Understand your child's special educational needs

What are special educational needs?

A child entering Primary 1 may have special educational needs if they find it difficult to:

• Write their name.
• Follow a simple story when it is read aloud to them.
• Communicate with others.
• Make friends.
• Access learning in school due to hearing, visual or physical impairments.

Consider a professional assessment

If you suspect your child is facing one or more of these challenges, an assessment by a qualified professional is the best way to get a clear diagnosis and recommendation for support.

An assessment is necessary if you intend to apply to a special education school.

Learn how to get an assessment done and when it is needed.

Early intervention

Early intervention is specialised support given to young children to aid their development during the most critical stage of development, from 0 to 6 years of a child’s life.

Early intervention programmes can help your child:

• Develop skills to overcome some developmental delays.
• Improve physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills.
• Minimise the development of secondary disabilities, such as mental health problems.

Find out more about early intervention for children with special needs.