SINGAPORE: What will happen to my child when I die? This question nags at Sun Meilan, 51, constantly. But the mother of an 18-year-old son with autism has her arms full with daily caregiving duties, 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.”
Caregivers like 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 at the end of 2025.
The guide was developed by a team of parents and caregivers of persons with autism, as well as autism professionals and volunteers, said ANS in a press statement on Thursday (March 27).
Draft versions were reviewed by professionals such as lawyers and financial consultants, and have been trialled with more than 20 parents and caregivers in workshops.
A member of ANS, Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), plans to run workshops to take caregivers through the playbook later in 2025. Interested caregivers may learn more or indicate their interest to participate at this link.
Ho K.M., whose 26-year-old child has autism, said the guide collates available resources to help caregivers such as herself ensure that their children lead fulfilling lives.
“I am encouraged to know that we are not alone on this, and that there is a community (ANS) that we can lean on and journey with together.”
The guide is the brainchild of Denise Phua, the president of the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) and the chairman of Autism Association (Singapore).
Phua, who has a son with autism, said that the guide was created to empower and encourage parents and caregivers to start planning and take action.
“It is a call to action for families, professionals, and the wider community to come together to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum continue to flourish and lead quality lives beyond their caregivers’ lifetime,” said Phua, who is also the Mayor of the Central Singapore District.
Bernard Chew, chief executive of St Andrew’s Autism Centre, said that all members of the public have a shared responsibility to support caregivers.
“More must be done to recognise and alleviate their sometimes silent burden – through respite, emotional support, and long-term planning,” said Chew, who asked for workplace flexibility and greater societal understanding.
“By working together, we can ease their load and create a more inclusive society for both caregivers and persons with autism.” - The Straits Times/ANN
