Cheers Learning and Assessment Services

"A score is just a score. I know my child, and that's all that matters."

I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with parents from a local private preschool. With the support of the principal, I was able to conduct assessments directly at the centre. For young children who may need time to adjust to a new setting, such as a hospital or private clinic, being in a familiar environment helps them feel more at ease and focused during the assessment. This can lead to vastly different test results.

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." This quote, shared a long time ago by a parent whose child was diagnosed with an intellectual impairment, can be seen through various lenses: pride, defiance, grief, or acceptance of a cognitive result.

To me, this quote highlights that each person has unique strengths. Traditionally, success is measured through the academic route: attending school, studying well, getting good grades, going to university, and finding a good job. However, the existence of the Arts School, Sports School, and School of Science and Technology shows that there are other viable paths for children. Not everyone needs to follow the same academic route. Forcing a child into an ill-fitting path is like wearing shoes that are either too big or too small every day—frustrating and painful.

When we conduct assessments, our goal is to find the right fit for each child so they can shine. I hope this resonates with parents as well. Let’s build up children in environments where they can grow and succeed on their own terms, in their own ways.

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"How do I add value to each child?" This is the constant question I ask myself.

We are currently expanding and interviewing candidates for our humble organization. A common reason for wanting to work with individuals with diverse needs is, "I love to work with children and want to support them." This passion and compassion drive many to pursue a helping career. However, passion alone is not enough to sustain a long-lasting career. Beyond passion, there is grit, as explained by Angela Duckworth. This grit is often what separates those who persevere from those who quit.

We are looking for individuals with a strong mentality to persevere in the face of adversity and setbacks. "Every day is a crisis" was an informal catchphrase at a school I once worked in. Despite this, it was home to one of the most dedicated teams I have ever seen. Because the work is challenging, we bit the bullet and moved towards our goals together. Even today, when I see updates from my former students on social media, I am proud of how far they have come. Their successes are not accidental; they result from a team of parents, teachers, and professionals coming together to support and lift them up.

A conversation with a colleague over kopi summed it up: one day, we shall pass. We leave with gratitude and humility, knowing we have left a ripple of goodness and a legacy for the younger generation.

Back to you, what is the question you ask yourself?

Grit: The power of passion and perseverance Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of "grit" as a predicto...

"A little anxiety keeps us motivated; too much anxiety robs us of joy"

This powerful message resonated with me when I watched Inside Out 2 last weekend. The storyline beautifully explores the journey of growing up and the complex emotional systems within us all. Every emotion serves a purpose, working together to make us whole.

While the children and youths enjoy this long weekend, I wish a Happy Youth Day to everyone who is young at heart! If you haven't watched it, take the time to catch the movie with your loved ones if you can.

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Inside Out 2 | Official Trailer 🚨make room for new emotions🚨Watch the new trailer for Disney & Pixar's Inside Out 2, only in theaters June 14! The little voices inside Riley’s...

"I am scared that my boy become violent if I don't let him play his games"

Raising kids today can be tough, especially with all the screens around. You might worry that your child will get upset or even lash out if you don’t let them play their favorite game. This shows how much they are attached to screens and how it can affect their behavior.

It’s important to set clear and fair rules about screen time. Try to encourage other activities like playing outside, reading, or family games to help them have a balanced life. Talking to your child about why these limits are important can help them understand and accept them.

Remember, limiting screen time isn’t about taking away fun, but about making sure your child grows up healthy, can handle their emotions, and finds happiness in other things too. It’s not always easy, but it will help your child have a better and stronger future.

In my experience, I have seen an increasing number of clients with internet gaming disorder (IGD). In extreme cases, this addiction becomes so intense that it creates discord and breaks family ties. Therefore, I fully support the government's efforts to implement stronger measures for managing device usage and look forward to the positive impact these measures will have on our children's habits and well-being.

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Singapore to put in place measures to deal with screen time and device use in coming months This comes after US surgeon-general Vivek Murthy called for a warning label on social media platforms. Read more at straitstimes.com.

"Should I praise my child when she misbehaves?"

Focus on: The right type of consequence for your child's misbehavior and what to say to a child.

I am a strong advocate of positive reinforcement for a child's good behavior, but there will come a time when your child displays poor behavior. What should you do? Do you still praise the child? A mother asked me that, and I answered, of course not!

The consequences you provide should align with the values you want to instill in your child and relate to the actions committed. For example, if a child draws on the walls, they should scrub the walls clean. If a child breaks another child's pencil, they should replace it with their own pocket money. If a child repeatedly hurts other children, we need to identify their triggers and remove them from the situation to create a safe space. Consequences teach the child to take responsibility for their actions. This is an important step in growing up.

As parents, our first instinct is to protect our child, but if they repeatedly make similar mistakes, shielding them from consequences means they won't learn the correct values. We would have failed them because they would grow up thinking it's okay to do as they please. This sends the message that they are above rules and regulations in school and laws in society when they are older.

Any consequence should be accompanied by a discussion about the behavior when both you and your child are calm. Focus on the behavior, not the child's character. For example, say, "Stealing is a disrespectful action," not "Stealing shows you have a bad character." The first statement addresses the action, while the second is a personal attack. How you talk to your child and convey the message may lead to either an improvement or worsening of your child's behavior. Do you see your child positively, or at least take a neutral stance? Ask yourself how you would feel if the same statement were spoken to you.

Don't fret if your child continues with "It's not fair!", "I hate you!", "You are the worst parent ever!" Remember, you are the adult! Lead the child out of their emotions and not join in the fray. Say something like, "I know you are upset. We say hurtful things when we are mad. Let's take a quiet moment to calm down. I'll come back to you when we are ready." When your child is angry, don't start a shouting match, which escalates the situation. Model calm and respectful words to de-escalate the situation. Through this, you teach them healthy ways to cope with anger.

There are many ways to build a strong child! We can't go back to erase whatever parental mistakes we've made, but we can learn from them and start afresh today.

Cheers!

We are expanding and looking for suitable candidates to join our big family. Cheers

I'm attending PTM this Friday. How about you?
Stay safe! No FLiRT

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"I don't know what I did to deserve this!" uttered a mother of a child with autism and intellectual impairment.

Every parent with a special needs child goes through an unending cycle of grief. Denial probably started in the practitioner's office when the diagnosis was first revealed, and a projection of the individual's life path was made with visions of substantial support. "Who will take care of my child when I die?" "It is so unfair that my child has to grow up like that!"

Over the past few weeks, I have met parents at different stages of grief. One parent took a long time before coming to terms with her child's condition. I have also met parents who are not ready to accept their child's challenges and limitations. It is hard to break bad news. What I can do is be truthful about my observations and give parents time and space to come to terms with the situation.

I chanced upon this book called "Hard Landings - Looking into the future for a child with autism" by Cammie McGovern. The author, based in the States, describes herself as a relentless mother of a child with autism and MID. The story is about how she grapples with the issues of her child as he turns into a young adult. It offers insights, anecdotes, and practical advice for parents navigating similar journeys.

The best advice I can give parents is focus on your child's well-being and immediate needs. Teach your child self-care, safety, basic literacy, numeracy and community skills. These are what special schools are focusing too. They will come in handy when your child transits into adulthood. For support, build a sense of community with other parents so you are updated on news and policies. Tell yourself, we are going to be okay!

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Well, it is May Day. Yesterday, I had an urgent call in the morning to meet up with a father and his child. He had wanted to travel to Singapore to seek treatment today. Because the clinic is closed on public holiday, I suggested meeting them after my last session yesterday. Glad I did! The situation is tricky with the child requiring medication and close monitoring. Hope all's well with the family!

On a personal level, this May Day has been rather eventful. I am dealing with a few matters at the same time. Just telling myself to do one at a time! :)

There is story that resonates with my current state of mind - looking at simplicity in life. Hope it will be healing for you too!

Check out the fisherman's parable here:
An American businessman was standing at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.

The American Harvard MBA: How long it took you to catch them?
The Mexican Fisherman: Only a little while.

The American Harvard MBA: Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?
The Mexican Fisherman: I have enough to support my family’s immediate needs.

The American Harvard MBA: But what do you do with the rest of your time?
The Mexican Fisherman: Responding with a smile, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor.”

The American Harvard MBA: Impatiently interrupted, “Look, I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you to be more profitable. You can start by fishing several hours longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra money, you can buy a bigger boat. With the additional income that larger boat will bring, before long you can buy a second boat, then a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats.”

The American Harvard MBA: Proud of his own sharp thinking, he excitedly elaborated a grand scheme which could bring even bigger profits, “Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you’ll be able to sell your fish directly to the processor, or even open your own cannery. Eventually, you could control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this tiny coastal village and move to Mexico City, or possibly even Los Angeles or New York City, where you could even further expand your enterprise.”

The Mexican Fisherman: asked, “But senor, how long will this all take?”
The American Harvard MBA: After a rapid mental calculation, he replied “Probably about 15-20 years, maybe less if you work really hard.”

The Mexican Fisherman: asked, “And then what, senor?”
The American Harvard MBA: laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO (Initial Public Offering) and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions.”

The Mexican Fisherman: asked “Millions, senor? Then what?”
The American Harvard MBA: said slowly, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos”

The moral of the story is:
Life is Simple. Know what really matters in life, and you may find that it is already much closer than you think.

The Mexican fisherman story above teaches us all too well the importance of learning how to be content with what we currently have. It is truly an art learning the meaning of “having enough".

So, take this day to remember that life is about balance. Spend your time intentionally.

In the end, time is the true currency of life. Not money. Don’t ever forget that.

The story is taken and adapted from the site: http://www.aleanjourney.com/2021/05/what-really-matters-in-life-fisherman.html



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Recently met parents who highlight issues of poor organization of ideas in writing for their children. Introducing this hamburger format of writing a paragraph. It is not a new idea and has been well documented. However, if you want to go a step further to reinforce learning, this is what you can do with your children or students.

Vocabulary Building
1. Create a word bank related to the topic.
2. Encourage the use of synonyms and varied vocabulary.

Grammar Exercise
3. Identify and fill in missing parts of sentences.
4. Practice different sentence structures.

Sentence Expansion
5. Add descriptive language and additional information to supporting details.
6. Use transition words to connect ideas.

Proofreading and Editing
7. Correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
8. Revise awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

Creative Writing Prompts
9. Provide prompts related to the topic for creative writing exercises.
10. Encourage imaginative exploration while maintaining paragraph structure.

Peer Review
11. Exchange paragraphs with a peer for feedback on content and structure.
12. Provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.

These activities not only reinforce the concepts of paragraph writing but also provide opportunities for the child to enhance their language skills and become more proficient writers.

Have fun trying out the above further activities.

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"If my child had come to you earlier, all these years would not be wasted!"

I've mulled over sharing this narrative, wary of how it might come across – perhaps sounding presumptuous or even offensive to some. But let me clarify upfront: this is about one child's journey and it does not apply to all cases.

Let's rewind to the story of a young client of mine, who underwent dyslexia assessments in Primary 2 and Primary 5, yielding inconclusive results both times. Despite being bright and diligent, with a solid family support system, his struggles persisted. His first assessor in Primary 2 was an intern psychologist with a bachelor's degree, lacking specialized training. The second assessor, also in training, hesitated to provide a definitive diagnosis. By the time the individual sought my review at 17yo, he had endured years without the exam support he needed.

It's worth noting that we've all been interns or associate psychologists at some point, relying heavily on textbook knowledge and limited experience. Like any profession, mastery comes with time and practice. Don't get me wrong, I hold immense respect for supervisors who invest in nurturing interns into proficient practitioners. I also believe intern psychologist uphold strong professionalism in their work.

Nevertheless, my advice to parents considering psychometric assessments for their children is this. If the issues are clear-cut, with moderate to severe challenges, any psychologist can offer assistance. However, in borderline or mild cases, I urge you to seek the expertise of seasoned professionals. It might incur higher costs, but it'll spare you the frustration and prolonged waiting times for support. I liken it to seeking out a specialist for a delicate heart or brain surgery. You would definitely feel more at ease when you have an experienced doctor to perform the critical and tricky operation instead of a doctor who is fresh from college. Experience matters when it is a matter of life and death.

Here's to making informed choices for the well-being of our loved ones.

Cheers.

Reflections on the Singapore Psychological Society Annual General Meeting 2024

Yesterday, I attended the Singapore Psychological Society Annual General Meeting, and I wanted to share with you the valuable insights and experiences I gained from the event.

As someone who has tended to shy away from such gatherings in the past, I decided to make a concerted effort to participate this year. And I'm truly glad I did. The opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances from college, as well as to meet new faces from diverse fields, was enriching.

Here are five key takeaways from the AGM that left a lasting impression on me:
1. Membership Growth: There was an encouraging news of the increasing membership within the society. For anyone with a passion for psychology or related disciplines like counselling, I highly recommend exploring membership opportunities through the Membership Link: https://singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/join-sps/

2. Expanding Horizons in Psychology: The discussion around the expansion of psychology to encompass non-disciplinary or alternative approaches was particularly thought-provoking. As a society, there's a shared responsibility to uphold ethical standards and ensure evidence-based practices, even as the field evolves.

3. Supervisor Competency Framework: One of the highlights was the launch of the Supervisor Competency Framework, which promises to provide valuable guidelines for maintaining effective and ethical therapeutic approaches. While acknowledging the meticulous planning behind it, I also hope for flexibility in its application to accommodate the dynamic nature of therapeutic work.

4. Inclusivity and Sensitivity: A pertinent question arose during the Q&A session regarding the timing of the AGM during the Ramadan month and its implications for Muslim attendees. It underscored the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity towards minority groups within our community. Practical solutions, such as adjusting dinner to after iftar time or providing bring home snack options, could go a long way in fostering a more inclusive environment.

5. Celebrating Volunteers: Lastly, it was heartwarming to witness the recognition of SPS volunteers who have dedicated years of service to support the society's endeavors. Their commitment and contributions deserve our appreciation and acknowledgment.

In closing, I left the AGM feeling energized by the meaningful discussions and connections forged. Let's continue to strive to uphold the values of inclusivity, diversity, and professionalism within our community, and take proactive steps towards positive change.

CHEERS

https://singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/join-sps/

Join SPS | Singapore Psychological Society Vision: The Promotion of Human Well-Being in Singapore Mission: To Advance the Research and Practice of Psychology in Singapore

"I don't think my child has dyslexia. When I teach her at home, she can read and write."

I had an interesting experience last year when I was asked to complete a series of dyslexia assessments for a school’s lower primary students. These kids had been through the school's remediation program for two years but didn't show much progress and displayed strong signs of dyslexia. Since they were from low-income families, the school used its budget to provide the assessments, and I offered a good subsidy to support them.

The process was urgent because these students needed support for their formal examinations in Primary Three. Normally, if they were referred to a public service, it could take 3-6 months. But we managed to get the reports completed by December 23.

Here are some key takeaways from the experience:

It's essential for schools to be proactive in seeking assessments for students showing signs of a condition like dyslexia. I really commend the efforts of the SNO officers and the department for setting aside a budget to help lower-income families.

When a school refers a child for assessment, it indicates significant concerns, and immediate action should be taken. In this case, most of the students had moderate to severe dyslexia, despite two years of school-based remediation.

Talking to the parents during the report discussions was eye-opening. They all wanted to help at home but lacked the time and resources. Some parents were even on the job when we spoke. Many of the children went back home to an unsupervised environment and lacked access to educational programs. It's clear that the lack of exposure exacerbated their learning challenges.

Initially, some parents were skeptical about their child’s diagnosis, but after explaining it thoroughly, they accepted it and were grateful that the school stepped in to provide further support, including after-school remediation programs and accommodations during exams.

I made sure to share practical and free strategies that parents could try at home, like using mobile word games, watching read-along picture books on YouTube, downloading language learning apps, and applying for an e-library card.

I've compiled some strategies in the information chart below. Feel free to pass them along to any parents or school personnel who might find them helpful.

Cheers!

Cheers Learning and Assessment Services Cheers Learning provides assessment, counselling, intervention and educational therapy for children

Happy Lunar New Year 2024

Wishing you and your loved ones a splendid year filled with good health and prosperity!

Cheers Learning and Assessment Services

"I don't want to give the child extra help because I want him to be independent"

This sentiment came up in a discussion with a teacher last week. When I asked about the support provided, the teacher mentioned giving the child verbal reminders countless times to get a new exercise book and folder for his loose papers. Unfortunately, nothing changed. I wondered if a written reminder might have helped, or if simply providing the materials would have made a difference. But the response was, "He's in Primary 6, old enough. I don't want to spoon-feed too much."

This bothered me because kids with special learning or behavioral needs often struggle with executive functioning (EF) skills. If you've got your child's psychological report handy, take a look at the section on cognitive components (like WISCV, DAS, SAS, SB5). There's often mention of impaired working memory and difficulty recalling auditory or visual information. That's why reports often suggest using visual cues alongside verbal prompts for kids with EF challenges.

After explaining the child’s needs, the teacher finally understood that it's not just about expecting independence. No matter the age, whether it's a child or an adult, these skills need to be taught explicitly so they become second nature in daily life. Here's a list of EF skills. If you or your child struggle in these areas and it's holding back personal growth, seeking professional help could make a big difference.

Cheers!

Cheers Learning and Assessment Services Cheers Learning provides assessment, counselling, intervention and educational therapy for children

"My colleagues and husband say I am ADHD"

Recently worked with a highly educated, older working adult referred herself for testing. Key reasons are comments made by people around her who find her being forgetful, distracted and dreamy at work and at home. These comments greatly disturbed her and she wanted to check if she really has ADHD. We did some tests, and guess what? No ADHD! She's happy because now she can tell everyone they were wrong.

Even though she showed signs of ADHD-like problems, there are other reasons for that. Look at the picture I attached; it shows things that can make you act like you have ADHD. If you are unsure, you can also do a screening at a psychological clinic to check instead of dwelling on "what-if".

Also, it is unfair and hurtful to make a sweeping statement on anyone with a diagnosed condition. So be aware, please don't tease a person by saying, "Oh, it must be your ADHD so you are so forgetful!" Instead, focus on the behavior by saying, "Well, I see that you misplaced your water bottle, let's think about how to help you remember better."

Focus on mindful thinking and problem solving rather than fault finding. It makes things so much better for everyone.

Cheers!



https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-like-symptoms-but-not-adhd-20583

Cheers Learning and Assessment Services Cheers Learning provides assessment, counselling, intervention and educational therapy for children

A good news to share! CHEERS is featured as the top 3 choices for counselling services in Jurong East! https://threebestrated.sg/counselling-services-in-jurong-east

Focus on su***de prevention:

Talking about stopping su***des is serious, but it's important. Life is tough sometimes, and when someone you care about is in trouble, we can't just ignore it. We must confront the issue rather than brush it aside.

I had a first-hand experience with su***de rescue. When I was a Uni student, I chanced upon a shocking scene of a young woman with both legs over the ledge, and her hands gripping onto the railing. Her eyes were hallowing and misty and there was no sign of life. She looked deep in thoughts. I felt if I had arrived at the scene a few seconds later, she would be gone. It was one of those times where you know time was running out and you have to act.

So just that like, with no experience of what exactly to say or do, I babble on and on, talking about whatever that comes to mind. Turning from cajoling to comforting, to reminding her about her loved ones, to scare her about the pain she would feel if she falls. Slowly I feel her senses returning, and her will of dying slowly dissipated. It was a long conversation. Someone called the police. Eventually, she was pulled over and saved. I never saw her again but I wish her well.

If you are a caregiver of someone in emotional distress, there is so much you can do. Ask them straight up if they're thinking about hurting themselves. If they're okay talking, listen. If not, tell them to talk to a professional. Be there for them, listen, and let them know you understand. Together, we can make things better.

Cheers Learning and Assessment Services
***de ***deprevention
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/imh-study-seeks-identify-possible-causes-su***de-video-4014941

Cheers Learning and Assessment Services Cheers Learning provides assessment, counselling, intervention and educational therapy for children

Focus on: Should I let the school know about my child's special needs diagnosis?

Some parents choose the private psychologist route because it offers speed and privacy compared to the public service route. As a parent, the concern is also how the child may be negatively judged by his teachers and peers once the diagnosis is made known. This hesitation, often rooted in concerns about societal perceptions, can lead to missed opportunities for necessary support.

I have a unique case to share where non-disclosure may lead to a detrimental consequence. In the days leading towards the end of the school year, a client of mine, was called to meet up with the school leaders. Unfortunately, he had been retained for the year because he failed to meet the overall grade by 0.1 mark. From my understanding, in the school promotion exercise, there would be a level meeting to discuss the child's profile, learning attitude etc. I gather his teachers probably did not have a good impression of him.

There were times he missed out on his assignments, slept in class, appeared aloof in group discussion and communicated poorly to his teachers. The truth is my client was diagnosed with giftedness, ASD with sign of depression. He has issues with social communication, low affect and insomnia. His assessment report was completed the middle of the previous year. However, the critical diagnosis had not been shared with the school, leading to the lack of recommended classroom and exam support.

After my client had received the news of his retention, he repeatedly ruminated, "it will be a waste of time". Knowing that he has existential angst, I was particular worried that he may decide to "end it all" and do something unimaginable. His school counsellor had noted his low mood but said that "it is quite impossible to reverse the decision made by the school board".

To cut the long story short, we didn't give up. His mother quickly submitted the diagnostic report to the school. My client and I wrote an appeal letter to explain the situation leading to the borderline grade, stating the reasons for the observable behaviors in class and the commitment to sit for a re-exam if needed.

And amazingly, the appeal went through! After an agonizing wait of a week or so, he was granted another meeting with the school leaders and was advanced to the next year. He was also provided with the support of the school counselling service.

Through this experience, I realized how important the lens are put rightly. Rather than being wrongly labelled as "having a bad attitude", "non-responsive" or "lazy", he was provided with the support that he sorely needed. Thankful that the school was open-minded and receptive to reconsider their decision.

This case serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of disclosing a child's special needs diagnosis to the school. It emphasizes the potential positive outcomes, such as tailored support and averted crises, that can result from an informed and collaborative approach between parents, students, and educators. Choosing transparency over non-disclosure can significantly contribute to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for children with special needs. Hence, I recommend disclosure, not as a last resort but as a powerful step to shape a brighter future.

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