Caregiver Resources
Find guides, tools, and support to help you care for a loved one with autism, covering finances, education, self-care, and more.
*ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder); ID (Intellectual Disability); PD (Physical Disability); MD (Multiple Disabilities)
Families and caregivers of persons with autism may find the following resources useful.
General
General caregiver resources for individuals with disabilities and autism.
Resource | Content |
Handbook on Caring for Individuals with Autism (opens in new tab) | A guidebook developed by the Neurobehavioral Clinic - Autism Services, under the Child Guidance Clinic, Institute of Mental Health. This resource is for caregivers, to increase an understanding on Autism, communication, emotional regulation and support. |
Academy of Medicine, Singapore. (2023). 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline on Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children And Adolescents: Lay version. (opens in new tab) Academy of Medicine, Singapore. | Adapted from the 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents, this guide has been written primarily for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. The 2023 guidelines have also been expanded to include older children and adolescents, with new/expanded topics on co-occurring conditions, education and transition, follow-up and prognosis, and professional training. |
This resource is tailored for caregivers, offering strategies, tips, and services for empowering caregivers of individuals with disabilities. | |
SG Enable provides resources for youths with disabilities, including special student care centers, and guidance on financial and employment support. | |
A handbook for parents with young children that includes the definition of rare diseases. | |
This booklet was specially curated for caregivers of individuals with physical disability. Topics covered include financial planning, tips for caregiving, self-care, and the resources available for caregivers and their families. |
Self-Care & Burnout
Often, caregivers of individuals with ASD may prioritise the needs of those they care for over their own well-being. It is important for caregivers to take care for themselves to avoid burn out and ensure that they have the capacity to care for others.
Meditation
Get proper sleep
Be active
Eat a well-balanced diet
Engage in an activity you enjoy
Set aside "me-time" to rest and relax
Stay connected to your loved ones
Reach out for support
Self-care and burnout resources for caregivers.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
The Agency for Integrated Care's (AIC) informative booklet that provides insights on topics such as caregiver’s feelings, stressors, as well as the tips and resources they may refer to. | |
Singapore Silver Pages' informative booklet for caregivers that addresses feelings, self-care, and other resources. | |
Tan Tock Seng Hospital's self-care tips and videos for caregivers that can be done at home. | |
National Association of School Psychologist (Self-Care Tips) (opens in new tab) | The National Association of School Psychologist (NASP) provides an article about caregiving burnout, as well as self-care tips that families and/or educators may tap on. |
Financial Resources
Financial assistance resources for caregivers.
Resources | Content |
|---|---|
A government platform offering information on various financial assistance schemes, including support for families with special needs children. | |
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) provides information on financial incentives and support for Singaporean families to assist with the cost of raising children. | |
The Special Needs Trust Company's FCP is a 5-minute online care plan generator that provides an estimate of one’s finances based on their future care arrangement and the income level of the family. | |
The Special Needs Trust Company's SNSS provides the following:
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Educational Resources
Educational resources for students with special needs.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
The Ministry of Education (MOE) offers information about educational pathways, special education (SPED) schools, and support for students with special educational needs. |
Caregivers Training
Caregivers Training Grant eligibility and subsidy details.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
Information on Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) (opens in new tab) | The Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) is a $200 annual subsidy for caregiving-related courses. Eligibility Criteria:
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Lived Experience
Resources on lived experiences by individuals with ASD and caregivers.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
A blog that was set up by an art therapist whose eldest child has ASD. | |
A website that was started by Eric, an individual with ASD. Besides sharing about the available resources and services, Eric also writes articles on topics such as adulting, inner growth, and caregiving. |
Communities on Social Media
SGCaregivers social media communities and descriptions.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
SGCaregivers Community: Telegram Group Chat (opens in new tab) | A Telegram group chat that provides space for caregivers to provide mutual support and share information of the resources available. |
A Telegram channel that shares information every Monday, about current events for all caregivers in Singapore. |
Exercises
Exercise and workout video resources for caregivers.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
A playlist of inclusive sport fitness videos that was curated by ActiveSG. | |
A compilation of workout videos that families can do at home, curated by Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). |
Skills Training Workshop Guide
Guides on Day Activity Centres and Sheltered Workshops.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
This resource by the Enabling Guide provides:
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This resource by the Enabling Guide provides:
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Healthcare Services
Directory for healthcare services.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
This resource by Enabling Guide allows you to locate medical or dental services.
The list should be filtered for Medical and Dental services now. Other types of disability services can be selected for other needs e.g. Intervention and Therapy. |
Adulthood Transition Planning
Resource on planning for adulthood transition.
Adulthood Transition Planning | Adulthood Transition Resource for Autism PDF (opens in new tab) This is a resource sheet specially prepared to help individuals with autism and their caregivers to better plan and prepare for the transition to adulthood. |
Others
Miscellaneous resources for caregivers.
Resource | Content |
|---|---|
Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education classroom. | |
Blogpost by a charity that seeks to empower underprivileged women and their families. | |
Dear Doctor by the Lien Foundation is a four-part online video series which aims to empower caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. | |
Information on Assisted Deputyship Application Programmes (ADAP) (opens in new tab) | The Enabling Guide provides information on the application for deputyship. Eligibility Criteria:
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The Digital for Life movement aims to galvanise the community to help citizens of all ages and walks of life embrace digital as a shared platform and equal opportunity enabler. It also provides a variety of resources designed to enhance digital literacy and responsible media consumption. | |
TAB is a short-term/temporary home-based respite programme that provides caregivers temporary relief from their caregiving duties. | |
A community collaboration by Superhero Me and Lien Foundation that aims to raise awareness of inclusion through talks and workshops on Facebook Live and Zoom. | |
A series of VR YouTube videos for caregivers to see how their loved ones experience the world. Caregivers can also teach life skills in settings such as the:
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