Resources For Mainstream Students With Special Needs

Submitted by

special needs

In Singapore, a child is considered to have “special educational needs” (or SEN) when he or she:

  1. Has been diagnosed with a disability
  2. Shows greater difficulty in learning compared to his or her same-age peers
  3. Requires different or additional resources beyond what is available for his or her same-age peers

Currently, all local primary schools (and over 50% of local secondary schools) have been staffed with at least one Allied Educator for Learning and Behavioural Support. These educators support students with mild special educational needs, such as those who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

To serve students with mobility issues, all local primary and secondary schools now have barrier-free features on the ground floor. This includes handicapped toilets and ramps to common areas such as the main entrance, general office, and canteen.

Schools with full handicap facilities have features such as lifts, connectivity between blocks, handicapped toilets, and ramps on the upper levels. Such schools are located across the island.

In line with regulatory requirements, all new schools and schools undergoing major upgrading will be provided with barrier-free enhancements, including additional lifts, handicapped toilets, and ramps.

Parents can refer to the Ministry of Education web site and parents’ guide for more information on special needs support. Below are some resources on KiasuParents that may help parents as they strive to understand their child’s special educational needs, and search for a learning environment that will help their child to reach his or her full potential.  

Dyslexia

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Autism

Nonverbal Learning Disorder

General Resources

Ministry Of Education Updates

Related Articles