Kim’s son Jared was diagnosed with Autism at the young age of four and a half
years old and has been seeing doctors, psychologists, and therapists to help
with self-regulating his condition.
The family was initially living overseas when they first found out about Jared’s
diagnosis, and were left with no choice but to return to Singapore as they were
unable to find the medical support needed in the country that they were residing
in.
Jared is now a secondary school student who is 15 years of age and sees his
psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) once a month.
Kim finds the Ronald McDonald Family Room at IMH very clean and comfortable, and
sees it as a great place to come to relax. A big plus about the Family Room, is
the fact that the Family Room also offers refreshments.
Having access to such a facility has helped Kim and her son, as they usually
come visit the Ronald McDonald Family Room at IMH before heading to see the
therapists and doctors.
Kim mentioned it was very difficult for the family especially during the initial
stages as Jared did not get accepted into early intervention centres in
Singapore, and by the time the family had finally settled back into Singapore,
Jared was already well above the age limit for admission into early intervention
centres.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room at IMH is and continues to be a safe space for
patients as well as caregivers of children seeking treatment at IMH’s Sunrise
Wing.
– Kim, mum of Jared