When her toddler did not meet her gaze and lacked interest in playing with other children of his age, Dr Sung Min got anxious. Seeing her son miss milestones, Dr Sung, a senior consultant at the Department of Developmental Psychiatry at Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH), panicked.
When he was eventually diagnosed with autism, the child psychiatrist was relieved – and grieved. The gaps in understanding of the condition then also caused confusion and undue stress to her as a parent.
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder. It affects how a person interacts with others, in terms of how communicate, learn, and behave in different settings and environments.
Through her own experience with her son, Dr Sung, with a team of three, established autism services at IMH in 2006.
The 56-year-old has since been involved in several research projects, including the effects of cognitive behaviour therapy on anxiety in children with ASD in 2011, a study on omega-3 fatty acids in the management of ASD in 2015, a study on coping and well-being in parents of children with ASD, also in 2015 and one on supporting individuals with ASD in medical settings during the pandemic, in 2020.
For most parents of children with ASD, their initial reaction is, “What is wrong with my child?” and upon diagnosis, “I wish I knew this diagnosis earlier.”
Dr Sung said: “I went through the grief process of coping with the acceptance of a child with special needs.”
She admitted that the process was humbling and it took years for her to come to terms with her son’s diagnosis. “I had unrealistic expectations of him in his younger years, which led to difficulties with him coping and resulting in challenging behaviour.”
When her now 29-year-old son, Hui Tian You, was growing up, he struggled with the demands of school and acted out.
The teenage years were particularly tough as her son had trouble regulating his emotions daily. “My husband and I, including his teachers, focused mainly on managing his emotional and behavioural issues.”
It was only after attending a day activity centre in his late teens and adult years that he became more settled. The family switched him from an academic focus to one with a more functional, vocational and leisure-based curriculum.
Tian You now has lessons with special needs teachers for functional learning. He is at the centre from 10am to 3.30pm, and does daily activities such as cooking, baking, laundry, even area cleaning.
He also enjoys a range of sports, such as swimming, pickleball, gym, rollerblading, and hiking. He even attends a church which caters to those with special needs.
Dr Sung oversees autism services at IMH and her team’s research focus is on the mental health of young persons with autism.
She attributes her journey to establishing autism services at IMH to her son. “I hoped to create a resource and avenue of support for other parents and children navigating the challenges of autism, and offering them the support and guidance I once sought.
“Autism is a lifelong diagnosis and I deeply empathise with the desire of many parents like myself to explore novel treatment options when traditional ones are limited,” Dr Sung said.
After her son was diagnosed with autism, Dr Sung Min wanted to create resources and support for other families navigating the challenges of the condition. (Photo: Dr Sung Min)
Her personal understanding is the driving force behind her commitment to finding innovative but safe and ethical ways to manage autism.
She told CNA Women that her work has expanded over the years into a comprehensive multi-disciplinary programme that seeks to empower families on their journey with autism.
Dr Sung also ensures that clinicians in the department stay ahead of the latest research and developments so that they, in turn, can provide informed guidance to families.
When her son was young, medical advancement did not have the tools for her to accurately diagnose his condition earlier. Dr Sung sought to use what she knew, both as a parent and as a medical professional, to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and lived experience.
Dr Sung Min (centre) with her husband and son. (Photo: Dr Sung Min)
Her current research project is the Building Resilience and Intervention (BRAVE) study, which is part of a 10-year project by IMH to support and track the development of youth mental health. The study focuses on screening and diagnosis for ASD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.
Participants will be screened for these issues and invited to undergo a comprehensive assessment to establish the diagnosis. They will be assessed on their social communication skills, evaluating attention and activity levels for ADHD and measuring their focus or activity, and also understanding their emotional well-being, determining signs of anxiety or depression.
Thereafter, participants who have signs of mental health conditions will receive recommendations for early intervention.
This phase of the BRAVE study will reach out to a random selection of 40,000 Singapore citizens and permanent residents born between 2007 and 2016 but also invites interested parents with children to participate. Find out more and register here.
Because there is no real cure for autism, Dr Sung firmly believes that research will further advance the diagnosis, the treatment of and support for families of children with autism.
If you are a parent of a child or know one with autism spectrum disorder, here’s where you can find support:
Clinical Care
Community Care
Since her son’s diagnosis when he was a child, research into autism has advanced remarkably. According to Dr Sung, on an international level, studies on brain processes, genetics and phenotyping (or observable characteristics), and improvements in diagnosis and intervention have made tremendous progress.
“Research allows us to know what works, how it works and for whom it works before we can recommend any intervention or support to those with autism and their family members or caregivers,” she said.
One of the earliest studies which Dr Sung was involved in investigated the effects of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for anxiety in children with high-functioning autism.
It found that after 16 sessions of 90-minute CBT, where the children learned problem-solving skills and relaxation procedures through role-playing, behavioural rehearsals and group discussions, they reported lower levels of anxiety.
The Institute of Mental Health’s Child Guidance Clinic developed a toolkit with strategies for therapists to manage anxiety in young people with autism. (Photo: Institute of Mental Health)
This study culminated in real-life use at IMH’s Child Guidance Clinic where therapists employ these autism-friendly strategies to manage anxiety in children and teens with ASD. It has even been made into a toolkit, Dealing with Feelings.
Dr Sung said more research is needed in understanding autism in adults and the outcomes of individuals with autism.
“Sometimes, we focus a lot of research on autism in younger children but forget that these children will grow up and continue to require support and help as they grow older and reach adulthood.
“Hence, we need to better understand these trajectories and learn how and what to do in those areas.”
Because of its wide-ranging symptoms and varying causes to each individual, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for autism. Dr Sung’s advice for anyone who has an autism diagnosis or is a family member of one, is this: Acceptance and appreciation.
Dr Sung Min with her multidisciplinary team from the Department of Developmental Psychiatry, commemorating World Autism Day. (Photo: Institute of Mental Health)
“It took me a long time to understand that my son is a unique individual with his own choices, that I have to understand, accept and adjust to,” Dr Sung, who has an older daughter, said.
“My husband and I have learned to be patient with him, while giving him his own time and space, and also to rejoice in his victories.”
Just like her personal journey, she hopes that others may find strength in the community. She believes that more research and awareness of autism helps those with ASD and their families. At the same time, a better understanding of autism benefits the community in general.
To persons with autism, she said: “You are unique and you are able. Our worlds may appear different and it may be hard to form a connection.
“In time, with more patience, acceptance and understanding, you will find your niche and you can play a big part in sharing your experience for others to learn more about you."
CNA Women is a section on CNA Lifestyle that seeks to inform, empower and inspire the modern woman. If you have women-related news, issues and ideas to share with us, email CNAWomen [at] mediacorp.com.sg.
Continue reading...
When he was eventually diagnosed with autism, the child psychiatrist was relieved – and grieved. The gaps in understanding of the condition then also caused confusion and undue stress to her as a parent.
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder. It affects how a person interacts with others, in terms of how communicate, learn, and behave in different settings and environments.
Through her own experience with her son, Dr Sung, with a team of three, established autism services at IMH in 2006.
The 56-year-old has since been involved in several research projects, including the effects of cognitive behaviour therapy on anxiety in children with ASD in 2011, a study on omega-3 fatty acids in the management of ASD in 2015, a study on coping and well-being in parents of children with ASD, also in 2015 and one on supporting individuals with ASD in medical settings during the pandemic, in 2020.
UNDERSTANDING AUTISM IN THE EARLY DAYS
For most parents of children with ASD, their initial reaction is, “What is wrong with my child?” and upon diagnosis, “I wish I knew this diagnosis earlier.”
Dr Sung said: “I went through the grief process of coping with the acceptance of a child with special needs.”
She admitted that the process was humbling and it took years for her to come to terms with her son’s diagnosis. “I had unrealistic expectations of him in his younger years, which led to difficulties with him coping and resulting in challenging behaviour.”
When her now 29-year-old son, Hui Tian You, was growing up, he struggled with the demands of school and acted out.
The teenage years were particularly tough as her son had trouble regulating his emotions daily. “My husband and I, including his teachers, focused mainly on managing his emotional and behavioural issues.”
It was only after attending a day activity centre in his late teens and adult years that he became more settled. The family switched him from an academic focus to one with a more functional, vocational and leisure-based curriculum.
Tian You now has lessons with special needs teachers for functional learning. He is at the centre from 10am to 3.30pm, and does daily activities such as cooking, baking, laundry, even area cleaning.
He also enjoys a range of sports, such as swimming, pickleball, gym, rollerblading, and hiking. He even attends a church which caters to those with special needs.
A MOTHER’S INSIGHT
Dr Sung oversees autism services at IMH and her team’s research focus is on the mental health of young persons with autism.
She attributes her journey to establishing autism services at IMH to her son. “I hoped to create a resource and avenue of support for other parents and children navigating the challenges of autism, and offering them the support and guidance I once sought.
“Autism is a lifelong diagnosis and I deeply empathise with the desire of many parents like myself to explore novel treatment options when traditional ones are limited,” Dr Sung said.
After her son was diagnosed with autism, Dr Sung Min wanted to create resources and support for other families navigating the challenges of the condition. (Photo: Dr Sung Min)
Her personal understanding is the driving force behind her commitment to finding innovative but safe and ethical ways to manage autism.
She told CNA Women that her work has expanded over the years into a comprehensive multi-disciplinary programme that seeks to empower families on their journey with autism.
Dr Sung also ensures that clinicians in the department stay ahead of the latest research and developments so that they, in turn, can provide informed guidance to families.
BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH RESEARCH, ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS
When her son was young, medical advancement did not have the tools for her to accurately diagnose his condition earlier. Dr Sung sought to use what she knew, both as a parent and as a medical professional, to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and lived experience.
Dr Sung Min (centre) with her husband and son. (Photo: Dr Sung Min)
Her current research project is the Building Resilience and Intervention (BRAVE) study, which is part of a 10-year project by IMH to support and track the development of youth mental health. The study focuses on screening and diagnosis for ASD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.
Participants will be screened for these issues and invited to undergo a comprehensive assessment to establish the diagnosis. They will be assessed on their social communication skills, evaluating attention and activity levels for ADHD and measuring their focus or activity, and also understanding their emotional well-being, determining signs of anxiety or depression.
Thereafter, participants who have signs of mental health conditions will receive recommendations for early intervention.
This phase of the BRAVE study will reach out to a random selection of 40,000 Singapore citizens and permanent residents born between 2007 and 2016 but also invites interested parents with children to participate. Find out more and register here.
Because there is no real cure for autism, Dr Sung firmly believes that research will further advance the diagnosis, the treatment of and support for families of children with autism.
WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT FOR AUTISM IN SINGAPORE
If you are a parent of a child or know one with autism spectrum disorder, here’s where you can find support:
Clinical Care
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital: Department of Child Development
- National University Hospital: Developmental & Behavioural Paediatrics
- Institute of Mental Health: Child Guidance Clinic
Community Care
- The Autism Resource Centre (Singapore): Empowering Persons on the Autism Spectrum
THE FUTURE OF AUTISM RESEARCH
Since her son’s diagnosis when he was a child, research into autism has advanced remarkably. According to Dr Sung, on an international level, studies on brain processes, genetics and phenotyping (or observable characteristics), and improvements in diagnosis and intervention have made tremendous progress.
“Research allows us to know what works, how it works and for whom it works before we can recommend any intervention or support to those with autism and their family members or caregivers,” she said.
One of the earliest studies which Dr Sung was involved in investigated the effects of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for anxiety in children with high-functioning autism.
It found that after 16 sessions of 90-minute CBT, where the children learned problem-solving skills and relaxation procedures through role-playing, behavioural rehearsals and group discussions, they reported lower levels of anxiety.
The Institute of Mental Health’s Child Guidance Clinic developed a toolkit with strategies for therapists to manage anxiety in young people with autism. (Photo: Institute of Mental Health)
This study culminated in real-life use at IMH’s Child Guidance Clinic where therapists employ these autism-friendly strategies to manage anxiety in children and teens with ASD. It has even been made into a toolkit, Dealing with Feelings.
Dr Sung said more research is needed in understanding autism in adults and the outcomes of individuals with autism.
“Sometimes, we focus a lot of research on autism in younger children but forget that these children will grow up and continue to require support and help as they grow older and reach adulthood.
“Hence, we need to better understand these trajectories and learn how and what to do in those areas.”
APPRECIATING AUTISM
Because of its wide-ranging symptoms and varying causes to each individual, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for autism. Dr Sung’s advice for anyone who has an autism diagnosis or is a family member of one, is this: Acceptance and appreciation.
Dr Sung Min with her multidisciplinary team from the Department of Developmental Psychiatry, commemorating World Autism Day. (Photo: Institute of Mental Health)
“It took me a long time to understand that my son is a unique individual with his own choices, that I have to understand, accept and adjust to,” Dr Sung, who has an older daughter, said.
“My husband and I have learned to be patient with him, while giving him his own time and space, and also to rejoice in his victories.”
Just like her personal journey, she hopes that others may find strength in the community. She believes that more research and awareness of autism helps those with ASD and their families. At the same time, a better understanding of autism benefits the community in general.
To persons with autism, she said: “You are unique and you are able. Our worlds may appear different and it may be hard to form a connection.
“In time, with more patience, acceptance and understanding, you will find your niche and you can play a big part in sharing your experience for others to learn more about you."
CNA Women is a section on CNA Lifestyle that seeks to inform, empower and inspire the modern woman. If you have women-related news, issues and ideas to share with us, email CNAWomen [at] mediacorp.com.sg.
Continue reading...