National University of Singapore, Singapore.
UCL Institute of Education, UK.
Autism. 2021 Nov;25(8):2279-2290. doi: 10.1177/13623613211016112. Epub 2021 May 28.
Because autism is a lifelong and complex condition, autistic people may need a range of supports cutting across different sectors (e.g. health, education and social care) at different stages of their lives. Studies in some countries have shown that autistic people and their families face difficulties accessing the services they need, but no research has been done on this topic in Singapore. To start addressing this gap, we interviewed 21 service providers, autistic adults and caregivers/parents of autistic children to find out their perceptions and experiences of autism services and supports in Singapore. Our participants told us that beyond improving access to autism-specific services, they also hoped to see more flexible supports in an inclusive environment and a broader change in societal attitudes. This study highlights that autism service provision should be informed by autistic voices and not only focus on impairment but also recognise the strengths of autistic people alongside their very real needs. The whole of society - including policymakers, professionals, employers, educators, families and autistic people themselves - needs to work together to fight autism stigma and discrimination.
由于自闭症是一种终身且复杂的状况，自闭症患者在其人生的不同阶段可能需要跨越不同领域（例如医疗、教育和社会关怀）的一系列支持。一些国家的研究表明，自闭症患者及其家庭在获取所需服务方面面临困难，但新加坡尚未针对这一课题开展研究。为了着手解决这一空白，我们采访了 21 名服务提供者、自闭症成年人以及自闭症儿童的照顾者/家长，以了解他们对新加坡自闭症服务和支持的看法和经验。我们的参与者告诉我们，除了改善对自闭症特定服务的获取之外，他们还希望在包容的环境中看到更灵活的支持，以及社会态度的更广泛转变。这项研究强调，自闭症服务的提供应该以自闭症患者的声音为依据，不仅要关注障碍，还要认识到自闭症患者的优势，同时满足他们的真实需求。全社会——包括政策制定者、专业人士、雇主、教育工作者、家庭和自闭症患者本身——都需要共同努力，消除自闭症的污名和歧视。
