GETTING AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS

Do you suspect autism or anything amiss about the development of your child? If so, speak to a paediatrician at any of the polyclinics in Singapore. The paediatrician will then make a referral for an assessment at the Child Development Unit (CDU) at KKH, SGH or NUH.

If you prefer not to wait, you can also go directly to a private psychologist to seek an assessment.

For the above-mentioned hospitals, an initial general screening is first administered. This screening is done by an inter-disciplinary team comprising of paediatricians, psychologist and nurses. If the screening is positive, your child will be referred for further assessments within the hospitals.

Some assessments that may then be conducted are the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and parent interview scales such as Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS). From this, a formal diagnosis can be determined.

Additional testing of language and communication skills plus cognitive skills may also be performed. These help to determine the specific needs of your child which is helpful when planning for intervention.

Getting an official diagnosis is important to realise the full potential of your child. The diagnosis provides access to intervention services, as well as training programs to equip you and your family with the skills to help your child.

ACCESSING INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR AUTISM

Age: Between 2 – 6

Depending on his severity, your child may be able to access the Integrated Child Care Program or Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC).

Children with More Severe Autism

The Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children (EIPIC) is a government funded programme that provides intervention for communication, motor, social, self-help and cognitive skills in infants and young children with special needs.

Under the EIPIC programme, children are engaged in activities that have been structured to meet their needs and support their development. These activities also aim to minimise the development of secondary disabilities.

For EIPIC, all applications must be submitted with medical diagnostic report. Children who are diagnosed at KKH, SGH or NUH will have their cases automatically referred to SG Enable, who will then contact the parents for their choice of programme. SG Enable will then refer the application to the centre on your behalf.

If your child was diagnosed privately, speak with your provider for a referral to SG Enable.

Here are a list of EIPIC centres around Singapore.

Under the Enhanced PPIP scheme, parents with children who are waiting for enrolment at EIPIC can also receive some subsidies for private services in the interim. However, these subsidies are only available at selected private intervention centres

Children with Mild Autism

For children with milder delays, they may be referred to the Integrated Child Care Program. No intervention services will be provided in this programme, although the mainstream curriculum could be modified to accommodate the child with special needs.

Age: Between 5 – 6

For pre-school children (K1, K2), who are not enrolled in EIPIC, they may be able to enrolled in the Development Support Scheme. This scheme provides support and intervention for children with mild developmental needs through the provision of Leaning Support or Development Support. The targeted areas include speech and language, social, motor, behaviour and literacy skills.

Alternatively, for parents with the financial means, there are also private centres offering various therapies for all age ranges.