I URGE society to examine the challenging circumstances faced by the families of children with special needs.
Parents of such children, unlike those whose children would otherwise grow up and become independent one day, cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This is especially so for children with low-functioning autism, intellectual disability and rare diseases.
Family members will find their lives affected by the amount of care and expenses required by these children.
Such families are often left to fend for themselves. Educational options for these children are costly and limited. Even worse, the children face bleak and uncertain futures as most special education schools run programmes for students only up to the age of 18.
Sometimes, people make hurtful remarks or give disapproving stares when they encounter unusual behaviour from children with special needs. This causes indescribable pain for the parents.
I appeal to the Government and Singaporeans to heed the cry for help by these families.
We must ask ourselves how we, as an affluent country, can better provide for this community.
Swee Bee Lan (Ms)
*Letter first appeared on ST Forums (Sept 18)