Autism Diagnoses Increasing as More Students Attend Schools Catering to Autism Needs
In Singapore, special education schools have seen a significant shift in student demographics, with autism diagnoses now accounting for at least 70% of students in some institutions, including Minds and Rainbow Centre schools. These organizations, which serve nearly 1,900 individuals with special needs, have been adapting their programs to cater to the growing number of children diagnosed with autism. This trend highlights the changing nature of special education, as fewer children with intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities are enrolling, while autism diagnoses continue to rise.
Currently, Singapore has 25 special education schools catering to children aged seven to 18, with plans to open three more by 2032 to address the increasing demand for autism-specific education. For instance, Minds, traditionally focused on students with intellectual disabilities, has reported a 60% increase in enrollment of children with autism compared to 2022. Approximately 700 of the over 1,000 students in its four schools have both autism and intellectual disabilities.
Rainbow Centre has similarly observed a growing number of students with autism. Its schools, such as Margaret Drive and Yishun Park, now serve a student population where 70% have autism. To better meet the needs of these students, Rainbow Centre opened its third autism-focused school, Admiral Hill School, in October 2024.
To support these students, schools have implemented specialized programs and environmental modifications. Minds, for example, introduced an Autism Spectrum Disorder with Intellectual Disabilities program, which emphasizes a holistic approach to learning, focusing not only on functional skills but also on helping students discover their interests and develop social skills in group settings.
Putra Firmansyah, a 14-year-old student at Fernvale Gardens School, has benefited from this program. He has discovered a passion for music and can now play nursery rhymes on the keyboard. His progress in daily living skills, like helping with household chores, demonstrates the positive impact of such tailored educational programs.
At Rainbow Centre, curricula are adjusted to suit students’ needs, including those with multiple disabilities. The use of visual schedules, structured learning environments, and sensory adaptations, like ambient lighting and noise reduction, helps students manage their sensory sensitivities and enhances their ability to follow instructions.
As autism diagnoses continue to rise in Singapore, these changes reflect the country’s growing commitment to providing inclusive and effective education for students with autism, aiming to equip them with the skills necessary for a fulfilling and independent future.
