EDUCATING MARCUS

Prepared by Marcus Lau Shao Yu and Mum

BY SUSAN (MUM)

Marcus was introduced to this world in October 1995. He was adorable, cheerful and handsome baby. He brought joy and smiles to the family. Some friends even hoped their son would be like him.

When Marcus was about two and a half years old, Chai Joo and I started to be concerned as he still could not speak. He was his own world. He was shy. He was fussy with food. He played by arranging toys in a row. We started to find out more about those conditions. We even asked a friend, Johnny Tan, who was at that time an occupational therapy at KK. Just like what we were afraid, he noticed the peculiarity about Marcus but just did not want to alarm us. He advised us to take Marcus for an assessment at KK.

Our fears turned out to be true. Marcus was moderately Autistic: Autism is a complex disability that affects the way an individual communicates and interacts with others. It is a neurological disorder that affects the way the brain function. For a period, it was hard to accept. For me, I asked the Lord what was wrong with me and why He allowed this to happen, despite the knowledge that God never moved purpose or plan. When trying his servant and molding a man…(as in the song). I picked up myself, leaned upon God's provision and grace, and started the journey of educating Marcus.

Early intervention was very crucial for an autistic child. Waiting lists were extremely long at any service providers. We put Marcus' name with KK, Autistic Association of Singapore and Magaret Drive Special School. I did not want to wait and knew that the duty of educating a child was his parents. Johnny recommended me a PROGRAMME to start Marcus with. I also went for any parents training that was available. Marcus had to learn from calling "pa, ma"; to asking "Who is this?" Any he needed to learn was not naturally nor spontaneous. It must be deliberately planned and taught.

Our aspiration and hopes for Marcus dwindled to "as long as he could read simply and count basically"; to take care of his own daily needs; to buy anything and get back change. Moving around the neighbourhood would be a bonus. We also hope a school would take up, so that he could get some social experience, just up to Primary Three, I would be satisfied.

The Lord was with us. At three and a half, Marcus began to speak. At that time, Maranatha Baptist Learning Centre was established by our Church. MBLC was using a homeschool programme from America, which emphasize Character Building, and Christian-based from America. I prayerfully asked the Principal at that time, Johnny, our friend, if he could take Marcus in. My request was declined as Johnny was not ready yet. Marcus then got a place at Margaret Drive Special School. A few months later, Marcus also entered into MBLC on a trial basis.

BY MARCUS

I started ACE program in 2000. I was four and half years old. My teacher was Uncle .Johnny. He was very strict and was a good teacher. What I dislike most was fruit break and trying new things. He made me eat sour oranges, strange dragon fruits, and yucky quail eggs. I also learnt many animal songs e.g. "The Aging Ape was out of shape because he ate and ate." We had P.E. and field trips.

In ABC class, there was a lot of writing and counting. I had hard time doing my work. My writing was so big but had to squeeze into the 3 lines. Differentiate sounds during phonic was a challenge. I did not enjoy colouring but I like Bible Stories.

In 2002, I advanced into Grade 1 in level school. I had to plan my goals and complete my daily work. I learnt to be objective and consistent in my work. I just do it faithfully, one pace at a time. I learnt to score. I know I must be honest and thorough. Raising flags, not turning around, obeying rules taught me to be obedient and submissive. Memorizing passages from the Bible helps me to hide God's word in my heart. I started Literature at Grade 2 and it was at first difficult. I could not comprehend what the story was about. God helped me and I got used to it.

Now, I am in Grade Six. Although the pace work is getting harder, I shall still trust God to help me. Every level I go, I am determined that I am going to put my whole heart in it, working at each task until it is completed. I shall do every job as well as I could and be successful at it. This is how I can begin to build a life of success, the steps which I have learnt in my Social Study pace.