Support for kids with learning differences

When it comes to support for kids with learning differences, there are many choices available in Singapore. A range of schools, therapy centres and organisations offer specialist services, programmes and therapy to assist children with learning difficulties. Here are some of the best options available, including early intervention programmes, special education schools, and assessment and therapy centres.

Integrated International School learning support

The team at Integrated International School (IIS) strongly believe that children of all abilities and learning styles deserve a tailored and quality education. The inclusive school teaches students the importance of self-belief, confidence, individuality and happiness. This paves the way for their journey of success. IIS provides a nurturing environment with two educational approaches: mainstream and supported learning. Specialised on-campus support services include a team of behavioural therapists, counsellors, psychologists, occupational therapists as well as speech and language pathologists. They work closely and collaboratively with teachers and parents to design Individualised Education Plans for students.

If a student is struggling academically, behaviourally, emotionally or socially, teachers are highly trained to identify when a child may need additional special education needs support. The smaller class sizes (1:6 teacher-to-student ratio) allow teachers to provide an individualised learning experience. In addition, there are unique purpose-built facilities such as the multi-sensory Ocean Snoezelen Room and Occupational Therapy Jungle Gym as well as private suites for counselling, speech and naturalistic applied behavioural analysis (NABA) therapy sessions.

#01-01 Clementi Arcade, 41 Sunset Way
6466 4475 | iis.edu.sg 

Dover Court International School for diverse learning differences

Dover Court International School (DCIS) is a British international school with inclusion at its heart. DCIS welcomes students with diverse learning differences needs by offering an extensive range of support to empower each individual to reach and exceed their potential. Catering to students aged three to 18, the school provides three bespoke learning pathways. Pathway 1 is the mainstream provision, offering a personalised classroom experience to all students. Pathways 2 and 3 give students increasing levels of support with smaller class sizes, an adapted curriculum and in-school therapy programmes. The school’s learning approach aligns closely with the English National Curriculum, with adaptations to meet the special education needs of students, whether it’s short-term intervention or more structured ongoing support.

Learning experiences at Dover Court are personalised, and the most appropriate curriculum pathway is selected. In Pathways 2 and 3, students are supported by lessons tailored to meet individual needs. The aim is to offer support for learning differences in the most inclusive and least intrusive way. A combination of research-backed teaching methodology, a focus on pastoral relationships and regular communication with parents allows teachers to identify students who require additional support. A student-centred, collaborative problem-solving process is used; this involves parents, teachers, special needs education coordinators, external agencies, educational psychologists, counsellors and, most importantly, the student.

DCIS opened its purpose-built Pathway 3 building in August 2022. This additional space boasts classrooms specifically designed for the needs of the students, with sensory and movement rooms and an extended outdoor learning space. Centrally located on the campus with easy access to playgrounds, sports facilities and the school garden, this new space provides an environment where all students can grow and flourish

301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | dovercourt.edu.sg

Psych Connect for a range of learning differences

The team at Psych Connect recognises that no one child is alike, and that individuality ought to be nourished and developed. They also strongly believe that every child deserves a respectful and safe space where they feel reassured and supported in their own personal therapeutic journey.

The team’s treatment protocol is designed to meet each child’s individual needs so that they can access the curriculum and reach their own highest potential. At the heart of their work is the belief that therapy ought to be fun, engaging and generalisable to outside the clinical setting. Their various services cater to a range of learning differences. These include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD, autism, language disorders, executive functioning difficulties and more. Special needs support is also available for conditions that influence children’s aptitude to learn, such as IBS, depression and anxiety.

To begin, a psychologist will meet with parents about their concerns and share evidence-based information on possible paths they may take. Through psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments, parents will be able to objectively understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, factors contributing to their learning differences and, most importantly, how to best support the child. The centre’s team also works with the family and school to create a specific and holistic treatment plan.

Psych Connect comprises psychologists, counsellors, art psychotherapists, educational therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. Therapy services are mobile and family-centred – they can be done at the clinic, at school or at home, and both individual and group-based services are available. Your team of clinicians will partner and journey with you, so that you’re informed about your child’s therapies; they’ll also provide special needs support to your child outside of the clinical setting.

#03-12/13, 10 Winstedt Road
6493 0244 | psychconnect.sg

Singapore American School special support

Singapore American School (SAS) is a large, non-profit, non-selective international school providing students an American education with an international perspective since 1956. It welcomes a diverse range of learners and strives to meet their individual needs. The school’s robust support services programme ensures that all admitted students reach their full potential.

Academic, behavioural and emotional support for learning differences is provided by dedicated teachers, counsellors, school psychologists, speech and language pathologists and other specialists. The school’s special needs support services include learning support classes, large and small group instruction, inclusion classes, targeted interventions, programme and testing accommodations, speech and language services, and counselling and psychological services. Students with learning differences needs are assigned a case manager who coordinates communication between the student, family and respective teachers. SAS counsellors are experienced in helping every student explore and apply to appropriate post-secondary learning opportunities.

SAS counsellors and learning support staff also host informational coffees and sessions about relevant topics for all parents, as well as more targeted talks for parents of students accessing our support services. Two support groups, Parent Support for Mental Health and Parent and Support Services Community, are parent-led and open to all.

40 Woodlands St 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg

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Patricea Chow

Having lived 10 years abroad, Patricea has been rediscovering Singapore through fun events, street photography, and museum tours. She’s also partial to reading, education, spending time with family and kids, and armchair travelling.