IMH team lauded for efforts in serving children with autism

When the autism team at the Institute of Mental Health's (IMH) Child Guidance Clinic began its work almost 20 years ago, Singapore did not have a dedicated public healthcare service for children with autism.

- Zhaki Abdullah Correspondent

Since then, it has helped develop clinical practice guidelines for autism care and ensure that those with autism receive good, consistent care.

The team now sees about 200 patients annually, in addition to training teachers, therapists, and other medical professionals to better understand autism.

For its efforts, it was awarded the National Community Care Excellence Team Award at the National Medical Excellence Awards.

In 2025, the awards, presented by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, recognised four individuals and three teams for excellence in areas such as care quality, research and community health.

The members of the IMH's Child Guidance Clinic team - comprising consultant Lan Zhongzheng, principal clinical psychologist Goh Tze Jui, principal medical social worker Magdalene Foo and senior psychologist Joelene Tan were given the awards at a ceremony held at Capella Singapore on Sept 19. Dr Lan, who was travelling, did not attend the event.