Each year this time, I will try to pen some thoughts about autism. As a dad who is the main caregiver to a son with the condition, you would expect I have lots to say about autism. All the time. The truth is, I don't. Not really. Not without going into nitty-gritty details. Which quite … Continue reading Note to Self: Details Still Matter In My Autism Journey!
Dear C I didn't think it would happen but from the looks of things now, I'm definitely mistaken. Two days ago, your form teacher told me you'd been cleared to join the overseas field trip to Seoul that your school is organizing for students in your cohort. My son, for five days in either October … Continue reading Parenthood & Autism: Addressing Self-Sufficiency & Daily Living Skills #2
Been a while since I wrote a post about Autism. Not for lack of material. And not because I've nothing to say (cos I've said plenty before). More from a lack of will, if I'm being honest. And some writing fatigue these past two weeks from churning a few essays for external publication that took … Continue reading Parenthood & Autism: Addressing Self-Sufficiency & Daily Living Skills #1
I promise not to cry. Or so I tell myself on a fairly regular basis. Yet what's wrong with crying? It reminds me of my frail humanity, doesn't it? Of how real the challenge of raising a kid, especially one with autism and special needs, is. Over the years, I've cried privately and openly enough. … Continue reading Daily Living With Autism #16 — Poor Balanced Scorecard
Of late, as I read books on autism, I realize that my understanding of what inclusion means for those with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and other special needs and disabilities is still so infantile! That realization fills me with angst, anguish, and yes, even anger. Not to mention a heavy dose of regret as I … Continue reading ASD Book Review #7 “Not Without Us”
It's hard on parents when a child has a meltdown. Even harder if it's unexpected. And if the child has autism? Well, let's just say the subsequent combustion can be a mini supernova! That's what happened to us two days ago. But before I recount the incident, a quick background for new readers to my … Continue reading Daily Living with Autism #14 — Scared to go alone
It's been two-and-a-half years since I last did one of these ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Book Reviews. Makes it look like I've lost interest in this book genre. Well, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, I've been swamped by the array of ASD books I just don't know what to share next. … Continue reading ASD Book Review #6 – A Memoir of Autism & Hope
My 12-year-old son C gloriously failed his mid-year exams over six weeks ago. Just like he did last year and the year before. But guess what? I'm ok about it. After all, let's face it. Nobody likes exams. At least nobody I'm acquainted with. I know I'm supposed to encourage my kids not to dislike … Continue reading Failing exams gloriously, son? No sweat!
Recently our nation's President re-opened Parliamentary sessions with a call for everyone to create a broader and more open meritocracy in the coming years. As much as I welcome that call, I'm wary as to how, or even if, this can come to pass. And more importantly, how authentic and strong is the will to … Continue reading What’s ahead for my son, autism and meritocracy?
Picture it. It's the first of April, the start of the annual World Autism (Awareness) Month. You walk into an air-conditioned function hall big enough to fit 200 people. A group of some 30 folks gathers there for an overnight camp. There are parents chatting among themselves. A few teenagers are playing basketball with a … Continue reading What I learned from other special families this World Autism Month
