Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS You have finally been referred to the Child Development Unit at KKH or NUH, and then you see the appointment date. For many families in Singapore, the wait for a first appointment can range from weeks to months depending on the referral and how urgent the concerns are. For a parent who is already worried, that can feel like an eternity. The good news is that the waiting time does not have to be wasted. Here is what

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS You call your child's name from across the room, then again, a little louder. Nothing. They keep playing as if they did not hear you, yet a moment later they come running at the sound of a favourite song or the fridge opening. It is one of the most common worries parents bring to us, and it is a fair one to notice. Here is what not responding to a name can mean, what to check, and how to help. When Do Children Usua

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS If you're worried about your child's development, one of the first practical questions is: how much will an assessment cost, and how long will it take? In Singapore, the answer depends mostly on which route you take: public or private. Here's what to expect from each, so you can choose what's right for your family. What a Developmental Assessment Involves A developmental assessment looks at how your child is doing

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When a child is struggling with attention, behaviour, or social situations, parents often start searching, and quickly run into two terms that seem to describe their child in different ways on different days: autism and ADHD. To complicate things further, the two share real overlap, can look like one another, and often occur together. “Could it be both? How do I even tell?” This post explains what each involves, wh

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS You've been through the assessment, waited for the write-up, and now you're holding a document full of scores, percentiles and clinical terms. For many parents, the report itself is more confusing than the assessment was. “What does any of this actually mean for my child?” This guide demystifies the typical developmental or psychological report so you can read it with understanding rather than anxiety. Start With t

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When parents notice that their child is struggling, they often feel caught in a waiting game. An assessment may be months away, and a common assumption follows: “We can't do anything until we have a diagnosis.” This belief is understandable, but it can cost valuable time. In reality, support can often begin well before a diagnosis is confirmed. A Diagnosis Describes; It Doesn't Unlock A diagnosis is useful. It can

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When parents first suspect that their child may be developing differently, one of the most pressing questions is a practical one: “How do I actually get my child assessed?” The process can feel confusing, and many parents are unsure where to begin. This guide walks through the assessment pathway in Singapore so you can take the next step with clarity. If you've only just started noticing things, our post on what to

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Learn common autism signs that may appear around age two, including differences in communication, social interaction, and play behaviour. Autism Signs at Age 2: Developmental Differences Parents May Notice Around the age of two, many children experience rapid development in communication, play, and social interaction. Parents may notice their child beginning to use more words, imitate actions, and interact more wi

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Learn the common autism signs that may appear around age three, including communication, social interaction, and play differences parents may observe. Autism Signs at Age 3: Developmental Differences Parents May Notice By the age of three, many children have developed stronger communication, social interaction, and play skills. Parents may notice their child talking more, engaging in pretend play, and interacting

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Introduction Many parents become concerned when their child is not speaking as expected. One of the most common questions is whether the delay is simply a speech delay or a sign of something more, such as autism. While both speech delay and autism can affect a child’s communication, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help parents make informed decisions about when to seek support. Early identi

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Introduction Many parents begin to notice small differences in their child’s development during the toddler years. These differences may relate to speech, behaviour, social interaction, or how their child responds to the world around them. It can be difficult to know what is part of typical development and what may be an early sign of autism. Understanding the signs of autism in toddlers can help parents make infor