Healis Autism Centre

Children with autism often face challenges with generalization, which is the ability to transfer learned skills to new contexts. While neurotypical children tend to naturally apply learned skills in different situations, children with autism often require additional support. The inadequate transfer of skills from interventions to daily life is a common barrier to the success of many interventions. In this infographic, we share insights on how to help children with autism generalize skills more effectively.

While there are concerns raised regarding the negative impact of screen time, it is beyond question that there are benefits to using personal tablets as applications can be developed to tailor to the needs of individuals with different needs. There are applications to support the learning of almost any skill, including social, motor and language skills. The use of personal tablets also encourages autonomy as it can help with communication, scheduling and accomplishing daily tasks. Regardless, it is pertinent to always manage its usage to prevent overuse.

Are There Any Benefits to Using Personal Tablets as a Tool for My Child? Personal tablets are convenient tools that can be useful to promote communication, learning and autonomy in school and at home. As advancements in technology continue to make headways in today’s times, it is unsurprising that the use of devices such as personal tablets is becoming more widespread ...

Developmental concerns are atypical patterns that differ from others at the same age or stage. However, atypical development alone does not confirm an autism diagnosis. It's important to watch for other signs characteristic of autism and consult a physician for further evaluation.

Hello Parents!

Is your child experiencing difficulties following instructions in school or struggling to connect with their peers?

We have exciting news for you! We are starting a new class for our EIP program suited for children 3-5 years old, on every Thursday 9am-12pm. ENROLMENT STARTS NOW, UP TO 6 SLOTS ONLY.

Our EIP classes are specifically designed to help your child develop social skills, prepare them for school success, and most importantly, have a blast while learning!

Contact us today at +6588278642 for more details. We can't wait to see you here :)

It is normal to seek independence. However, for people with autism, independence does not often come easy. When seeking appropriate interventions, the goal is to aid the individual in achieving the highest possible level of independence. Working towards different stages of independence over time allows these individuals to develop skills they need to thrive.

How Can An Individual with Autism Lead Independent Adult Life? Parents of children with autism often wonder if their child can live independently in the future. The definition of independence varies for everyone, and for people with autism, independence could mean carrying out daily tasks with minimal assistance, participating in interest groups and forming clo...

The effectiveness of music interventions will vary across individuals; hence, it is important to observe the child’s preferences and needs. Even without engaging a music therapist, using music at home can be a rewarding way to support the development and wellbeing of children with ASD. It is also a great way to build a relationship with the child.

How Music Helps Children with Autism? IntroductionMusic is an easily accessible and universally enjoyed experience. As a therapy tool, it incorporates free and structured improvisation, song-singing and vocalisation, and listening to pre-recorded and live music.While children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may struggle in other asp...

Introducing our School Shadowing Services:

School shadowing is a supportive service provided by Healis, where an experienced therapist accompanies your child to their school.

By providing one-on-one support, the therapist helps the child to:

- Stay focused and on-task during lessons
- Participate in class and engage with teachers and peers
- Develop strategies to manage anxiety or stress
- Practice social skills, such as initiating conversations or sharing with others

If your child is struggling in school, we can help. Contact us today: +6588278642

Transitioning to primary school marks a significant milestone in your child’s life, and it can be an exciting yet scary experience for you and your child. Children diagnosed with special needs might find this transition even more challenging, but preparing your child to navigate these challenges during transition can prove to be an exciting and enjoyable period for them!

School refusal refers to a persistent and outright rejection of attending school. Children may not want to or be unable to attend for various reasons, including social problems, anxiety, depression, academic difficulties, and family issues.

For children with ASD, attending school can be especially challenging due to difficulties with sensory processing, social interactions, and adapting to changes in routines in a typically noisy and disordered environment. Understandably, this can become overwhelming, leading to a strong aversion to leaving the comfort of home for the unpredictability of school.

In this article, we discuss how to manage school refusal in children with ASD. Read on to find out more.

Managing School Refusal in Children with ASD What is school refusal? School refusal refers to the constant and outright rejection of attending school. In such situations, the children usually do not want to or cannot go for many reasons. Common causes listed by the National University Hospital (2019) include social problems, anxiety, depressio...

Though potty training your child with autism may take a lot of time and effort, mastering the skill of toileting would indicate a great step towards independence in their lives.

One of the most effective ways to raise autism awareness is by educating yourself and uncovering the truths behind common myths. This article highlights some of the most prevalent misconceptions about ASD and presents the corresponding facts.

Raising Awareness of Myths of Autism Spectrum Disorder One of the most efficient ways to help raise autism awareness is by becoming informed and learning the truth behind inaccuracies perpetuated by myths. Outlined in this article are some of the most widespread misconceptions regarding ASD, in combination with the actual facts. Myth: People with autism...

The manifestation of anxiety in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various factors, including communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, routine disruptions, intolerance of uncertainty, and the presence of obsessions or compulsions. Understanding the interplay between ASD and anxiety is crucial for developing effective interventions that address the unique needs of this population. As research continues to uncover the complex relationship between these two conditions, mental health professionals can tailor their approaches to provide comprehensive support, enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Therapeutic horticulture offers numerous benefits for individuals with autism. It allows one to connect with plants and express their thoughts and feelings, while another might feel less anxious when engaging in gardening activities. Some may develop curiosity about trying new food groups, leading to sustained nutritional health. A garden can help mitigate the diverse challenges faced by individuals with autism, providing opportunities to be outdoors, exercise, socialize, explore, nurture their sensory systems, and enhance their overall health.

https://www.healisautism.com/post/therapeutic-horticulture-how-can-plants-relieve-sensory-issues-in-individuals-with-autism

Children with autism may experience challenges in forming secure attachments due to their unique neurodevelopmental characteristics. Understanding and addressing these struggles is crucial for promoting their overall well-being and social integration.

Children on the autism spectrum encounter numerous unique challenges every day. Although many people are aware of this, it is less common to consider the struggles faced by their parents. Parenting a child with autism presents distinct challenges that differ significantly from those faced by parents of neurotypical children. In this article, we will shed light on some of the common challenges that parents of children with autism experience, which often go unrecognized.

Challenges Parents of Children with ASD Face Parents have their own struggles to face when raising a child with autism. In this article, it presents some of the common challenges that parents often must manage.Children on the autism spectrum experience many unique challenges daily. While many understand this, it is less common for people to co...

In conclusion, the question of whether autism is inherited remains complex and multifaceted. While there is a growing consensus that genetics plays a significant role in the development of autism, the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences is crucial in understanding the disorder.

As research continues to advance, there is hope for breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of autism. By unraveling the complex relationship between genetics and autism, researchers aim to pave the way for personalized interventions and targeted therapies. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of autism has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with autism and their families, offering hope for a brighter future.

Addressing attachment struggles in children with autism requires an understanding of their unique challenges and strengths. By implementing strategies and interventions that account for their sensory differences, communication barriers, and social interaction difficulties, we can support the development of secure attachments. It is essential for parents, caregivers, and professionals to collaborate in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment that promotes healthy attachments in children with autism.

How do I Address my Child's Difficulties with Attachment? Children with autism can struggle with building and maintaining attachment. This article explores the challenges children with autism often face in developing secure attachments, and provides strategies and interventions to address these difficulties. It highlights the importance of understanding th...

Home-based therapy programs assist children in gaining self-help skills in a more natural and comfortable setting whereas centre-based therapy programs help children develop their social communication skills and provide opportunities for application of skills. Every child is unique and can make further progress in different environments. Depending on your child’s unique goals, the consultant can help customise a treatment plan that benefits your child.

Tantrums and meltdowns share similar characteristics and can be challenging to manage, yet their root causes differ significantly, necessitating distinct approaches to handling them. Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often also experience anxiety disorders. For a child with ASD, situations that most neurotypical children find manageable may be distressing or even frightening. Read on to learn how we can support children with autism in overcoming their phobias.

How Can We Help Children with Autism with Their Phobias? For a child with ASD, situations that could be bearable for the majority of regular kids could be upsetting or terrifying.Tantrums and meltdowns share some traits and can be difficult to manage, but their underlying reasons are extremely different, making it important to handle them differently. It'...

It is important to remember that autism looks differently on different individuals. While some people with autism may need more support than others, every one of them also has their strengths and abilities which can be used for their benefit when acknowledged and embraced.

Promoting skill generalization requires varied instructions, materials, and settings. Collaboration and communication among parents, schools, professionals, and the community are also essential. Understanding a child's skill acquisition in school or therapy can help apply these skills at home or elsewhere. Though effortful, successful skill transference indicates mastery. Thus, generalization should be a priority in learning new skills.

How to Generalize Skills for Children with Autism? Using varied instructions, materials and settings promotes the generalization of learned skills to contexts in daily life. Children with autism often have difficulties with generalization, which refers to transferring learned skills to new contexts. While neurotypical children appear to naturally ap...

For people with autism, independence does not often come easy. When seeking appropriate interventions, the goal is to aid the individual in achieving the highest possible level of independence. Working towards different stages of independence over time allows these individuals to develop skills they need to thrive.

At certain stages of life, children are expected to hit certain developmental milestones. While every child develops at their own pace, knowing typical milestones can help parents identify early signs of autism and other developmental concerns. Within this article, we explore this subject comprehensively, delving into key developmental domains, gender disparities in autism presentation, and the significance of timely detection and intervention to enhance learning abilities and overall quality of life.

Developmental Concerns for Children with ASD Taking records of the developmental progress is crucial to examine the growth of children from young. (Black, 2016)At certain stages of life, children are expected to hit certain developmental milestones, such as recognising familiar faces at 6 months and waving at 12 months of age (CDC's Developmen...

Phobias and anxieties can be quite crippling. However, they can be treated, which in some circumstances can cause the fear to disappear and in others will cause it to lessen.

Starting Primary School brings big changes for all children. They'll need to adjust to a new environment, follow schedules, make friends, and learn the ropes. For children with special needs, these challenges can feel even bigger. But with some preparation, this transition can be an exciting and positive experience!

Dive deeper in this article to learn how to make the move to Primary School smooth for your child.

Transitioning to Primary School Transitioning to primary school marks a significant milestone in your child’s life, and it can be an exciting yet scary experience for you and your child.As children transition into Primary School, they will face changes such as having to adapt to a new environment, follow timetables, build new fr...

There are multiple schools that offer special education to children in Singapore – both government-funded and private ones.

Based on the different needs of students, these schools may offer a different education track to ensure quality education for children with special needs.

Take a look at this infographic to find out more!

Teaching your child to use the toilet can certainly be an arduous process. However, mastering this skill would also indicate a great step towards independence in your child’s daily life. Accidents and setbacks are normal and providing negative reactions to them may be unhelpful and discouraging. The celebration of the smallest successes at each step can go a long way to encouraging your child to be nappies-free. Therefore, it is imperative that parents and teachers consistently encourage communication as well as autonomy throughout the process.

Potty Training with Autism: No More Nappies Though potty training your child with autism may take a lot of time and effort, mastering the skill of toileting would indicate a great step towards independence in their lives.It is well-understood that children with autism are very different. Although potty training may be effortful for children w...

While signs of autism can be detected early, their presentation and intensity vary from child to child. Some signs may only become apparent at older ages, so there is no fixed age for diagnosing autism.

However, since early diagnosis and intervention consistently benefit children with autism, caregivers must remain vigilant for early signs. If caregivers notice any early signs or missed developmental milestones, they should promptly discuss these with professionals for further evaluation.

Volunteering has the potential to be a transformative experience for children with autism, promoting their personal growth, skill development, and social inclusion. By identifying suitable opportunities and providing necessary support and accommodations, society can empower children with autism to make meaningful contributions to their communities. It is essential to recognise that every child with autism is unique, and tailoring volunteer experiences to their individual needs and interests is key to fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

How Can Children with Autism Volunteer? Children with autism, like all children, have unique strengths and abilities.Volunteering is a powerful means of community engagement, personal development, and social integration. While the benefits of volunteering are well-documented for individuals of all abilities, it is equally important to exp...