Media Event / Exclusive Awareness Blog : World Autism Awareness Month 2024 and Farm Tour

April is World Autism Awareness Month.

The campaign theme this year, "Partnering for Progress" aim to bring public awareness and to explore new partnerships from mainstream institutions such as, public agencies, employers, corporations and schools to create different channels of support for the autism community.

Autism Network Singapore (ANS) is an alliance of five social service agencies which serves over 5000 individuals from birth to adulthood. The Network provides vocational trainings and job coaching to support autistic individuals through different life stages in the community.

The 5 Supporting Agencies/ Partners : 

▪️ Autism Resource Centre (ARC)

▪️ Autism Association Singapore 

▪️ St Andrews Autism Centre 

▪️ AWWA

▪️ Rainbow Centre 

I was invited to the Media Briefing and a Farm Tour (BlueAcres) at St.Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) earlier...

    

The Farm Tour at SAAC

The roof top urban farm started as a vocational trainings for sustainable farming practices to engage autistic individuals with essential life skills to support their independence and to develop employment options. The Dignity of Work (DoW) programme introduce supported employments for job opportunities in urban farming, packing, baking, laundry, craftwork,etc.

    

Media Briefing & Highlights :

                   

                                          (The Network Team & Supporting Partners)

Ms Denise Phua, member of the Parliament and the Chairman of Autism Association Resource Centre (Singapore), Mr Bernard Chew, Chief Executive of SAAC and their supporting partners shared insightful perspectives and highlight the objectives of expanding range of services, support learning and working provisions for autistic adults to feel inclusive in the society. 

It's a great pleasure to meet Ms Denise Phua in person. She's such a warm and jovious lady! We had a nice conversation and took a private welfie after the event.:)

A Brief Interview with a Strong Mummy...

I interviewed Mummy Yen Peng who has an autistic child. She shared her story, struggles and challenges in the early stage of caregiving and now her 12yo is coping well in school and progressing on track. Yen Peng is a strong and optimistic mum, I admire her strength and positive parenting.

If you need some advice and emotional support on coping with autistic children, you may email to Mummy Tan Yen Peng : yen77peng@gmail.com 

I came across many parents with autistic children, dealing with mental stress, meltdowns, social prejudice and exhaustion with minimal to no support. Some families feel lost and depressed when they don't know where to seek help and support.

 

It saddens me to see anyone struggling alone in silence. I hope with more publicity and social awareness, it will welcome new resources, assistance and support for the autistic/special needs community and their families.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive, neurodevelopmental condition that affects tens of millions.

Based on statistics, it is estimated that one in 150 children in Singapore is on the autism spectrum and the numbers are increasing globally. Through World Autism Awareness Day, it raises world's attention and encourage early diagnosis & intervention.

Everyone Is A Part Of The Society! :)

Personally, I believe in helping people in difficult times and I feel that everyone should be included in our society, regardless of health/medical conditions and no one should ever feel left out in the cold!

We can all do our part to help and support the autism/special needs community. Every contribution makes a difference and no effort is too little! 😉

 

Hence, a shout-out to all the volunteers at St Andrews and BlueAcres farm for their hard work and contributions. Please continue your amazing work and dedications! 💖

Thanks for the lovely treats and the farm tour!

Some fresh & organic vegetables from BlueAcres farm and the yummy Chocolates & Coffee cookies from Crunchy Teeth. Taste great, I love it! 😋

Public Awareness and Social Support .:

As a blogger and an active member in community service. I am honored to be a part of this meaningful campaign to raise public awareness and to interact with great, honourable people in this event.

 

I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt support to the Autism community in Singapore and to share the information with my blog readers.

 

With progressive support, networks and skills development trainings, many autistic individuals can lead a productive life and have promising future.

 

💡Did You Know?

 

 

There are some very well-known, high intelligence and successful people with autism. These elites have fulfilling lives, high status and outstanding careers today...and who knows that special child could be the next Elon Musk! 😎

"The World Needs All Kinds Of Minds." - Temple Grandin

*Remarks:

This media invitation is a campaign collaboration to raise public awareness and social support for the Autism community in Singapore - An Exclusive Awareness Blog By Author : Mandy Law (aka Mommywarrior77)

Prosperity Run 2024 - I got a finisher medal🏅

I love outdoor sports and I've always wanted to participate in marathon activities, charity run/walk events for ages...

But due to my busy schedule, mommy duties, other commitments and priorities, many plans were put on hold and maybe a little procrastinated at times.lol

But I am determined to fulfil one of my new year resolution and I signed up for the Prosperity Run 2024 in late February, held at the Singapore Sports Hub, National Stadium. I figure it's a great opportunity to challenge myself and to analyse my stamina & fitness.

Quite frankly, I wasn't sure if I could compete the 5km run, but I still choose to go ahead and just have fun! 😊

Flag off At Arena Park. 3,2,1,Go!

It was an early morning run, I reached the National Stadium about 7:20am. Feeling a little sleepy, but still very excited for the event.

After some warm up, safety briefing and around 8am, Mr MP and the organisers flagged off to start the run! Thank goodness the weather was great, it was a breezy day, no rain and not too sunny. A perfect day for morning runs and outdoor activities.(*Check out my video below)

    

Never Give Up, Never Back Down! 💪

 

Well, I'm not a professional athlete/runner and I rarely do long distance run, so 5km is somehow a big deal for me and quite a challenge, but since it's a fun run with no restrictions and no penalties. The participants can choose to jog or walk to complete the 5km run. With the lovely scenery and my favorite music to boost my morale, I keep going and every step is getting closer to the finishing point.:)

There were moments I really wanted to quit and so tempted to turn back when my legs were so tired and aching, but I pushed myself to continue and managed to complete the run within the time limit and received the finisher medal. (Looks pretty cool, right?)

A Day Well Spent! :)

Finallyyy, resting my 'jelly' feet,lol chilling and enjoying great performances.

                

It was a wholesome event filled with fun activities for family bonding during the festive time. There were stage performance, game booths, DIY fun crafts, lucky draw and I love watching lion & dragon dance.

Staying Active and Healthy! ❤️

 

Personally, I believe in staying active at any age. It doesn't matter how old you are...Health is the greatest possession! A healthy and active lifestyle is more fulfilling and it helps to maintain good physical health, general well-being and improve the quality of life. I enjoyed such events very much!

A Humble Achievement! ;)

  

This finisher medal marks a special accomplishment for me and it reminds me that everything is possible! I still remember back in high school and being on the chubby side,lol..I couldn't complete my 2.4km run during P.E, but amazingly, I completed a 5km course. Gosh, it was so unbelievable! 

As a parent, I believe in leading by example, to encourage my kids to build a strong, positive mentality and high resilience to face any challenges in life and don't give up easily. Children tends to watch what their parents do, rather than what they say, so if Mommy can do it, you can too! I hope I inspire my kids with this cool medal.😎

 

Life isn't always about winning everything or how fast you go, it's about the determination, the perseverance and the commitments for every tasks in life and I'm the type who will do my best to complete where I started!

It's a rewarding experience for me indeed. I met new friends at the event and I will definitely sign up more runs in the near future. (It's definitely a great work-out especially after all the Chinese new year feasting.😁)

Even if you failed a task, it's not the end of the world. Keep trying and eventually you will be better and stronger in every aspects.

Remember, the tortoise won the race in the end! As long as you do not quit and keep moving forward, you will get there and achieve your ultimate goals! 💯✌️

 

Remarks : 

The Prosperity Run 2024 is organised by Singapore Sports Hub to promote healthy living and active lifestyle! - My participation experience and thoughts for the event. By Author : Mandy Law (aka Mommywarrior77)