Online guide soon to help parents plan for autistic children's future

What will happen to my child when I die?

- Elisha Tushara

This question nags at Ms Sun Meilan, 51, constantly. But the mother of an 18-year-old son with autism has her hands full with daily duties as a full-time caregiver, and rarely has the time to make plans for the future.

Many caregivers such as herself face this problem, she said. "The uncertainty of where and whom to entrust our child to, amid inadequate adult services and limited support, leaves families stuck."

Parents like Ms Sun will soon be able to look for answers in an online guide, which aims to help caregivers plan for their child's future after a parent's death.

The guide includes topics such as financial, health and housing matters, as well as caregiving options, and was put together by Autism Network Singapore (ANS), an alliance of five social agencies.

Titled Life After Death, it will be released online at the end of 2025.

The guide was developed by a team of parents and caregivers of those with autism, as well as autism professionals and volunteers, said ANS on March 27.