Gaps still exist in providing for adults with autism: Denise Phua

While Singapore has done well in providing for children on the autism spectrum, significant gaps still exist for adults with the condition, said Autism Resource Centre (ARC) president Denise Phua.

- Ng Wei Kai

The gaps are in three areas – living, lifelong learning and employment – and addressing these priorities will be ARC’s focus for the coming years, Ms Phua said on July 20 at a fund-raising event for ARC called A Very Special Celebration.

Autism is lifelong, and many of the children ARC once served are now adults. There is, therefore, a need to expand the range of services and support for adults with autism to help them lead quality and meaningful lives in the community, she said.

At least 26,000 people in Singapore are on the spectrum, of whom about 5,000 are under the age of 20, according to ARC. Globally, the condition affects about 1 per cent of the population.

ARC is working on initiatives to address these gaps, including a pilot residential programme where adults on the spectrum live in the community with regular support from coaches, she added.

Plans to scale this model, which currently has five participants, are under way, Ms Phua said.