Waiting for a KKH or NUH Assessment? What to Do in the Meantime
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 you can do in the meantime.
Keep Your Appointment, Whatever Else You Do
Whatever other steps you take, hold on to your CDU slot. Public assessments are subsidised, and a CDU team can link you to government-funded programmes later. If your child's situation changes, such as losing words or skills they once had, contact your referring doctor. They can advise whether the referral should be reviewed.
Our step by step guide to getting an assessment in Singapore explains how the public and private routes work.
Start Keeping Simple Records
Your observations are valuable to the assessment team. Over the coming months, keep a simple record of:
Words, gestures and phrases your child uses
How they play, and with whom
Behaviours that worry you, and when they happen
Sleep, eating and toileting patterns
Any new skills, or skills that seem to have slipped
A notes app on your phone is enough. Jot things down weekly so you are not relying on memory when the day comes.
Take Short Videos
A child may behave very differently in a clinic than at home. Short phone videos of everyday moments, such as mealtimes, play, responding to their name, or a typical meltdown, give the team a real picture of your child.
Aim for clips of 30 seconds to 2 minutes, and label them with dates. Ask your helper, grandparents or preschool teacher to share what they see too.
Use Everyday Strategies at Home
You do not need a diagnosis to start helping your child. Simple things make a difference:
Follow your child's lead in play and talk about what they are doing
Build language into daily routines like bath time and meals
Offer choices so your child has reasons to communicate
Keep routines predictable and give warnings before changes
Limit background screen time and increase face to face play
Our practical guide to supporting your child at home goes into more detail.
Talk to Your Child's Preschool
Let your child's teachers know about your concerns and the upcoming assessment. They can share observations, adjust how they support your child in class, and may be able to complete questionnaires the assessment team sends. Ask for specific examples of what they notice, both strengths and challenges.
Consider a Private Assessment
Some families choose a private developmental assessment while keeping their place in the public queue. This can give earlier answers and a clear plan, though it is paid out of pocket. Our post on how much a developmental assessment costs in Singapore outlines what to expect.
A private developmental assessment can also help you decide what kind of support to start now. If you do get a report, our guide to reading and understanding an assessment report can help you make sense of it.
You Can Start Support Without a Diagnosis
Many parents assume therapy must wait for a diagnosis. It does not. Support can be based on your child's current skills and needs, and early help is valuable at any stage. Our post on whether you need a diagnosis before starting therapy explains this in more depth.
Starting early also means that by the time your CDU appointment arrives, you will have more information to share about how your child learns and responds.
Look After Yourself, Too
Waiting with uncertainty is tiring. Lean on your partner, family and friends, and connect with other parents who have been through the process. Taking practical steps often eases the feeling of being stuck.
At ABA LABS, we support families during the wait with developmental assessments and individualised, play-based early intervention, so your child can start making progress now. If you'd like to talk through your options, book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the wait for a KKH or NUH child development assessment?
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. If your child's situation changes, such as losing words or skills they once had, contact your referring doctor to ask whether the referral should be reviewed.
Should I get a private assessment if I am already on the public waitlist?
Some families choose a private developmental assessment while keeping their place in the public queue. It can give earlier answers and a clear plan, though it is paid out of pocket. Whatever you decide, hold on to your public appointment, as public assessments are subsidised and the team can link you to government-funded programmes later.
What can I do at home while waiting for my child's assessment?
Quite a lot. Follow your child's lead in play, build language into routines like bath time and meals, offer choices and keep routines predictable. Keep simple weekly notes and short phone videos of everyday moments to share with the assessment team. You do not need a diagnosis to start support, and ABA LABS can help during the wait.
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Sources
KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Child Development
National University Hospital. Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD (Children)
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