Myths and Facts about Children Who Require Early Intervention

You can always tell if a child has a learning/development difficulty.

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

Answer explanation

No.

Some signs and symptoms are more obvious (no eye contact, cannot express well, etc).

However, other signs may take time to observe ( trouble understanding instructions, memory difficulties, etc).

In Singapore, there has been a 25% increase in the number of children diagnosed with developmental delays between 2017-2021.

• It's a myth!

• It's a fact!

• I am not so sure?

Answer explanation

More young children have been diagnosed with developmental delays, with new cases rising by about 25 per cent in the last five years and doubling since 2010.

Extracted from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/more-young-kids-diagnosed-with-developmental-delays-in-spore

A hyper active child has ADHD and an anti-social child is Autistic.

What do you think?

• True

• False

Children with learning/developmental needs ___ feel or express love.

Supporting children with developmental needs cost a lot of time and money.

• True!

• False!

• Maybe?

Answer explanation

Specialised intervention may be costly.

However, children who require early intervention, can benefit from simple forms of classroom support (example, positive reinforcement, clear rules, breakdown task into simpler steps, etc). These support strategies do not cost a cent :)

In your opinion, how do parents of kids with developmental needs feel?

Answer explanation

According to a study by KKH, 65% of parents of kids with development needs require professional mental health support.

“It took a lot of talking and rapport building to help parents understand that looking after their own well-being was a way to look after their child,” Prof Mary Daniel said.

Extracted from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/65-of-parents-of-kids-with-development-needs-require-professional-mental-health-support-study

All children with developmental needs must attend special educational programmes/special school.

• True

• False

• It really depends

Answer explanation

For referral to any early intervention programme/school, a formal assessment must be conducted to determine the child's areas and severity of needs.

With inclusion as the national directive, there are more pathways than before. For instance, a child who progress well in EIPIC may be recommended for DS-Plus programme to support child's integration in preschool.