Eason’s story is one of perseverance, love, and the power of early intervention. As the youngest of three children, Eason’s mother, Mdm Chua, noticed early signs that set his journey apart. By his first birthday, Eason wasn’t meeting speech milestones, and by the age of two, her concerns deepened.

“People kept telling me not to worry, that every child develops differently. But I knew something was off,” Mdm Chua shared. Trusting her intuition, she sought answers early, determined not to wait for someone else to validate her concerns.

Early Challenges and Small Triumphs

Mdm Chua brought Eason to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where specialists conducted thorough assessments. They ruled out hereditary causes, leaving Mdm Chua with no definitive answers but a growing resolve to find the right support.

Faced with a long waitlist for speech therapy, Mdm Chua braced herself for what she knew would be a marathon, not a sprint. By age five, Eason began two years of speech therapy. While his vocabulary expanded, his speech remained challenging for others to understand.

“He would try to tell us something, but no one could understand him. It was frustrating for him, and it broke my heart to see him struggle,” Mdm Chua shared.

Despite these struggles, Eason excelled in areas like math and sports. His preschool teachers recognised his potential and tried to ease his journey by reducing his homework load. However, Mdm Chua knew that transitioning to Primary 1 would bring new and significant challenges.

The Leap to Primary School

Primary school presented a stark shift for Eason. Gone were the allowances made in preschool. He now had to meet the same expectations as his peers. Literacy was the most significant hurdle. By the start of the school year, Eason couldn’t read a single word, which made subjects like English and math even more daunting.

Mdm Chua’s search for help led her to the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). Having heard about DAS’s work in supporting children with learning differences, she felt it could be a turning point for Eason.

However, the growing demand for DAS’s specialised intervention meant Eason was placed on a waitlist. This is a reality faced by many families, particularly as DAS expands access to children without a formal diagnosis of specific learning differences.

“The waitlist was long, and it was tough knowing Eason couldn’t wait forever,” Mdm Chua explained. “But the need for this kind of help is huge. So many children need support, and DAS is one of the few places that can provide it.”

Midway through the school year, Eason began intervention at DAS. The results were transformative.

“In just six months, he went from not being able to read a single word to recognising half the words in his writing exercises. It’s incredible how far he’s come,” Mdm Chua said.

A Place to Flourish

DAS offered Eason more than academic skills—it provided an environment where he could thrive. His teacher, Ms Corinne, adapted lessons to suit his active and energetic nature, ensuring that learning felt engaging rather than burdensome.

“Eason loves Ms Corinne. She understands him and makes learning enjoyable. He no longer feels like he’s failing before he even starts,” Mdm Chua shared.

Eason himself echoed this sentiment: “I enjoy going to DAS every week. I love Ms Corinne’s teaching.”

This personalised approach not only enhanced Eason’s literacy but also built his confidence. Where he once relied on nods and shakes to communicate, he now participates actively in class, raising his hand to answer questions and engaging with his classmates.

Reflections on Progress and Perseverance

For Mdm Chua, Eason’s journey underscores the importance of early intervention and persistence. While preschool allowed for accommodations, the challenges of primary school taught Eason the value of hard work and resilience.

“He sometimes misses the privileges he had in preschool, but that’s life. Children with learning differences often have to put in more effort. It’s tough, but it builds resilience,” Mdm Chua reflected.

Today, Eason continues to shine in math and sports while steadily improving his literacy skills. Mdm Chua looks back on their journey with gratitude for the support they’ve received and immense pride in her son’s determination.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to trust your instincts as a parent. Don’t wait. Get help early. It’s made all the difference for Eason,” she said.

Eason’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of early intervention and the importance of celebrating every step forward. With the right tools, support, and mindset, children with learning differences can overcome challenges and thrive in their unique ways.

A New Chapter for All Learners
Eason’s journey is a testament to the power of early intervention and unwavering parental support. At DAS, we’re committed to ensuring every child who learns differently has access to the resources they need to succeed.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce we’ve expanded access to all DAS programmes!

A diagnosis of a specific learning difference is no longer a prerequisite. We now welcome students who learn differently, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not. To ensure every child is placed in the right programme, all students will undergo profiling tests—a simple step to tailor support to their unique learning needs.

Financial assistance is available for ALL DAS programmes. Our bursary programme ensures that every family, regardless of financial status, can access the help their child needs.

Let us help you and your child take the next step.