Sook Wah Chew

Autism Parenting Tips: The Benefits of Regular Exercise at Home

Written by Sook Wah Chew on March 25, 2025. Posted in Tips for Parents.

Managing autism at home, especially for children with Level 2 and 3 autism, can be challenging. Parents often navigate difficulties related to communication, sleep disturbances, emotional regulation, attention deficits, and sensory-seeking behaviors such as climbing, water play, or biting objects. One effective strategy that has shown promising results in helping autism is incorporating regular exercise into daily routines. The Impact of Regular Exercise Researches had shown that regular physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing motor skills, attention span, emotional regulation, and sleep quality for children on the autism spectrum. A consistent daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise can be highly beneficial. Beyond physical benefits, exercise helps establish structure, promotes compliance, and encourages social interactions. Overcoming Barriers to Exercise We understand that taking a child with autism outdoors for exercise can be challenging, especially...

The Importance of Early Autism Screening: Don’t Just “Wait and See”

Written by Sook Wah Chew on March 14, 2025. Posted in Event.

When it comes to your child’s development, waiting to see if any issues resolve on their own might not be the best approach—especially when it comes to autism. Early identification and intervention can significantly enhance your child’s developmental trajectory. In this article, we explore why proactive autism screening is crucial if you have concerns about your child, what common early signs of autism to look out for, and how you can take advantage of our FREE screening opportunity this April. Common Early Signs of Autism Being aware of the early signs of autism can help you decide whether a screening might be beneficial for your child. Some common early indicators include: Limited Eye Contact: Children may avoid or have reduced eye contact with parents or caregivers. Delayed Speech or Communication Difficulties: There might be delays in babbling, speaking, or responding to their name. Repetitive Behaviors: This includes repetitive motions like hand-flapping, rocking,...

Is Your Child with Autism Ready for School?

Written by Sook Wah Chew on February 16, 2025. Posted in Others, Tips for Parents.

Preparing a child with autism for school is a unique journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. Getting a child with autism ready for school isn’t as easy as it may seem. Many children on the autism spectrum experience difficulties with sensory processing, motor skills, speech, attention, and social interaction. These challenges mean that they often require extra support to learn and adapt to school environment, where independence, rule-following, focus, and self-directed learning are key. Understanding the Challenges of Autism in school For children with autism, everyday school routines can be overwhelming. They might struggle with: Sensory Issues: Over- or under-sensitivity to lights, sounds, or textures. Motor Skills: Difficulties with fine motor skills like writing or using scissors. Speech and Communication: Challenges with expressing needs or understanding instructions. Attention and Focus: Difficulty staying engaged in classroom activities. Social...

Why Early Diagnosis Is Important: Don’t Wait to Act on Developmental Concerns

Written by Sook Wah Chew on February 4, 2025. Posted in Others, Tips for Parents.

Many parents feel anxious when they notice their child isn’t reaching developmental milestones. They may wonder, “Am I overreacting? Should I wait and see if my child improves?” While some children do catch up on their own, many do not. Delaying a diagnosis can mean missing the crucial window for early intervention, making it harder to address developmental challenges later on. The Risks of “Wait and See” Every child develops at their own pace, but persistent delays in speech, social skills, motor skills, or behavior can signal underlying issues such as speech delays, GDD, autism, ADHD, or other developmental conditions. The most significant risk of waiting is missing the golden period for brain development—especially before age five—when early intervention is most effective. Therapies like early intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral intervention work best in early childhood. Children who receive timely support are more likely to...

A Typical 3-Hour Autism Therapy Session at Kidz Steps Centre

Written by Sook Wah Chew on January 13, 2025. Posted in Early Intervention Program.

Children with autism often require more attention and support to develop essential skills. Many of them face challenges with attention and sensory processing, making one-to-one therapy a more effective approach than group learning. Here, we outline a typical 3-hour autism therapy session for a 4-year-old boy with autism at our center, designed to support both independence and skill development. 3-hours Session Structure Arrival and Check-In Routine The autism therapy session begins with a structured arrival routine to build independence and readiness for school. Upon arrival, the child: Takes off their shoes and places them on the rack. Says goodbye to their parents and greets the therapist. Sanitizes their hands. Puts down their bag. Uses the toilet. Most of our students quickly adapt to this routine and can follow it independently. These steps are crucial for developing self-help skills, building confidence in daily tasks and school readiness. Physical...

Inside an EIP Centre: A Look at Early Intervention Programs

Written by Sook Wah Chew on December 29, 2024. Posted in About Us, Early Intervention Program.

What is an Early Intervention Program (EIP)? Parenting is a journey full of surprises, joys, and challenges. For some parents, this journey includes navigating developmental delays or special needs. In such cases, Early Intervention Programs (EIP) can be a lifeline for children and their families. But what exactly is an EIP, and how can EIP centre help your child? Let’s explore. Understanding Early Intervention Programs An Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a structured support system designed to address developmental delays or challenges in young children, typically between the ages of birth to six years. These programs aim to identify and tackle issues early, during the critical stages of a child’s brain development. Research has shown that early intervention can significantly improve a child’s long-term developmental outcomes, equipping them with essential skills to navigate life with greater independence and confidence. How Does an EIP Session Look Like in Our...

Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Early Intervention at Kidz Steps Centre

Written by Sook Wah Chew on December 22, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Tips for Parents.

What is an Early Intervention Program (EIP)? Early Intervention Program refers to identifying and providing effective support to young children who are at risk of developmental delays. These programs are designed to address developmental challenges in their early stages, ensuring children receive timely and targeted support to enhance their overall growth and development. Who Do We Help? At Kidz Steps Centre, our Early Intervention Program is designed for children aged 2 to 6 who have, or are at risk for, developmental delays. This includes challenges in areas such as: Speech and language development Fine and gross motor skills Emotional and behavioral regulation Social and interaction skills Cognitive and learning abilities We also assist families in understanding their child’s unique developmental needs and provide strategies to support them at home and in everyday life. Learn more about developmental delays here. Why Early Intervention Program...

Jump-Start Program for Young Children with Delays

Written by Sook Wah Chew on December 15, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Others, Tips for Parents.

Our Jump-Start Program is an intensive and short-term one-to-one early intervention program for children. It is tailored for young children under the age of 4 who show signs of developmental delays in the areas of speech, social & play, self-help, or motor skills. It is also designed for families seeking to address these areas effectively within a short period. This program is designed to accelerate children’s skills and help them achieve developmental goals that might otherwise take months to reach. It offers a unique opportunity for families to make significant progress in a condensed timeframe (6 – 12 months). With support from our child psychologists and therapists, we identify critical learning areas, assess challenges, and provide intensive, targeted support to address these concerns. Key Features of the Jump-Start Program: Intensity: 3-4 sessions per week to ensure consistent progress. Duration: Short-term intervention lasting 6 to 12 months. Focus Areas:...

Author: Sook Wah Chew