First Large-Scale Event to Create Awareness of Autism

The United Nations has designated April 2 as World Autism Day, an event that is marked all around the world. Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School students are leading a multi-centre effort with Rainbow Centre, Singapore, to organise this significant event, for the first time ever in Singapore. The Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, is the keynote speaker and Guest-ofHonour at the event to be held today at Rainbow Centre - Yishun Park School.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others around them. There is currently no cure for autism. However, research shows early intervention and treatment services can greatly improve a child’s development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but is four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls. It is estimated that an average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have ASD. More people than ever before are being diagnosed with ASD, a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioural challenges. It is unclear exactly how much is due to the broader definition of ASD and better efforts in diagnosis. Singapore is not spared from this trend. Although there are programmes in place in Singapore to support children with autism, significant gaps exist. For example, upon graduating from schools, these children have few established avenues to help integrate them into working society and adulthood.

World Autism Day (WAD) aims to raise public awareness about autism and the struggles that the children and families face so that the community can begin to address these issues. It also expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism amongst children in Singapore and the consequent developmental challenges.

WAD activities help to show the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed, acknowledged and accepted.

In bringing together organisations in Singapore, Duke-NUS students hope to give a voice to the individuals who are undiagnosed, misunderstood or looking for help. This project has the support of Rainbow Centre, Singapore, Autism Resource Centre, Autism Association (Singapore) and St. Andrews Autism Centre. The event is sponsored by SingHealth and other donors.

Speakers representing key agencies who work with ASD individuals include: Dr Sung Min (IMH), Dr Kenneth Poon (NIE), Dr S Mariam Aljunied (MOE) and Mdm Kah Ying Choo (Parent & Writer). They will speak on topics in support of a continuum of care, comprising services dedicated to diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment, inclusion in mainstream schools and education and training for children as well as older people with ASD.

About 400 guests from the various Government agencies, professionals, Duke-NUS, autism partners, donors and volunteers are expected to attend this event. The programme also showcases the talents and potential of children with ASD from Rainbow Centre, Singapore and St Andrews Autism Centre, and a child with ASD from a mainstream school who will perform at the event. In addition, a carnival has been specially organised for the children