SINGAPORE — Four non-profit autism service providers have come together to form a new network to better serve the estimated 30,000 people with autism in Singapore. 

Autism Network Singapore, the first network for autism in Singapore, was launched today (April 7) in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day. 

By coming together, the four service providers - Autism Association, Autism Resource Centre (ARC), Rainbow Centre  and St. Andrew's Autism Centre – can pool resources to identify issues and plug gaps.

"(The network) is our way of adopting a more strategic approach to pro-actively identify and address sector-wide issues and gaps, increase public's awareness of autism, and mobilise the village for the autism cause,” said Rainbow Centre president Yew Teng Leong at the launch. By "joining resources" between the four partners, there will be better solutions for the challenges faced by people with autism, he added.

Member of Parliament Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC), who is also president of ARC, said in the next 12 to 18 months, the network will consult with the community to develop an Enabling Masterplan to maximise the potential of people with autism in Singapore. The masterplan will cover “early intervention, lifelong education, employment, residential, caregiving and independent living skills, in addition to raising awareness, supporting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of persons with autism", she said.