation classes conducted after school by the Dyslexia Association of Singapore. In addition, in school, the Allied Educator (Learning and Behavioural Support) [AED(LBS)] guides him in his school work. At home, Peter s mother also supports him to ensure that he receives consistent practice in reading and spelling. With this support, Peter s basic reading has improved, and he no longer fears his weekly spelling tests. Case example 2 Hakim was diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability at age seven. He has difficulties in communication and in coordinating the use of his hands and fingers for daily tasks. At his SPED school, he is provided with weekly therapy sessions with the occupational therapist to develop his fine motor skills. In class, he is taught self-help and daily living skills. These skills give Hakim a foundation in basic independence and employment skills. Hakim enjoys the physical education lessons in school. Hakim s parents are happy that he is now able to prepare simple meals for himself and no longer relies on his caregiver to manage his basic needs. They also report that he is more patient and loving towards other family members. The bond between him and his parents has also become stronger

17 Case Example 3 Xiu Ling, who is 14 years old, is currently attending a SPED school where she learns vocational skills in the hospitality, food and beverage services. She was diagnosed with mild intellectual disability when she was eight years old. Her parents then were very worried about her future. Now, six years on, Xiu Ling has benefited from the programme at her SPED school which has taught her basic literacy and numeracy skills that are needed for daily living. She is also active in her school s Handbells Group, and enjoys performing at school concerts. Xiu Ling s parents are proud of her and happy that she has grown to be independent. Xiu Ling is looking forward to finding a job at a hotel when she graduates from the SPED school. Case example 4 Loy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He attends a mainstream school where he uses a motorised wheelchair to get around. The school is equipped with ramps and all his classes are held in rooms that are wheelchair-accessible. Case example 5 Bava is in Primary 4 and attending a SPED school. He was diagnosed with autism two years ago, while he was enrolled in a mainstream school. The psychologist also assessed him to have average cognitive abilities. In his mainstream school, Bava faced many difficulties. While he was able to cope with english and mathematics, he was unable to express his emotions appropriately. As a result, Bava often faced problems with his peers and classmates, and was not able to participate in group work. He frequently complained that his friends disturb him in class. On the other hand, his classmates complaints about him were that he said and did things that were hurtful. After much thought, Bava s parents decided to enrol him in a SPED school offering the mainstream curriculum. The structured learning environment and the smaller class size meant that teachers could better facilitate daily interactions between students in the class. In addition to teaching academic skills, his teachers have helped him with self-regulation and in learning new social skills. This has enabled him to manage his emotions and communicate with others. As he has some difficulty in the use of his hands, Loy s teachers minimise the writing required of him by providing him with lesson notes, and allowing him to use a laptop in class. The school also gives him additional time to complete written work and tests. Loy s determination has been an important factor in his success. He did well for his PSLE, and went on to a secondary school that is equipped with handicap facilities. During the first few months in his new secondary school, his teachers arranged for a therapist from the Asian Women s Welfare Association to familiarise Loy with different routes and classrooms within the school, so that he could move about independently. The therapist also helped his teachers and classmates better understand his needs and how best to help him. This sharing of information better prepared Loy for secondary school. As a result, he could be included in all learning activities

18 Case example 6 Sharon was in Primary 2 when she displayed signs of distractibility and poor attention, causing her teachers much concern. In addition, temper outbursts and impulsive behaviour caused many problems between her and her peers, and these affected her learning. These observations were similar to those made by Sharon s pre-school teachers. Sharon s mother consented to the school s referral to the Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health (REACH 4 ) team. Sharon was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after assessment by the mental health professionals from the REACH team. Several recommendations were made, including the use of medication to control her inattention and impulsivity. In school, Sharon received counselling to improve the relationships between her and her peers. She also received additional remedial help from her subject teachers. At home, Sharon s parents set up a more structured learning environment and ensured that she took her medication regularly. All these efforts bore fruit. Today, Sharon is learning well in school and is a confident and happy child. 4 REACH is a community-based mental health service to help students with emotional, behavioural and/or developmental disorders. Visit for more details

19 After much consideration, Mrs Lim decided that a special education (SPED) school would be most appropriate for Eric. She has obtained a copy of the SPED school application form, and has approached Eric s current school for help on how to complete it. Applying to a special education 4school How do you apply to a special education school? What is the SPED school application form? How do you complete the SPED school application form? When do you apply? What happens after you submit the SPED school application form? 34 35

20 How do you apply to a special education school? Once you have decided on a special education (SPED) school for your child, you will need to complete the SPED school application form. This is a standard form that has to be completed by all children applying to any of the SPED schools that are funded by the Ministry of Education and the National Council of Social Service. The list of these schools is on pages When applying to a SPED school, you should work closely with the referring agency who will be able to assist you with completing the form, and submitting the completed form to your first choice SPED school. The referring agency includes mainstream and SPED schools, government/restructured hospitals, Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children (EIPIC) Centres, and private professionals who have worked closely with your child. What is the SPED school application form? Please refer to the accompanying user guide when completing the form. Download a copy of the form and the user guide at: Section I: To be completed by referring agency and parents A. Declaration by Parent/Guardian I-1 B. Child s information I-2 C. Family s information I-3 D. Child s educational background I-5 E. Medical and allied health professionals involvement I-5 F. Additional information for children applying to SPED schools and/or programmes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders I-6 Section II: To be completed by a teacher G. School report II-1 Section III: To be completed by a medical doctor H. Medical report III-1 Section IV: To be completed by a psychologist I. Psychological report iv-1 How do you complete the SPED school application form? When completing the form, you should refer to the accompanying user guide for assistance. The user guide provides: An overview of the form and documentation requirements A section-by-section guide on how to complete the form, including explanations of key terms used Information on SPED schools Information on submission of the form Work closely with your referring agency. It will assist you with completing and submitting the form to your first choice SPED school

21 To ensure that complete and accurate information of your child s needs and abilities is included, you will need the following: details of your child and family school report to describe your child s behaviour in teaching and learning contexts medical report to highlight any medical or physical needs psychological report on your child s special educational needs (SEN) Applications can only be processed if all required documents are received in order. Missing or inaccurate information may result in delays in processing. For more details on admission criteria or processes, please visit the respective SPED schools websites. When do you apply? SPED schools enrol children at different times of the year and many of them have more than one annual enrolment. Once you have shortlisted the SPED schools for your child, start contacting them and browsing their websites for their intake information. Keep a calendar of important deadlines (e.g. closing dates for application, school admission dates). What happens after you submit the SPED school application form? After the SPED school has received your completed form, you can expect a reply on the application outcome within two months. Contact your first choice SPED school or referring agency if you have queries on your application. If your child s needs are complex and his profile is unclear, the SPED school may contact you for more information. In some cases, the SPED school may consult the Multi-Agency Advisory Panel. This Panel was set up by the Ministry of Education in 2012 to help schools decide on the most appropriate alternative school placement for children with SEN. While waiting for a confirmed place in the SPED school, you should continue to work closely with your child s current school so that his learning and behaviour can be managed appropriately. Discuss with his teachers on ways to help prepare him mentally for the transition to the SPED school. Maintain this communication throughout the transition process to ensure his smooth transfer to the new school. For a complete and accurate profile of your child, the form requires reports from key parties familiar with his needs, namely his teachers, the doctor and the psychologist

22 ANNEX SPED schools and their programmes 5 For children with autism spectrum disorder 1. Eden School 101 Bukit Batok West Avenue 3, Singapore Tel: Fax: enquiry@edenschool.edu.sg Eden School caters to children with autism, between 7 and 18 years old, who are assessed to be more suitable for a vocational route. The school aims to deliver a balanced curriculum and a meaningful structured and sensory neutral environment with strong visual supports that meet the needs of the children, help them to organise themselves and learn to function more meaningfully, independently and successfully. The curriculum domains include work habits, self-management, functional communication, social skills, functional academics and vocational skills. The school engages professional expertise to teach gym, art and a variety of co-curricular activities which include inline skating, swimming, music and movement, art and baking. The school programme comprises four separate tracks of learning, developed to address the wide range of learning and educational needs of the students. Students are matched to a particular track after a period of careful assessment by the school s professional team. 5 Although accurate at time of print, all information is subject to change. For current information, refer to the schools websites. 2. Pathlight School Campus 1 5 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 Singapore Tel: Fax: Campus 2 6 Ang Mo Kio St 44 Singapore Tel: Fax queries@pathlight.org.sg Pathlight School is an autism-focused school that offers mainstream academic curriculum together with life readiness skills. The school s base curriculum is Singapore s mainstream school curriculum (currently leading to PSLE, GCE O and N Level qualifications). In addition to the usual academic subjects, the school also offers a non-academic curriculum, which focuses on social, communication and self-management. This curriculum includes social and thinking skills, daily living skills, work habits, emotional management, moral education, information technology and physical education. Mother Tongue is excluded from the school curriculum. The school caters to children with autism, between 7 and 18 years old, who are cognitively able to access mainstream academics in a structured group setting. 3. St. Andrew s Autism School 1 Elliot Road, Singapore Tel: Fax: enquiry@saac.org.sg St Andrew s Autism School is a service of the St Andrew s Autism Centre. It caters to children with autism who are 7 to 18 years old and can adapt and learn in a 1:3 setting in a class grouping of 6 (up to 8) learners

23 The needs of the children are met through programmes that address personal care and daily living skills, functional literacy and numeracy with social, work behaviours and vocational skills. Children and teens able to access reading and drama would be exposed to learning via enhanced language, communication and interaction programmes. The children receive enhanced recreational experiences and learn leisure skills through co-curricular activities (CCA), adaptive physical education and training in the expressive arts through dance, art and music lessons. Embedded activities like projects as well as community-referenced learning (CRL) enable learners to practise functional academic, social and communicative skills as well as acquire generalisation and confidence to prepare for dignified independence. Occupational, speech and music therapy cater to learners sensory and regulatory needs in alignment with their individual educational goals. Support is provided to family members and caregivers through pastoral care and training in autism support skills. The community is involved through programmes that engage volunteers and foster autism awareness in the community. The school works closely with the Adult Services to align programmes and practices to enable transition to post-school pathways. The Anglican community of services is also tapped to afford more opportunities for the school children, and the adults. For children with mild intellectual disability 1. Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) Schools APSN Headquarters 900 New Upper Changi Road, Singapore Tel: Fax: The APSN schools cater to children with mild intellectual disability (MID) i.e. IQ range with concurrent significant limitations in adaptive behaviour as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. APSN Chaoyang School caters to children with MID and children with mild autism, between 7 and 12 years old. Children move on to Tanglin or Katong School when they are 13 years old. The school offers two programmes a programme for children with MID and a programme for children with mild autism. The curriculum domains include functional academics such as literacy, numeracy, science and information technology; personal-social skills (e.g. life skills, social competence, fitness and health education, visual and performing arts, social and emotional learning); and co-curricular activities. 18 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9, Singapore Tel: APSN Tanglin School caters to children with MID and children with mild autism, between 13 and 18 years old. The school offers vocational education with domains in food & beverage, horticulture, hospitality services and retail operations. The work exposure and work experience programmes are part of vocational education. The other curriculum domains are literacy, numeracy, information & communication technology, science, social emotional competencies, vocational guidance, aesthetics, physical education and co-curricular activities. 143 Alexandra Road, Singapore Tel: APSN Katong School caters to children with MID and children with mild autism, between 7 and 18 years old. The school offers two programmes a programme for children with MID and a programme for children with mild autism

24 The curriculum domains are functional academics (e.g. literacy, numeracy, science and information technology); personal-social skills (e.g. life skills, social competence, physical education, visual and performing arts, social and emotional competency); vocational education (e.g. vocational assessment, vocational guidance, hard skills, work experience) and co-curricular activities. 900 New Upper Changi Road, Singapore Tel: APSN Delta Senior School caters to children with MID, aged 17 to 21 years old. Students are at their final phase of schooling at APSN before they transit and integrate into the community. The school facilitates the transition of students from school to the society to live quality lives. The school offers a competency-based vocational programme, providing broad industry skills, and practical knowledge leading to Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) certifications. The programmes offered include foundational skills such as employability skills under the WSQ frameworks (e.g. workplace literacy and numeracy, communicate and relate effectively at the workplace, solve problems and make decisions, personal effectiveness, basic information communication technology, workplace safety and health; and industry specific skills). These skills equip students with practical knowledge to perform specific jobs well, such as environmental cleaning, F&B, housekeeping, landscaping and retail operations. 20 Delta Avenue, Singapore Tel: Grace Orchard School 6A Jurong West Street 52 Singapore Tel: Fax: info@go.edu.sg Grace Orchard School provides special education to children with mild intellectual disability (MID) (IQ: 50 70) and children with mild autism who function within the MID IQ range. Children are between 7 and 18 years old and are from various races and religions. The school offers two programmes a programme for children with MID and a programme for children with autism. The curriculum domains include functional academics such as literacy, numeracy and information technology; daily living skills (e.g. self-help skills, community living skills and social skills); vocational education such as basic vocational skills training, work exposure programme, vocational assessment, vocational guidance and soft skills; and recreation and aesthetics. 3. Metta School 30 Simei Street 1, Singapore Tel: Fax: Metta School caters to children with mild intellectual disability (MID) (IQ: 50 70) and children with mild autism who function within the MID IQ range. Children are between 7 and 21 years old and are from various races and religions. The school offers the following three programmes: 1. The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) programme aims to develop and improve individual skills in social interaction 44 45

25 and communication, behavioural and emotional development, cognitive as well as adaptive daily-living skills. 2. The basic and career programme (B and C) whose curriculum comprises the core learning areas of functional academics (e.g. literacy, numeracy, information technology and Mother Tongue), independent living skills (e.g. selfhelp, health/moral/sexuality education, home economics, social competence, work exposure and vocational education), and aesthetics and sports. 3. The vocational programme (V) prepares individuals for the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Skills Certificate comprising two components the Off-the-Job where technical concepts and knowledge in a classroom setting are taught and On-the-Job training where individuals acquire practical skills under the guidance of an experienced supervisor in an actual work environment. For children with moderate to severe intellectual disability 1. Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) Schools 800 Margaret Drive, Singapore Tel: Fax: minds@minds.org.sg MINDS special schools provide special education to children with intellectual disability, aged 7 to 18 years including children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The schools offer the following programmes: 1. Junior programme (7 to 12 years) 2. Senior programme (13 to 18 years) 3. Special programme (across all ages for those who need high support) The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of individual students with a focus on helping them to function and integrate into society. The curriculum includes: 1. English language 2. Mathematics 3. Health education 4. Social competency skills 5. Domestic science 6. Physical education 7. The Arts 8. Science The Senior programme also includes vocational preparation with work attachments for transition to after-school services. The Special programme is for children who have challenging behaviours or have additional concerns that may impact their learning ability. The programme emphasises the learning of basic independent living skills such as toileting, dressing, feeding and grooming skills. Additionally, the school offers a range of co-curricular and enrichment activities which include uniform groups, sports, information and communications technology, and the arts. The school also organises modular activities such as educational trips, rockwall climbing and camping trips. MINDS Fernvale Gardens School 7 Fernvale Road, Singapore Tel: Fax: fgs@minds.org.sg MINDS Lee Kong Chian Gardens School 802 Margaret Drive, Singapore Tel: Fax: lgs@minds.org.sg 46 47

26 MINDS Towner Gardens School 1B Lengkong Lima, Singapore Tel: Fax: MINDS Woodlands Gardens School 30 Woodlands Ring Road #01-01, Singapore Tel: Fax: For children with multiple disabilities 1. Asian Women s Welfare Association (AWWA) School 11 Lorong Napiri, Singapore Tel: Fax: awwaschool@awwa.org.sg AWWA school provides special education to children with multiple disabilities and children with autism. Children range in age from 7 to 18 years old. The school offers a support system of focused education and therapy. It runs two programmes: 1. Project Challenge caters to pupils with autism spectrum disorder or other behavioural concerns. Project Challenge uses a structured teaching approach to help pupils develop socially appropriate behaviours and to enhance learning and independent living. 2. Special Education caters to pupils with multiple disabilities. 2. Spastic Children s Association of Singapore (SCAS) School Cerebral Palsy Centre 65 Pasir Ris Drive 1, Singapore Tel: Fax: spastic@pacific.net.sg SCAS school is run by the Spastic Children s Association of Singapore. It caters to children with cerebral palsy and related conditions. Many of the children have disorders of movement, posture and development and are not able to benefit from the mainstream education. Children are between 7 and 18 years old. The school tailors the curriculum to meet the individual needs of the children, covering domains in cognition, communication, skills for independent living and social and emotional skills. Three programmes are offered at SCAS: 1. High support programme (students with moderate to high support needs) 2. Functional programme (students with mild to moderate support needs) 3. Academic programme (students with mild support needs, higher cognition level and display ability to handle demands of mainstream curriculum) Pre-vocational training is provided for select children aged 12 years old and above, who have moderate to good motor and cognitive functions. The programme prepares these children for future sheltered or open employment

27 3. Rainbow Centre (Margaret Drive School & Yishun Park School) Margaret Drive SCHOOL 501 Margaret Drive Singapore Tel: Fax: Yishun Park School 15 Yishun Street 61 Singapore Tel: Fax: The two Rainbow Centre schools provide special education to children with multiple disabilities and with mild to severe autism, who are between 7 and 18 years old. Both schools offer similar programmes, special features and facilities to meet the diverse special educational needs of children. The schools offer two programmes: 1. Programmes for pupils with multiple disabilities (PPMD) for children between 7 and 18 years old. The children have more than one disability which may be a combination of intellectual and/ or, physical or sensory impairment. 2. Structured teaching for exceptional pupils (STEP) for children with autism, between 7 and 18 years old. The children have mild to severe autism. The school adopts a differentiated developmental curriculum covering domains in cognition, communication, gross motor, fine motor, self help and social and emotional skills. Children are taught in teaching ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:5 depending on the students needs and level of functioning. Vocational programme is offered for those 13 years and above. For children with sensory impairment 1. Canossian School 1 Sallim Road, Singapore Tel: Fax: admin@canossian.edu.sg Canossian School caters to children with hearing impairment (of different races and religions), between 7 and 16 years old. The school offers mainstream primary level curriculum and prepares children for the PSLE. Children move on to mainstream secondary schools. Those who are not placed in mainstream secondary schools will be placed in mainstream vocational schools. Children are exempted from Mother Tongue. The school uses the Natural Auditory Oral (NAO) approach which exposes the children to natural spoken language, to help them develop listening and oral communication skills as they learn to speak. Every child is given ten minutes of Individual Conversation (IC) daily to reinforce the development of listening, spoken language and interactive skills. Through the school s Inclusion Programme, children are placed in mainstream primary schools to learn alongside their hearing classmates. Canossian School has forged strong partnerships with Canossa Convent Primary School and MacPherson Primary School for the Inclusion Programme. Both schools are located within walking distance from Canossian School