Last week, the topic of love languages arose at a kid's day camp my autistic son C attended. Spanning three days, it was part of our church's holiday programme for those aged 7 to 12. It's been two years since such camps were held (thanks to you-know-what), so my wife and I were definitely glad … Continue reading Daily living with autism #7– the 5 love languages
Let me start by saying I want to put the blame squarely on Covid, and the two years of possible intervention that it has robbed us of. But can I? Honestly? I'm afraid the answer isn't all that clear. What was clear though, after a recent annual follow-up with my son's assigned senior consultant at … Continue reading Daily living with autism #6 — Beginning again. Again!
Don't stop walking I see youI doI hope you can knowSomedayThat I felt your daddy's heartacheAs he led you firmly by the handWalking nondescript down the laneHoping no one sees you twoHoping if not to endThen to at least fadeOut of sight Out of mindFrom prying eyes and furtive stares You looked miserable in your … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #78
Yesterday was the last day of the week-long March school holidays, so we figured let's take C for a bus ride. Other than a forgettable morning hike up north three days ago, mired by sweltering heat and a less-than-scenic route, we had spent most of the week at home as the boys completed holiday homework … Continue reading Daily living with autism #4 — A bus ride to Neverland
Should a person with an invisible disability (PWID) like autism wear a visible identity label in public? So asked a forum contributor in the local dailies. In her letter that was published yesterday, Ms Amy LOH Chee Seen wondered if it would help to stick a label or some sign on a PWID. That way, … Continue reading Autism advocacy #2 — To label or not to label?
When it comes to helping those in need, I believe it boils down to these four words: Enabling. Empowering. Empathising. Embracing. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, two days ago I joined a nationwide focus group forum to contribute ideas for the new Enabling Master Plan (EMP) 2030. It was the last in … Continue reading Autism advocacy #1 — It starts with enabling
"Daddy, I don't want to go to school!" Words I haven't heard in a long while suddenly rang in my ears. Like some Back to the Future deja vu time loop! What's going on?! I turned around to see my youngest with a face already turning a steady red to match his tear-stained eyes. "Oh … Continue reading Daily living with autism #3 — School just got harder!
When parenting a boy with disability, one constant concern is this: will he clear age-appropriate milestones in time? I'm no different. With my autistic son, it's always at the back of my mind, this fear he won't mature in time to enjoy what his neuro-typical peers take for granted. These could be things like confidently … Continue reading Daily living with autism #2: Surmounting milestones
On World Children's Day, let me share about a recent poolside encounter. A couple of weeks ago, I overheard an interesting conversation between a male who looked to be in his late 50's and a young boy about my son's age of 12. The exchange took place at a neighbourhood pool where I go for … Continue reading On World Children’s Day – How a poolside encounter reminded me what truly counts
"Daddy, look!" It was a typical weekday evening, an hour before dinner time. That's when I usually take C for some outdoor play. What we in my family sometimes refer to as his "eye-care" time, away from home screens and out where nature and distant sights of the world await. The ground outside was fairly … Continue reading Daily living with autism #1: It’s about small wins!
