Grey Group Singapore Unfolds Autism with St. Andrew’s Autism Centre

Autism is a brain-based developmental disorder with no scientifically- proven cause or cure. It is a spectrum disorder, ranging from mild to moderate to severe.

Many Singaporeans know little, if anything at all, about autism.

For its 10th Anniversary, St. Andrew's Autism Centre, a non-profit, integrated centre for the education, training, and care of persons with autism and their families, has partnered with Grey Group Singapore’s newly formed philanthropic arm, Grey for Good, to educate people about this condition.

The partnership was launched this April to coincide with World Autism Awareness (Singapore), which is a collaborative autism advocacy effort among five partners, of which St. Andrew’s Autism Centre is a key member.

It is St. Andrew’s Autism Centre’s hope that with better understanding of this disorder, specialised care and interventions, more people will be aware of this disorder, and persons with autism will be embraced and integrated within society.

“A person with autism looks just like you and I. Regardless of where they are on the spectrum, no two persons with autism will exhibit their symptoms the same way. This can make it difficult for families with children with autism to share with others, the daily challenges they face when supporting their child to navigate in a world not ordered for them," said Michelle Pang, manager, corporate communications, St. Andrew’s Autism Centre.

"It can also make it difficult for young parents to recognise the early signs of autism and seek help. We believe that with greater understanding, we can all learn to express greater acceptance of persons with autism and their families, and so take steps towards a more inclusive society,” she added.

“Increasing awareness for autism by providing education, training and care for parents, helps families to equip themselves with knowledge and skills. Working together with St. Andrew's Autism Centre, we hope to increase awareness about autism in the community,” said Ali Shabaz, chief creative officer of Grey Group Singapore.