slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2035135\" time=\"1629461116\" user_id=\"28674:

I think it's best you get them assessed. They are old enough that a diagnosis can be made. 2 yrs ago, any diagnosis would have been tentative as it's hard to diagnose kids that young. Go through the subsidised route - it will be slower, but it will be cheaper. I don't know what the best way is, but I think you can call up KKH to ask about how to go about this.

Thank you for your reply.
I am trying to get an appointment in KKH for assessment.
Btw, does anyone knows about this EIPIC centre in Woodlands (https://www.trainkids.com.sg/)? Are they good?
I was planning to enrol my kids in there, appreciate it if any feedback is available.

Hi


I am happy to find this forum, which answers much of the queries I have in mind and lessen the worry about my boys. Frankly speaking, I had no one to ask or seek advice; holding everything to myself sometimes drives me crazy!

I am a father of twin boys; both are now 4.2 years. Everything was going well, and the kids were catching up with all the milestones except for speech and language.

We got worried when they were two years old, still no sign of proper speech. Their receptive language was also very minimal.

They were noisy at times, especially during their playtime and at first, we thought this is how kids are, and they will get better by age.

However, things didn't go as we expected. We enrolled them into a playgroup (sparkles tot), where the teacher raised her first concern. She said my kids don't sit idle and walking around, tearing the charts on the wall. She said they might have autism and asked us to consult a doctor.

Covid time started straight after that; we disenrolled our kids from the playgroup, concerned about the safety.

A few months ago, I went to a speech therapist, and she referred an EIPIC centre (Ichiban Nurtureland) to us. At the same time, I was planning to take my kids to KKH for formal assessment; however, the Ichiban management told us not to worry about the assessment if we are not concerned about the government subsidies. Assessment is just labelling the kids, and it is not necessary. We took her advice and enrolled our kids in there.

Now my kids are 4.2 years old, lack many skills compared to their peers.

- They are noisy at times
- They can say from A-Z and count 1-10 and sometimes repeat some words we say. But no proper 1-2 words or cannot say their needs. Usually, they will pull us over to what they want or bring it to us (especially if they want something to eat or play with).
- Recently, they started to play together, mostly rough and tumble play on the bed
- They can solve puzzles
- After going to school, their sitting habits have improved. Now they can sit for a long time, concentrating on the task given (colouring or puzzle-solving)
- No sensory issues and no repetitive behaviour

I always think, what else shall I do for them. I know my kids need help, but not sure what path shall I follow. Noone to ask because none in my friend circle of the family have experienced such issues.

Going only to the EIPIC program doesn't seem to be sufficient.

Having two kids means my expenses are double for everything

There will be parents who might have gone through my stage and have some advice for me.

I would value each of your advice.