Initiation

Welcome to Autism Awareness. This blog is meant to chart our progress and record all the information we have gathered. It will also serve as a learning journal as we get things done and tackle unfamiliar obstacles. Here's just a brief introduction to everything.


The WHAT

Our Mission
To provide an accessible platform that promotes public awareness about autism in order to de-stigmatise it, so that Singaporeans may receive the necessary education and information, and affected families are familiarized with the available assistance and subsidies for the betterment of their childrens' lives.

Our Vision
"Hope and help for all."

We hope that with this campaign, Singaporeans are better informed about this developmental disorder and have no fear of it. Only when de-stigmatised, can people truly reach out for help without being scorned or ridiculed.

Also, with the governments current attempts to integrate mildly autistic children into public schools, we hope that families can educate their children to understand and accept the autistics' behaviours and inclinations.


The WHY

Why are we doing this? Because we care, and we know the importance of education and early detection. If detected early, therapy and individually tailored education plans can help autistic children lead more normal lives in future. Many cases go undetected because the public is not aware of the symptoms of autism. Many children exhibit classic signs that are often misinterpreted as rebellion or naughtiness.


The WHO

The four of us who got together all have full-time jobs and are doing this out of passion.

Elsie Yeo
Elsie first came in contact with autistic children when a friend roped her in as a volunteer. She had known nothing about autism until then and was greatly affected by her experience, which has led to the birth of this awareness campaign. She is a full-time marketing manager.

Jermaine Quek
Jermaine is a psychology graduate from Deakin University (Aus). She worked with autistic children in a private centre during her school holidays back in Singapore. She has the most experience and information regarding the learning disorder and the inner workings of a private centre/school. She is currently working as a program coordinator.

Lynne Huang
Lynne is a teacher under the MEP programme. She recently did research on autism for a project and decided to join us in spreading awareness for autism after realizing the importance of education. She is well informed of the current government plans to help autistic children in Singapore and is currently training in NIE.

Daphne Li
Daphne has done some volunteer work and is keen to help in spreading awareness about autism in Singapore. She will be coordinating and recording the group's progression with this awareness campaign, which can serve as a valuable learning experience for anyone who is interested. She is currently working at a positive psychology center.


The HOW

How we're going to do this may change along the way as there is a lot that we still don't know. We are learning as we go along, so any kind of help is greatly appreciated. We hope to have an awareness campaign that can disseminate information about autism and the existing groups and organizations.

We will approach existing groups and organizations, support groups, as well as the government, hospitals and schools for an updated and comprehensive list of resources available for affected families.


The WHEN
Targeted date: June 2008


The WHERE
To be confirmed at a later date.

Do contact us if you wish to contribute suggestions, information or help at 4autism@gmail.com or help by forwarding this blog address to interested parties. Thank you!