Caregivers of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

As your loved one progresses through various life stages, the situations they face and their needs will change. Check out the resources that might be relevant for you at each stage.

Upon Diagnosis

Understand what your loved one’s diagnosis means and how to prepare for the caregiving journey ahead:

I remember the feeling of helplessness when I learnt that my son had autism. However, learning more about the disability through books has helped me to understand his challenges and better support him over time.

- Chin Teong, father of a young child with disability

Young Children (0 - 6 years old)

Help your loved one manage their disability from an early age by supporting them in developing their functional skills and preparing them for school:

I have seen how early intervention such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy was the turning point in my child's development.. I encourage parents to seek support for your children with developmental needs early.

- Debanjana, mother of a child with disability

Children and Teens (7 - 18 years old)

Enable your loved one to realise and achieve their potential through their schooling years and in their transition to adulthood:

I want her to do activities with other kids, and pick up social skills, so that she can continue to interact with others even after we're gone.

- Fui Lee, mother of a teenager with disability

Adults (18 years and above)

Support your loved one through employment and adulthood, planning with both of your futures in mind:

I'm preparing my son for employment early so he would be able to get a job and earn a living.

- Gek Lang, mother of a young adult with disability

For All Life Stages

Explore these resources that may be helpful across all stages of life:

You are not alone. Always reach out for help and don't keep your problems to yourself. There is support available for you!

- Yusman, father of a child with disability

Caregiving is multifaceted and require different skillsets. Equip yourself with the following skills to help you better care for your loved one and yourself.

Identifying and Understanding Disability

Begin this journey with your loved one by understanding more about their disability.

Reading up about the disability helped me to focus more on what to do next and how I can better support my loved one.

- Gek Lang, mother of a young adult with disability

Managing Your Caregiving Role

Caregiving can be challenging, and it is important that you find sustainable ways to carry out your caregiving role.

Family support is important. When we first learnt of my son's diagnosis, it felt like the whole world was falling on me. Thankfully, my husband was very supportive and my daughter also stepped up to help care for her brother while being very independent.

- Violet, mother of a young adult with disability

Providing Care

Care for your loved one by assisting them with their day-to-day living needs and supporting their development of social and functional skills.

To care for my child better, apart from taking up a sign language course to communicate with him, I also search online for signs that I do not know.

- Indra, mother of a teenager with disability

Supporting Your Loved One through Transitions

Support your loved one in their navigation of the education system and preparation to enter adulthood.

You will not be able to control everything in your child's life. Pick your battles and choose a few areas to prioritise. These priorities could change with time.

- Wei Ping, mother of a young adult with disability

Planning for Care

Planning ahead, and equipping yourself with the required knowledge and skills, will help you to be more prepared for your caregiving journey.

Finances are of a big concern to me when I think about my daughter’s future. Now that I have set up a trust for her, I feel more at ease as she can receive the money I've left for her even after I'm gone.

- Mr Tan, father of an adult with disability