All In is built for you, the caregiver. Here, we have compiled a list of topics for you, grouped by the following sections:
We hope you find this information useful. We are constantly updating this page, so please do check back for new articles and feel free to leave us a note to tell us what else you’d like to see, and we will try our best to make it happen!
If you are a new caregiver, we hope to help you get started on your journey. Here is a compilation of topics that we feel might be relevant for the first few weeks.
It may be tough, but we will walk with you.
If your child has just been diagnosed with special needs, here is an article to keep you grounded.
We Singaporeans just love our acronyms but really, ATF? ADL? MEFC? These terms can be bewildering for someone who is not familiar with terminology so we have prepared a quick and dirty glossary for your reference.
If your child is more than 4 weeks old and below 6 years old, do check out our assessment tool. It will generate a report that will help you keep track of your child’s developmental milestones easily.
You can also take a look at the developmental milestone checklists here:
If you are just getting started on caregiving, it is normal to feel worried about finances. We know it is a lot to take in, so here are quick overviews of the financial assistance schemes available. Depending on your specific circumstances, your family may be eligible for these schemes.
Overview of General Financial Assistance (Government Schemes)
Overview of Financial Assistance for Special Needs (Government Schemes)
Therapy and early intervention helps children with special needs to better adapt to their environment, manage their conditions with confidence and regain or improve certain functions.
You may have to consider the equipment you need to get and home modifications you need to make. Thinking about making these changes may seem daunting at first but remember that you do not need to complete all in a day.
We understand. We know that the first few weeks will be confusing and overwhelming for you. Filing may be the last thing on your mind right now. This is why we have slipped this point here to remind you. Trust us, getting organised early will really help you save time and energy in the long run.
Getting Started on Caregiving: Manage Information and Paperwork ASAP
You’ve survived your first days as a caregiver and you are magnificent.
Here are some options for child care support, before- or after-school care, and residential care:
Depending on your child’s needs, here are the possible options you can consider:
You should speak to your child’s team of medical professionals, social workers and teachers to seek their recommendations.
For primary and secondary school students:
Should My Child Attend a Special Education or Mainstream School?
Updated Open House Dates of Special Education (SPED) Schools 2019
For children with physical disabilities:
General information:
Check out this list from the Singapore Special Needs and Parents (SSNAP) community for a great list of activities and places to go.
Guide to Developing the Social Skills of Children with Disabilities
8 Strategies for Effective Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Don’t neglect yourself in the process of caring for your loved ones.
You have done your best.
Be fearless and move forward.
In Singapore, a child reaches the age of majority and is considered to be an adult at the age of 21. He or she will assumes legal control over their actions and decisions, and the control and legal responsibilities of you, as a parent or guardian, ends there. However, it may be necessary for you to continue to make legal decisions for your child even after he or she turns 21. To do this, you can apply to become a deputy for your child.
To get general advice on deputyship matters:
To apply for a deputyship order:
Financial Planning for Families with Children with Special Needs
To ensure regular long-term care for your child, you can set up a private Trust Fund, a Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) Trust or a Special Needs Savings Scheme (SNSS).
You can refer to our quick guides to SNTC Trust and SNSS:
In addition, here are more articles regarding this these options: