Integrated home for autistic adults needed
A few months ago, I came across a heart-rending video that told the story of a mother's journey with her 27-year-old autistic son. It highlighted the urgent need for an integrated and permanent residential home for the 19,000 autistic adults in Singapore.
Currently, there is no residential home that can support a spectrum of autistic adults. This is compounded by a lack of trained manpower, which has been exacerbated by the current sentiment against hiring more foreign labour.
Many of these autistic adults are still living at home with their parents, until the latter can no longer physically care for them; or they are placed in homes meant for the aged or mentally ill people - this is certainly not a solution but there are no other options available.
After talking with some parents of autistic adults, I realised that the current textbook-based curriculum for special needs might have to be reviewed.
Autistic adults are better off if they are equipped with simple life skills and trained in practical skills like housekeeping or gardening, so they can take up such jobs. It gives them a chance to fill a gap where there is a shortage of labour, while allowing them to lead more purposeful lives.
Pathlight School currently supports autistic people up to age 18. However, adult life for them is just beginning and we must do more to help.
I appeal to parents of autistic adults, the relevant agencies, companies, trade associations, social enterprises and volunteers to come together and see to fruition an integrated home with training facilities for these children.
Lisa Arlando (Mrs)
