Questions on:
Autism Association (Singapore) (AAS)
What is AA(S) and what is our mission?
AA(S) is a non-profit organisation formed on 29 August 1992 by a group of parents concerned about inadequate provision in Singapore for their children who have been diagnosed with autism. AA(S) is dedicated to serving children, youths and adults on the autism spectrum, to help them lead meaningful, independent, dignified and quality lives in society.
The mission of AAS is to initiate, organise and support the provision of a wide range of services for persons on the autism spectrum in Singapore. Such services encompass education, vocational and life skills training and residential care.
When did AA(S) start operations?
AA(S) was registered as a charitable organisation under the Charities Act of Singapore since 28 January 1995.
How many staff in total and under each service?
As of March 2024, we have a total of 287 staff. More information can be found on page 8 of our FY23/24 annual report here.
What services does AA(S) offer?
AA(S) offers the following programmes:
- Early Intervention Programme at Clementi
- Autism-specific Schools at Bukit Batok
- Day Activity Centres at Hougang and Clementi
- Social and Leisure Programmes for adults
Assessment & Diagnosis
Does AA(S) offer Assessment & Diagnosis services?
AA(S) provides therapy services but not psychological assessments and diagnoses.
Where can I have my child assessed and diagnosed if I suspect that he/she may have autism?
Your child may be assessed at the government hospitals eg. NUH, KKH or you may wish to have the assessment conducted by a private psychologist.
What is the approximate cost for a psychological assessment?
This varies depending on where it is conducted but should be in the range of $300 - $800. If you obtain a referral from a polyclinic, the cost is slightly reduced at the government hospitals.
What type of assessments does AA(S) provide?
Upon confirmation of diagnosis, and prior to enrolment, our team of experienced teaching staff will conduct a Needs-Assessment to determine the areas of focus and teaching goals for your child.
Volunteering
Does AA(S) need volunteers?
Yes. We regard volunteers as a cherished group as it takes a big heart to give part of your time to a social cause.
What kind of tasks do volunteers do?
Volunteers help our staff in areas such as administration, operations, accounting support, computer data entry, PC systems maintenance, desktop publishing, translation, transport/delivery, café operations, befriending students for CCA and class outings and fund-raising events.
We also appreciate assistance in tasks such as making game boards, photo taking, visual aids and picture cutting, laminating books, collating material and photocopying.
Do volunteers get to work directly with individuals on the autism spectrum?
This can be arranged if the volunteer can commit to coming to the school and/or centres regularly. Depending on the needs of the school or centre, volunteers may be assigned to support a child, youth or adult. Training will be provided for such volunteers.
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Please see our Volunteers section to obtain our Volunteer Application Form. You can send the completed form to:
Autism Association (Singapore)
101 Bukit Batok West Avenue 3
#01-01 Singapore 659168
Fax: 6774 6957
Email:
What happens after that?
Your application will be processed and we will contact you to arrange an interview to get to know you better if you are shortlisted. We believe in ensuring a mutual fit to make the experience an enriching and fulfilling one for us and our volunteers.
Donations
How do I make a donation to AA(S)?
Thank you for your generosity. We need all the help you can give and it will go a long way to impact the lives of our clients and their families.
Please see our Donation section for details on the various ways to make a donation.
Do I get a tax exemption?
AA(S) is granted the Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status, allowing it to issue Tax-Deductible Receipts for public donations from Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents or businesses registered in Singapore.
For more details, please see our Donation section.
Membership
What are the perks of having an AA(S) membership?
An AA(S) membership entitles the member to vote in the society (except for staff membership), thus helping to mould the future of our society.
Both ordinary and life members would be invited to attend AA(S) Annual General Meeting where we update the society's performance and future plans. Members will receive proactive updates on autism-related news and AA(S) services via website and newsletters.
Are there different types of AA(S) memberships and how much do the memberships cost?
Yes, there are 2 types of AA(S) memberships and fees. Please see our Memberships section for information on membership, the fees and to obtain the membership application forms.
How can I become an AA(S) member?
Please complete the Membership Application Form and mail it to us with a cheque enclosed. Processing time is estimated to be 10 working days.
Eden Children's Centre
What services are provided by the Eden Children's Centre?
Formerly known as "Autism Children's Centre", the Eden Children's Centre (Clementi) provide early intervention services for children who are diagnosed with autism, aged between 2 to 6 years old. Research shows children who receive intensive early intervention services are more likely to have improved long-term outcomes.
Why is early intervention important?
With symptoms presenting as early as 12 months of age, and with diagnosis now possible at 18 months. Eden Children's Centre strives to advocate that the earlier we intervene to address a child's difficulties with communication, social interactions and behavioural issues, the more likely we are to elicit quick and positive changes for him or her.
What is the mission of the programme?
The mission of the programme is to equip preschoolers on the autism spectrum, with relevant skills to be ready for school settings.
What skills do the programme cover?
At Eden Children's Centre, we provide a structured teaching environment where Individualised Education Programmes are tailored and implemented to meet each child's needs in developing his or her maximum potential. We also highly encourage the active participation of families, via the training of essential skills to promote their child's optimal development in the following areas:
- Language & communication skills
- Cognitive and visual skills
- Behavioural and self-regulation skills
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Social interaction and play skills
- Pre-academic skills
What are some of the activities conducted?
The activities include Direct and Group Teaching, Independent Work, Snack Time, Play Time, Circle Time, Music Time and Gross Motor activities.
Will my child receive 1:1 attention?
Prior to enrolment, a needs assessment is conducted to determine the child's level of functioning and support needs. Based on this, the child may be placed in one-to-one individualised therapy, small group therapy, big group therapy, or a combination of the three. These models will continually be reviewed, based on the child's development.
What are the hours and frequency of sessions?
Monday and Tuesday (3 hours per session, twice a week) or Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (2 hours per session, thrice a week)
Please note that this is subject to change according to our operational needs and availability of resources. We follow MOE school terms, and therefore, observe the same term breaks.
How do I know my child is making progress?
At Eden Children's Centre, we believe that progress is only successful with parents' participation and generalization of skills learnt to other social settings (e.g. home). Thus parent involvement is an integral part of the sessions as it is an opportunity for parents to learn with their child.
For the first six months, parents and caregivers are expected to join in the sessions with their child. During this time, teachers would be imparting skills and knowledge to equip parents and caregivers on the individual strategies to be used with their child at home and in other environments.
An Individualised Education programme (IEP) is developed at the beginning of every semester, together with inputs from the parents/caregivers. At the end of the semester, a case review is conducted to gauge if goals have been met and to plan the next course of action.
Is transportation provided?
Transport is not provided. Since parent and caregiver involvement is encouraged, the parent and caregiver should bring the child for the sessions.
How can I register my child at the Eden Children's Centre?
All applications must be made through the SG Enable. All applications must be submitted with a medical diagnostic report. Children who are diagnosed at KKH or NUH would have their cases automatically referred to SG Enable who will then contact the parents and caregivers for their choice of programme. SG Enable would then refer the application to the centre on your behalf.
Who can apply to Eden Children's Centre?
Children between 2 and 6 years of age, who have been diagnosed with autism, and who are Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents can apply.
What happens after the application form is submitted?
Upon receipt, your child will be placed on the waiting list. A Needs-and-Social-Assessment will be scheduled within two months of receiving the application.
Is there a waiting period?
Waiting periods can vary at different times of the year. Therefore it is best to call to make enquiries during the waiting period. However, it is often difficult to provide exact timings, and only rough estimates can be given.
What are the monthly programme fees?
The programme fees are means-tested. The fees payable are dependent upon the per capita household monthly income. This will be assessed by our social worker before enrolment.
Can I apply for a subsidy on the programme fees?
Families in need of subsidies may make an application for an AA(S) subsidy. All applications would be held in strict confidence. Subsidies granted would be in line with AA(S)'s subsidy guidelines.
Eden Centre for Adults
What services are provided by the Eden Centre for Adults?
Formerly known as “Autism Youth Centre”, it was repositioned as Eden Centre for Adults in 2011. This was in response to the changing landscape of needs in the post-age 18 individuals on the autism spectrum. The centre operates as a Day Activity Centre for adults diagnosed to be in the moderate to the high end of the autism spectrum.
What is the mission of the programme?
Guided by the principles of meaningfulness, independence and dignity, our mission is to be the leading centre in establishing quality long-term outcomes.
What are some of the activities conducted?
At Eden Centres for Adults, we believe in building the capacity of each individual in two main areas – Doing what they NEED to do (eg. basic self-help, work habits, daily life skills, exercise) and Doing what they WANT to do (eg. developing leisure, hobbies, special interests) whilst respecting their individual support needs. Building on their strengths and interests, the Centres provide flexibility within the programme as well as an element of choice and self-determination.
Every day, our clients participate in activities from the following domains:
- Personal health & fitness
- Daily living skills
- Vocational work skills
- Social interaction & recreation skills
- Community living skills
What is the ratio of Coaches to Clients?
Generally, the ratio is 1:3 or 1:4. For high needs individuals, special provisions would need to be discussed.
What is the programme timing?
Monday to Friday (10.00am – 4.00pm)*
* Depending on the support needs of the individual, there are also several variations from the main timing: eg. half-day, 2 days / week, 3 days / week.
The Centres are closed on public holidays and for 1 full week, normally in March, June, September and December each year.
How do I know my son/daughter is making progress?
An Individual Care Plan (ICP) is developed at the beginning of every year together with inputs from the parents/caregivers. At the end of the year, a case review is conducted to gauge if goals have been met and to plan the next course of action. Parents / Caregivers are also welcome to view the programme at any time with prior notice.
Is transportation provided?
Transport is not provided. The Centres can connect you with private bus operators that serve your area.
How can I register my son/daughter at the Eden Centre for Adults?
Applications must be made through the SG Enable. All applications must be submitted with a medical diagnostic report. Any previous performance and psychological assessments should also be attached.
Who can apply to Eden Centre for Adults?
Individuals from 18 years of age and above, who have been diagnosed with autism, and who are Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents can apply.
What happens after the application form is submitted?
Upon receipt of the application form your son or daughter will be placed on the waiting list. A Needs-and Social-Assessment will be scheduled within two months of receiving the application.
Is there a waiting period?
Waiting periods can vary at different times of the year. Therefore it is best to call to make enquiries during the waiting period. However, it is often difficult to provide exact timings, and only rough estimates can be given.
What are the monthly programme fees?
The programme fees are means-tested. The fees payable are dependent upon the per capita household monthly income. This will be assessed by our social worker before enrolment.
Can I apply for a subsidy on the programme fees?
Families in need of subsidies may make an application for an AA(S) subsidy. All applications would be held in strict confidence. Subsidies granted would be in line with AA(S)'s subsidy guidelines.