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On 20 June 2025, CaringSG held its June edition of the REAL TALK webinar series titled āYou Are Not Alone,ā a heartfelt and honest session for caregivers of children with special needs. This webiner created a compassionate space where real-life struggles were shared, emotions were validated, and hope was rekindled.
The session featured four voices from different walks of life, all bound by a shared journey of caregiving:
Edwin Tan, veteran social worker and CEO of CaringSG
Julia Chan, certified coach and author of The Healing Journal
Chris Lim, father of two boys diagnosed with ASD/ADHD
Karen-Sophia, mother of two boys with different needs
Together, they led attendees through the complex emotional landscape of special needs caregiving, offering insight into grief, resilience, education, and mental wellness.
Julia introduced the grief cycle caregivers often experience after a diagnosis ā a process filled with denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Edwin underscored that such emotional struggles are not a weakness, but part of being human. Suppressing these feelings, he cautioned, may affect mental health, physical well-being, and relationships.
Karen spoke candidly about how her research and consulting background helped her navigate both the academic struggles of her older son and the rare medical complexities of her younger son, Michael. She recounted the exhaustion, the tears, and the long hospital nights ā but also how faith, connection, and surrender kept her going.
Chris opened up about the slow realisation of his eldest son Clarenceās autism. He shared how confusion, frustration, and fear led to depression and alcoholism ā even as his wife bore the burden of caregiving during pregnancy. It was a sobering account of how easily a parent can lose themselves when trying to make sense of their childās needs, especially without adequate support.
His turning point? Meeting other caregivers and shifting his mindset. Chris began to see his children for who they are ā not by societyās standards, but through their resilience, effort, and neurodiverse strengths.
The discussion turned to milestones and progress ā not defined by grades or accolades, but by personal victories. Karen beamed as she shared her eldest sonās graduation from NUS, a feat once thought impossible. Chris proudly described how celebrating Clarenceās little improvements brought joy back into parenting.
They reminded fellow caregivers that success is not a straight line, and that itās okay to redefine it based on your childās pace and your familyās values.
One of the most practical parts of the webinar addressed meltdowns in special needs teenagers. Karen stressed the importance of identifying triggers, using medication wisely, and working closely with doctors. Chris added that keeping communication open at home is essential. Edwin encouraged caregivers to prioritise their safety and not hesitate to seek professional guidance.
When asked about ADHD and executive function struggles, Edwin reminded caregivers to take care of themselves too ā burnout is real, and self-help must come before help-giving.
Julia summarised the webinar by weaving together each speakerās story ā from personal breakdowns to breakthrough moments. She emphasised the role of community, be it through support groups or safe spaces like this. The bonus onsite huddle session for participants offered further opportunity to connect in person, reflect, and feel heard.
š Grief is part of the journey. Don’t rush it ā feel it, name it, and move through it.
š Caregivers often carry emotional scars. You are not alone in feeling lost or overwhelmed.
š Celebrate your child’s growth ā even if society doesnāt see it, you do.
š Define your own milestones and success stories.
š Reach out for support. Whether itās a professional, a group, or a fellow parent ā you donāt have to walk this path alone.
š There is power in vulnerability, and strength in sharing your story.
š Whether youāre at the start of your caregiving journey or years into it, we hope this session reminded you of one essential truth: You are not alone.
š Be part of our caring community ā join us as a member and gain access to support groups, events, and caregiver resources:
š https://project3i.sg/Membership/Member
š Missed the session? Stay tuned for the next REAL TALK and other caregiver-focused programmes on our website and social media.
Not a Standard Member yet? Unlock full access to exclusive resources, support groups, and caregiver programmes by upgrading your membership today!
On 20 June 2025, CaringSG held its June edition of the REAL TALK webinar series titled āYou Are Not Alone,ā a heartfelt and honest session for caregivers of children with special needs. Supported by SG Enable, the event created a compassionate space where real-life struggles were shared, emotions were validated, and hope was rekindled.
On 19 June 2025, CaringSG conducted our āHow to Just Be Thereā training for 37 Mendaki staff, introducing the P.A.U.S.E.ā¢ method ā Prepare, Acknowledge, Understand, Sit with, Empathize ā to equip participants with the mindset and tools to support individuals with special needs through presence, not pressure. Led by trainer Jansen Sng, the session was highly praised for its engaging approach, real-life relevance, and emotional impact.
Over six Sunday mornings, something special happened down at Changi Sailing Club. Through a joint effort between CaringSG and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), caregivers and their special needs dependents came together to pick up a new skillāsailingāin a setting that was equal parts fun, inclusive, and empowering.
On 17 April 2025, CaringSG hosted a deeply meaningful Self-Care Workshop facilitated by Julia Chanācaregiver, certified mental wellness coach, and author of The Healing Journal: A Caregiverās Path to Self-Care. With a nurturing approach shaped by her own lived experiences, Julia guided participants through practical tools to better care for themselves while supporting their loved ones.
A big part of the joy in caregiving for children comes from being made to see things from a fresh child-like perspective. Teaching autistic children requires one to go beyond that. Often, one has to tap on that perspective and the childās interest to engage them in learning about our neurotypical world. This is the story of Elizās creative teaching journey inspired by her fostered child, Eugene.
A big part of the joy in caregiving for children comes from being made to see things from a fresh child-like perspective. Teaching autistic children requires one to go beyond that. Often, one has to tap on that perspective and the childās interest to engage them in learning about our neurotypical world. This is the story of Elizās creative teaching journey inspired by her fostered child, Eugene.
