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
[Was honored -- despite my advancing age -- to have this post repurposed on April 16, 2023, on trendy Instagram] The great Mark Twain once said: "Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.". Well, the truth is when it comes to my son, I do mind. And it … Continue reading My autistic son turned 12 today. I need to catch up.
I know this is going to sound like a broken record because I've talked about math worksheets in past blog posts. But because it just happened two days ago on a hot and humid "homework afternoon", and I ended up all hot and bothered, with my son C all scared and flustered, the memory is … Continue reading Daily Living with Autism #8 — Fractions that fracture
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!
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
