Special need is a general term for a range of diagnoses, including the ones that may resolve quickly and those that can be a life-long challenge. Children with special needs may have developmental delays, including medical and psychiatric conditions.
Children and youth should have opportunities to maximise and reach their fullest potential. Early intervention and integration support programmes should be implemented as they are important for the growth and development of children and youth with special needs. Inclusion support is also provided for those pursuing mainstream education so they can lead their lives without being excluded.
Why So Special?
The conditions and diagnosis usually are derived from the obstacles and challenges faced by the child, such as milestones unmet, activities avoided as well as experiences denied. Families usually take it hard and may take some time trying to adapt to the lost potential.
Medical conditions for children can include cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma, cerebral palsy. During such cases, the child will require frequent medical testing and equipment to aid in everyday life. Having a good support system will be crucial to the improvement of the condition.
Children with special needs may also face behavioural issues. For example, they may not listen to instructions and may not respond to the traditional discipline. Some conditions include Tourette’s syndrome, dysfunction of sensory integration and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In such cases, parents and guardians will require patience and creativity when trying to educate and care for them.
Some children may also face learning disabilities such as dyslexia. This can cause them to struggle with homework. Their intellectual abilities might be hindered and parents may need to strategize their child’s learning, specialising in learning methods to optimise their child’s potential.
Growing Awareness Of Special Needs
Based on the latest report, there is a rise in children with special needs; from 4362 diagnosed cases in 2017 to 5500 in 2018. With the bridging between pre-schools and early intervention centres, as well as more children with special needs enrolling in mainstream schools, parents & teachers are now required to handle different learning and behaviour needs. It is important for educators and parents to advocate for their children with special needs.
#1 Information is key
Parents need to know fact-based knowledge about their child’s condition .
#2 Asks questions
Ask many questions to get honest replies and document responses.
#3 Work together
Work together to solve problems with a child’s teacher or childcare provider and propose solutions, creating a possible plan that works best for child-parent-provider/teacher. Be open-minded and hear proposed solutions from the educational side as well.
#4 Plan ahead
Parents have the responsibility of planning their child’s education and requirements. It is also of great importance that they think long-term. Having a plan is better than having none. This can include setting goals, forming strategies.
Support System In Singapore
In Singapore, the Government has created a strong support system to aid families and children with special needs.
Children Disability Homes
We have Children Disability Homes which provide long-term residential care to children with disabilities who are neglected or whose caregivers are incapable of caring for them. Some homes also provide short-term respite care for those whose families are unable to provide care temporarily.
Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC)
The EIPIC helps by providing therapy and developmental support for infants and children at risk of developmental delay. Participating in activities can help children to maximise their capability for growth potential and independence.
Learning Support and Development Support
The Learning Support and Development Support programmes are created for preschool children with mild developmental needs. This can include learning difficulties, speech and language delay and behavioural issues. The LS programme can help children to develop language and literacy skills. The DS programmes help in motor skills and behavioural needs.
Special Schools
There are currently 19 special education schools in Singapore catering to students with differing disabilities. The schools also provide a customised curriculum to nurture the students.
Integration Support
Through the years, more support is provided to children and youth with special needs to help them integrate into mainstream schools and the community. The support provided can include therapy and counselling, training and enrichment.
Assistive Technology Services
For children with disabilities, Assistive Technology Fund is also available for access to rehabilitative, assistive devices. The service includes the process of selecting, locating and using them.
In Conclusion
With all these efforts in trying to support children with Special Needs, I believe that it is the responsibility of everyone, as well as the government to spread awareness of Special Needs. It is crucial to take action and avoid doing things that may falsely mislead the general public. All children and youth deserve to have opportunities that can maximise and reach their fullest potential. Let us effectively integrate them into our communities and have an inclusive society, ensuring that the future generations are not compromised.
At Aventis, we provide Child Development and Early Intervention workshops. Come meet our industry expert, Jeslyn Lim for the following courses:
1 Day Certificate in Child Development: Understanding the Stages of Child Development (LIVE Stream)
1 Day Certificate in Understanding & Supporting Children with Special Needs (LIVE Stream)
2-Day Dynamic Early Intervention Guide: Fundamentals & Strategies (Virtual)
Discounts are available when you sign up in groups of 3 or more! Feel free to reach out to Ms Germaine at 6720 3333 for more details!
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