Early Intervention Programme

• Background

  Research has shown that intensive teaching at an early age is crucial for children with autism. Children who fail to develop speech prior to age 5 have poor prognosis. However, the average waiting period for a child with autism to be admitted to available programmes in Singapore is 2 years. Usually, by the time the child is admitted into such a programme, he/she would be 6 years old. In order to allow intervention to be made as early as possible, the Autism Association (Singapore) developed its Early Intervention Programme (EIP) for children aged 2-6 so that a better development of the child's potential is made possible.

• Programme Objectives, Structure & Content

  The Early Intervention Programme is a short-term support programme which aims at equipping parents with basic knowledge and skills in coping with and teaching their children with autism. The programme lasts for a continuous period of 20 weeks that includes intensive one-to-one centre- based teaching, home-based teaching and group teaching sessions. Each child, together with his/her parent(s) or caregiver(s), will attend the programme 2 times weekly.

During the twice weekly visit, one hour will be spent on intensive one-to-one teaching while the other another half an hour is a play group session. Lessons and activities are designed to develop the following skills in a child:

• Language & Communication
• Relational & Behavioural
• Perceptual & Cognitive
• Gross & Fine Motor
• Self-Help
• Play & Integration

Individualized learning goals are set. Structured and behavioural teaching techniques are used. Parents or caregivers are required to attend the sessions so that generalisation and continuity of structured learning can take place at home.

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