Introduction

SINGAPORE – The haunting question, 'What will happen to my child when I die?' permeates the minds of many parents with autistic children.

This concern is a daily struggle for Ms. Sun Meilan, a dedicated mother of an 18-year-old son with autism, who samples the stress of balancing caregiving with the urgent need to plan for the future.

"Families like mine often grapple with uncertainty," she expresses. "With insufficient adult services and limited support, we find ourselves feeling trapped."

The Launch of the Guide

In an exciting development for caregivers, Autism Network Singapore (ANS) is set to launch an online resource titled 'Life After Death' by the end of 2025.

This pioneering guide aims to assist parents in navigating their child's future post their demise.

Content of the Guide

The comprehensive guide will cover crucial topics, including financial planning, healthcare solutions, housing arrangements, and various caregiving options.

Crafted by a passionate team of parents, caregivers, autism professionals, and volunteers, it will serve as a vital resource for families confronting these uncertainties.

Practical Tools Included

Notably, the guide will provide practical tools such as customizable templates for documenting financial matters—bank accounts, life insurance policies, and trust accounts—all in their child’s name.

Additionally, it encourages caregivers to establish critical legal frameworks, including wills, CPF nominations, and lasting power of attorney, ensuring a seamless transition for future caregivers.

Community Involvement

To ensure the guide meets the needs of the community, draft versions have undergone reviews and testing with over 20 parents during dedicated workshops led by experts in the fields of law and finance.

Workshops and Collaboration

The Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), a key collaborator in this effort, is preparing to conduct workshops mid-2025 aimed at familiarizing caregivers with the guide’s content.

Interested individuals can find more information at www.autism.org.sg/forms/lad-workshop-2025.

Leadership and Vision

At the helm of this initiative is Ms. Denise Phua, president of the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) and chairwoman of Autism Association (Singapore).

She expresses her vision for the guide, stating that it is designed to empower families to start planning for their children's futures actively.

Community Support

"This is a rallying call for families, professionals, and the community to join forces in ensuring that individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive and lead fulfilling lives even after their caregivers are gone," shares Ms. Phua, who also serves as the mayor of the Central Singapore District.

Importance of the Guide

The guide is a crucial recommendation stemming from the Autism Enabling Masterplan initiated in 2021, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to addressing the needs of individuals with autism.

"The guide specifically addresses the long-term welfare of individuals with autism," Ms. Phua notes, emphasizing the necessity for targeted measures for distinct disability groups.

Call for Support

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Bernard Chew, chief executive of St Andrew’s Autism Centre, highlights the shared societal obligation to support caregivers, stating, "We must acknowledge and ease their often unspoken burdens through respite care, emotional support, and long-term planning."

He calls for greater workplace flexibility and enhanced understanding from society.

Parental Perspectives

Moreover, many parents, like Mr. Ho Wan Weng, who has a 26-year-old son with autism, find the initial stages of planning daunting.

"It's a monumental question—where do you even begin?" reflects Mr. Ho, a retired specialist in green roofs.

However, he emphasizes that the forthcoming guide will break down complex issues into manageable sections, helping caregivers feel less overwhelmed and fearful about the future.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for this innovative resource, the hope is that it will provide clarity and support for families, paving the way for a brighter future for their children with autism.

Don't miss out on this transformative tool that could change the landscape of caregiving!