A Journey of Purpose and Dignity

“I hope Wallace will gain access to supported employment after the programme with SAAC and live a life with dignity.”

Wallace Tan was two when he was diagnosed with autism. “I couldn’t accept it,” his mother, Edwina Fan, shared. “I placed him in a mainstream nursery and kindergarten, believing he would catch up. We even paid for costly therapy sessions to help him along. Unfortunately, he couldn’t attend classes without someone by his side, supporting him. At birthday parties and school outings, he was always left alone.”

Wallace continued to struggle throughout his preschool years and the turning point came when he joined St. Andrew’s Autism School when he was 7 years old. It helped that there was a pathway of transition for Wallace to St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC). Attending a school that provided training for Wallace in literacy, music and sports, as well as life skills to manage his daily activities independently. It gave him a sense of belonging. He has gradually built up his capabilities, enabling him to take on more complex tasks. “Even though they are unlike their neurotypical friends who call each other after school, Wallace looked forward to school each day to meet his classmates,” said Edwina.

One of Edwina’s proudest moments was when Wallace could walk to school on his own. “I followed him one day, and when he approached an unsignalised crossing, he stopped, waited for the car to halt, stretched his hand out, and looked both ways before crossing. My fear melted.”

Since graduating from the school in 2024, Wallace has been attending a programme at SAAC that supports young people with autism who are awaiting longer-term placements. Wallace is now 18 and thriving. At SAAC, he attends Zumba class, creates intricate handphone chain crafts, and he is now able to swim “pizza style” (his term for breaststroke) after just six lessons.

Importance of Community Support

Wallace benefits from SAAC’s Dignity of Work horticulture programme, where he learns skills to prepare him for structured employment opportunities in future. With Dignity of Work equipping Wallace with practical skills to potentially join the workforce, Edwina now has the peace of mind to enjoy small pockets of rest and explore hobbies, easing the demands of caregiving while working full time. Throughout this journey, she has weathered countless emotional and physical challenges. Yet through it all, she holds fast to one belief: never give up hope. Wallace’s admission into the programme renewed her confidence that he will one day be able to care for himself and lead a more independent life.

She encourages other caregivers to seek strength from the community, and to connect with those who have walked similar paths. Organisations like SAAC have enabled Wallace to acquire practical skills, be integrated with the wider community and live with purpose and dignity.

Since 2005, the SP Heartware Fund has empowered many critical social service programmes under agencies like SAAC through Community Chest. The Fund supports initiatives that provide care, education and support for communities in need across the age spectrum and life stages.

SP Group underwrites all fund-raising costs of the SP Heartware Fund so that every dollar you donate will be channelled to social service agencies through Community Chest.