Denise Phua on motherhood, advocacy and support for people with autism
Denise Phua raised an autistic son and spent decades championing greater inclusion.
In this episode of In Your Opinion, The Straits Times Deputy Opinion Editor Mubin Saadat interviews Denise Phua, Member of Parliament and President of Autism Resource Centre. They discuss Denise's personal journey as a mother to a son with autism and the valuable lessons this experience has taught her about inclusion. The conversation delves into the "post-18 cliff" that many adults with autism and their families face, and what changes are needed in areas such as learning, employment, and living arrangements.
Denise also shares her concerns about caregivers' anxieties about their children's futures, particularly when parents are no longer present.
The podcast explores whether Singapore's disability policies are keeping pace with the needs of people throughout their entire lives. It also examines what a truly inclusive society should look like. Denise emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive employment opportunities and addresses the potential impact of AI on jobs meant for people with special needs.
The episode also addresses the challenges of straddling between advocacy and her role as an MP, as well as the difficulties of grappling with life without parents for individuals with autism.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
