Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS It can be hard to hear at a parent-teacher meeting: "He tends to keep to himself" or "She mostly watches the other children." You may picture your child alone at the edge of the playground while everyone else is laughing together. Sometimes this is simply part of growing up, and sometimes it points to skills that need a little support. Here is how to tell the difference, and what you can do to help. Play Develops i

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS If your child's preschool or school has suggested a shadow aide, one of your first questions is probably about cost. Shadow support is usually needed for several hours a week, often over months, so the numbers add up quickly. Prices also vary widely between providers, which can make it hard to know what is reasonable. Here is a plain guide to what parents in Singapore typically pay, and what you are paying for. Wha

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS The first day of school is a milestone for every family, and for a child with additional needs, and their parents, it can bring extra nerves. New environment, new people, new routines, new expectations, all at once. But with thoughtful preparation in the weeks beforehand, that first day can go far more smoothly. Here's a practical guide to getting your child (and yourself) ready. Start Preparing Early Don't leave p

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS One of the biggest leaps into formal schooling is the sheer amount of sitting and sustained attention it demands. A child who can't yet settle, stay seated, or attend to a task for more than a moment will find the school day genuinely hard, no matter how bright they are. The reassuring news is that attention and sitting tolerance are skills that can be built, gradually and deliberately, well before Primary One. Her

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Learn why some children find it difficult to follow classroom rules and how parents can support behaviour, attention, and participation in school settings. Why Some Children Struggle With Following Classroom Rules Many parents receive feedback from teachers saying something like: “Your child finds it difficult to follow classroom rules.” This may lead parents to wonder: “Why is my child struggling with classroom r

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Learn why some children struggle with attention in class and how parents can support focus, listening, and participation during learning activities. Why Some Children Struggle to Pay Attention in Class Many parents hear feedback from teachers such as: “Your child seems easily distracted during class.” This often leads parents to wonder: “Why does my child struggle to pay attention?” Attention is a developmental sk

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS If your child has additional needs and is attending, or about to attend, a mainstream school, you may have come across the term "school shadow" and wondered what it actually involves. School shadowing is one of the most practical supports available for helping a child succeed in a mainstream setting, yet it's not widely understood. This post explains what it is, how it works, and how to know whether your child woul

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS As Primary One approaches, a quiet worry settles over many parents: is my child actually ready? In Singapore, where the jump into formal schooling is a big one, that question carries real weight, especially for a child with developmental differences. Readiness, though, isn't about whether your child can read or count yet. It's about the foundational skills that let a child cope, learn and participate in a classroom

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS As a child with developmental needs approaches school age, one decision tends to weigh on parents more than any other: “Where should my child go to school?” In Singapore, the choice is not always simply mainstream versus special education, and understanding the options helps you make a decision that fits your child. We've also written more broadly about choosing the right school, which pairs well with this post. Ma