"Hugs and heartaches: Ageing parents stay strong despite challenges raising children with autism
SINGAPORE: “Mummy, daddy not old!” Duane Goh repeated this to himself over and over again as he bawled.
This was two years ago, when his maternal grandmother died. He got worried his own parents would pass on soon after as well.
His parents, Ang Hwee Chin and Goh Kim Joo, are both 74. When they tried to explain to their autistic son their time would come too, he refused to listen, said Mdm Ang.
The family has not broached the topic since. But this has not stopped Mdm Ang and Mr Goh from worrying what would happen to their 40-year-old son after they are gone.
They are not alone. Parents of children with autism CNA spoke to shared their concerns over their children’s well-being after their death, while having to manage the present financial and emotional stress.
According to the Government's third Enabling Masterplan released in 2016, one in 150 children here has autism.
The five-year masterplan is a blueprint that guides the development of initiatives in the disability sector."
I was at the Purple Parade this year 4 the 1st time as a Volunteer. My guest has Down Syndrome since birth. He had developed well with exceptional care n love fr his mum, dad n sister. N the early childhoods intervention definitely helped too. He called himself: "The happiest man in the world!". Remarkable spirits n daring do!
There was a mum with an autistoc child. Quite serious condition fr my observation. She shared that he is well enough n learning to b independent. Still when asked abt: r u worry or how do u prepapre 4 the day u r gone 4 the kid, the same concerns n worries shared by the other persons with special need hoped: that they can b independent or some kind souls will look after them; failing which the state must step in!
This wish n hope r shared by all the parents of persons with special needs.
Can the state steps up to this expectation? An expectation i believe is legitimate n reasonable as the gov has the pooling of resources to help this small minority. The majority of people who r blessed with no special needs should gladly help ya?
If not, it will b a tragedy. For themselves n those who need help.
SINGAPORE: “Mummy, daddy not old!” Duane Goh repeated this to himself over and over again as he bawled.
This was two years ago, when his maternal grandmother died. He got worried his own parents would pass on soon after as well.
His parents, Ang Hwee Chin and Goh Kim Joo, are both 74. When they tried to explain to their autistic son their time would come too, he refused to listen, said Mdm Ang.
The family has not broached the topic since. But this has not stopped Mdm Ang and Mr Goh from worrying what would happen to their 40-year-old son after they are gone.
They are not alone. Parents of children with autism CNA spoke to shared their concerns over their children’s well-being after their death, while having to manage the present financial and emotional stress.
According to the Government's third Enabling Masterplan released in 2016, one in 150 children here has autism.
The five-year masterplan is a blueprint that guides the development of initiatives in the disability sector."
I was at the Purple Parade this year 4 the 1st time as a Volunteer. My guest has Down Syndrome since birth. He had developed well with exceptional care n love fr his mum, dad n sister. N the early childhoods intervention definitely helped too. He called himself: "The happiest man in the world!". Remarkable spirits n daring do!
There was a mum with an autistoc child. Quite serious condition fr my observation. She shared that he is well enough n learning to b independent. Still when asked abt: r u worry or how do u prepapre 4 the day u r gone 4 the kid, the same concerns n worries shared by the other persons with special need hoped: that they can b independent or some kind souls will look after them; failing which the state must step in!
This wish n hope r shared by all the parents of persons with special needs.
Can the state steps up to this expectation? An expectation i believe is legitimate n reasonable as the gov has the pooling of resources to help this small minority. The majority of people who r blessed with no special needs should gladly help ya?
If not, it will b a tragedy. For themselves n those who need help.
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