Debated in Parliament on 5 Feb 2024.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the current total number of (i) day activity centres and (ii) residential homes respectively, for adult persons with autism; (b) how many adult persons with autism are currently enrolled in such centres and homes; and (c) how many adult persons with autism are currently on waiting lists, awaiting enrolment in (i) day activity centres and (ii) residential homes respectively.
There are currently eight day activity centres (DAC) funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) serving adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are over 300 clients enrolled in these DACs and about 80 referrals pending enrolment. For clients pending enrolment, some are in the process of being assessed by the centres. Where appropriate, SG Enable will guide clients to consider other DACs not specifically catering to autism, but are able to support them.
There are four adult disability homes (ADH) funded by MSF serving adults with ASD. There are about 50 residents with ASD in these ADHs, which have capacity to house about 100 residents. About 20 referrals are pending enrolment, as they are being assessed or the ADH is hiring additional manpower to take in more residents.
MSF regularly reviews the capacity of our funded disability services, including DACs and ADHs, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. We will share more on our plans to better support persons with disabilities in the coming months.
PAPERCUTS