Autism cases in Singapore surge as early detection improves, say doctors.
“The overall better early detection can be attributed to various efforts to encourage parents to take their children for Childhood Developmental Screening at appropriate touchpoints,” said a Ministry of Health (MOH) spokesperson, speaking to The Straits Times.
A recent study conducted by the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University Polyclinics revealed that over 1 in 100 children have autism in Singapore and are diagnosed with autism by the age of 18 months. This marks a rise from previous estimates and suggests more children are receiving early diagnoses and interventions.
Autism Rates Rising in Singapore as Early Detection Improves
The recent study, which involved 5,336 children from seven primary care clinics, utilised the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F). This tool is designed to screen for autism in children as young as 18 months by evaluating key social and communication behaviours.
Out of those screened, 113 children (2.1%) were flagged as at risk for autism. After further evaluation, 54 children (1.0%) were formally diagnosed with the condition. The study demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.6% and a positive predictive value of 90.7%, indicating its reliability in the local clinical context.
The study also revealed some differences in autism diagnoses across ethnic groups. Among the children screened, 64.2% were Chinese, 23.9% Malay, and 5.8% Indian, reflecting Singapore’s demographic makeup.
Early Autism Diagnosis Helps Families Access Support Sooner
The study found that the average age for autism diagnosis among children screened positive was around 22 months, allowing earlier access to interventions.
For families like Ms Hellen Yong’s, this early detection made a significant difference. Her daughter was diagnosed at four years old after pre-school teachers flagged concerns.
Children at Pathlight School participating in Discovery Day 2023 (Image credit: Pathlight School)
“I’m thankful we didn’t delay treatment,” she told The Straits Times. Her daughter, now eight, is thriving in Pathlight School, a specialised institution for children with autism.
Developmental screenings identify children who need support early. In 2023, the number of children under six with developmental needs, including autism, increased by 32% from 2019. Approximately 20% of these children were diagnosed with autism, according to data from MOH.
Read more: A Breakthrough in Autism Diagnosis? Monotropism Questionnaire Goes Viral on Tiktok
Challenges in Autism Support and Education
While early diagnosis is improving, parents continue to face challenges accessing the right support for their children. In Singapore, there are currently 25 special education schools for students aged seven to 18, with three more planned by 2032. However, the rising number of autism diagnoses has put pressure on resources.
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Reddit user mount2010 highlighted the “post-18 cliff” that many families worry about, particularly for high-functioning autistic individuals. They shared concerns about the lack of support once children graduate from special education schools.
“I worry a lot about not screwing up at work, handling adulting stuff, or being lowkey discriminated against.”, they shared.
The “post-18 cliff” refers to the challenges faced by individuals with autism after turning 18. Typically, this is when school-based support and services end. In Singapore, as in many countries, structured support like special education and interventions are often no longer available once students graduate from schools, leaving gaps in care during adulthood.
This abrupt end can leave individuals and their families struggling to find adult services, employment opportunities, and community support. The “cliff” metaphor captures the idea that the level of support drops significantly after this age, making it harder for young adults with autism to navigate independent living, employment, and social integration.
Calls for More Resources and Support
The demand for special education and autism-specific services continues to grow as more children are diagnosed. Reddit users have voiced concerns about the availability of resources and the workload on teachers. Another user, SituationDeep, commented on the strain faced by educators: “Our therapists and learning support educators are being stretched thin. What’s the point in setting up more schools when there’s a lack of manpower?”
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The government plans to open three special education schools by 2032. However, experts warn that staffing shortages may hinder meeting demand.
Read more: Empowering Lives: The Autism Resource Centre Singapore
Parental Perspectives on Mainstream vs. Special Education
Many parents of children with autism face tough decisions about whether to enrol their child in mainstream schools or specialised institutions. Some believe that mainstream schooling offers better social integration, while others worry it may not provide enough support.
However, as some parents weigh their options, Reddit user AbbreviationsBorn276 commented, “If my child has been recommended to go mainstream, I would give it a shot… The world, in my opinion, is not a cocoon.”
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Others emphasised that schools like Pathlight provide essential support with academic programmes, helping students with autism thrive socially and academically.
The Road Ahead for Autism in Singapore
With autism diagnoses on the rise, Singapore’s support system faces mounting pressure. Early screening is catching more cases, but identifying the condition is only the first step. What comes next—adequate therapy, schooling, and lifelong support—is where the system still lags.
While plans for new schools are a start, both public and experts agree that much more needs to be done. Without increased resources and sustained efforts, the challenges faced by individuals with autism, particularly as they reach adulthood, could overwhelm a system already stretched thin.
