Key Takeaways
- Special needs students in mainstream schools in Singapore often face challenges related to academic pressure, sensory sensitivities, social integration, and limited individualised support.
- These obstacles can affect students’ confidence, focus, and overall well-being.
- An effective afterschool enrichment programme offers academic guidance, structured play, and skills training to promote confidence and independence.
- Consistent strategies across home, school, and therapy settings can significantly improve outcomes for neurodiverse students.
Common Challenges Faced by Neurodiverse Students
While many special needs students are part of regular classrooms in mainstream schools in Singapore, a significant number still face daily struggles due to unmet needs and limited support. From academic demands to sensory sensitivities and social challenges, the environment can be overwhelming for children with special needs. In this article, we’ll explore the common challenges they may face in traditional classrooms—and how the right support can make a meaningful difference.
1. Navigating Academic Expectations
Special needs students in mainstream schools may struggle to keep up with the rigorous academic demands. The fast-paced, exam-focused nature of the curriculum can be overwhelming for children requiring more time, repetition, or personalised instruction. Students with dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or learning delays may also face difficulties with comprehension, memorisation, and executive functioning. These challenges can often cause children to feel frustrated, lose interest in learning, and experience a drop in their self-esteem.
2. Coping with Sensory Overload
For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other sensory processing difficulties, the physical environment of traditional classrooms can be difficult to navigate. Bright fluorescent lights, noisy hallways, echoing canteens, or even the sensation of certain uniforms can lead to sensory overload. These stressors can cause meltdowns, withdrawal, or a drop in focus—especially if children do not have access to “calm-down corners” or sensory-friendly spaces.
3. Social Integration and Peer Relationships
Special needs students in mainstream schools may find it particularly difficult to navigate social interactions. Understanding unspoken social rules, taking turns, or interpreting facial expressions may not come easily to children with ASD or ADHD. This can lead to social isolation or misunderstandings with peers, which may further impact a child’s confidence and emotional well-being.
4. Limited Individualised Support
Although some mainstream schools are supported by Allied Educators (AEDs), the level of individualised support available varies widely. Not all educators are trained to manage behavioural challenges or tailor content for children with different learning profiles. As a result, students may either be overlooked or disciplined for behaviours that stem from unmet needs.
How Our Afterschool Programmes Provide Support for Special Needs Children
While schools play a key role in a child’s development, many special needs students benefit from additional support beyond the classroom. This is where FunFeat’s afterschool enrichment programmes come in, offering continued support and guidance beyond school hours.
1. Personalised Guidance in a Smaller Setting
Our programme plays a critical role in bridging the gap between what’s offered in school and what each child truly needs. With a low student-to-teacher ratio and small group sizes, facilitators can customise activities according to each child’s unique needs. Whether it’s breaking down homework instructions or reinforcing school concepts, this personalised guidance helps neurodiverse children approach learning with greater confidence and less frustration.
2. Building Core Skills Through Structured Play
Our afterschool programme for special needs students integrates structured, play-based activities to develop essential skills such as emotional regulation, attention, communication, and behavioural flexibility. Children take part in daily routines that encourage independence, like organising their belongings, managing schedules, and moving smoothly between tasks. These activities help build important life skills and prepare them for everyday challenges in school and beyond—all in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
3. Reinforcing Consistency Across Home and School
Consistency is key, especially for special needs students in mainstream schools in Singapore. Our team works closely with families and educators to ensure the same strategies are used at home, in school, and during our programme. This comprehensive approach helps children apply what they’ve learnt in different situations, whether they’re following routines at home or joining group play at recess. For children with Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), we can also coordinate our approach to complement existing school-based supports.
Conclusion: Supporting Every Child’s Journey
Inclusive education is more than just ensuring placement in a classroom—it’s about ensuring every child has the support they need to learn, grow, and feel valued. While special needs students in mainstream schools may feel daily challenges, the right afterschool support can be crucial. With families, educators, and specialists working together, we can create consistent, empowering experiences that help neurodiverse students reach their full potential.
At FunFeats, we offer personalised afterschool enrichment and early childhood intervention programmes that are designed to meet your child’s unique learning and developmental needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s growth.