Extending Definition of Disability for Singapore’s Social Policies to Cover Neurodiverse Conditions and Learning Disabilities

Mr Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry will consider expanding the definition of disability for Singapore’s social policies to cover neurodiverse conditions and learning disabilities, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia; and (b) what the reasons are for these conditions not being explicitly classified as disabilities currently.

Our Enabling Masterplans define “persons with disability” as those with substantially reduced prospects of securing, retaining places and advancing in education and training institutions, employment and recreation, due to physical, intellectual and sensory impairments, as well as developmental needs, including autism. This definition was endorsed in 2004 by the first Enabling Masterplan Steering Committee, comprising representatives of the disability, private and public sectors.

Our disability schemes and services are guided by this definition to channel support to those who most need it. The Enabling Masterplan 2030 outlines how children with developmental needs and students with Special Educational Needs which include conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, receive support for their developmental and learning needs in the early and schooling years.