SAFE (Support Autism through Family Empowerment)

Partner(s)

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)

When a child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), parents need information and support to understand their child's behaviour, manage and meet their needs, and teach them new skills.

The SAFE programme aimed to build capabilities in the homes of children with ASD aged 2 to 4. Backed by a KKH multi-disciplinary team comprising a paediatrician, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, social workers and case workers, it helped families provide a safe and conducive home environment to support the development of their child. A member of the team served as a Family Support Facilitator and made regular visits to homes to work with parents.

Under the programme, parents were also equipped with knowledge and taught skills to manage their children's daily home routines, and engaged in drawing up Individual Family Support Plans with specific goals for them.