Parents of neurodivergent children seek formal training in Singapore

Parents of children with special educational needs in Singapore are increasingly enrolling in formal training programs to supplement their personal experiences with professional expertise.

Lisa Poh is pursuing a master's degree in special education at the National Institute of Education to better support her son, who has autism spectrum disorder. After moving back to Singapore from Canada to access more consistent therapy for her child, Poh decided to formalize her knowledge.

She plans to graduate at the end of 2026 and begin working as a teacher at a special education school in January 2027. The Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) Academy reports a rise in enrollment for its training programs, which cover topics such as behavior management and sensory experiences. A spokeswoman for the academy stated that overall enrollment grew by 20 percent over the last two years, while certificate courses saw a 25 percent increase.

These programs cater to adults who want to understand and support children with developmental needs. Other parents, such as Tina Tan, are also seeking academic credentials to validate their lived experiences. Tan, who supports a son with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, completed a master's degree in special educational needs in 2026. She now runs a social enterprise that provides practical advice to other families.

The Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) Learning Academy also reports steady demand for its training opportunities as awareness of autism grows.