Amid Singapore’s ongoing MRT disruptions, one mother’s story offers a heartwarming reminder of the importance of public kindness and autism awareness. Lydia, a mother to 15-year-old Muaz, shared her experience when her son, who has autism and is non-verbal, faced his first major transport challenge after a year of traveling independently by train.
As train services ground to a halt, Lydia’s concern grew—her son was alone, unable to communicate his needs in a chaotic situation, and she was far from reaching him.
On the day of the disruption, Muaz was on his way home from school when the unexpected breakdown occurred. Lydia, who was at home, was immediately alarmed, knowing that sudden changes can be especially distressing for children with autism.
“I was at home. We were very far apart,” she explained. She worried about how her son would handle the situation without her, fearing he might become overwhelmed or upset.
Calm Amid the Chaos
After searching for him, Lydia was relieved when she arrived at the station over an hour later to find her son collected and safe. Fortunately, his school bag had a tag stating his condition, which helped SMRT staff and commuters understand his situation, ensuring he was looked after in her absence.
Lydia expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the SMRT staff and passengers who had noticed and cared for Muaz. Their awareness and patience made all the difference in keeping him calm. Reflecting on the experience, Lydia acknowledged that while the disruption was a challenge, it was also a valuable learning experience for both her and her son.
The Role of Public Awareness and Inclusivity
Lydia’s story showed the need for greater awareness of autism, especially in public spaces like train stations, where sudden changes can pose significant challenges.
Her message to SMRT staff and commuters was one of appreciation, urging them not to forget about children with autism who travel independently and may need additional understanding during times of crisis.
Comments and Reactions to the Video
After the video was posted, netizens flooded the comment section, praising the staff and sharing similar experiences.
One commenter expressed mixed feelings about the situation, sharing their worries for their special needs son and the importance of better emergency service management for vulnerable individuals.
Another mother, who has a mildly autistic son, mentioned her fear of emergencies and suggested using an AirTag for added safety.
While another commentator stressed the need for staff to be present to check on passengers during such situations.
A commenter also shared their positive experience with SMRT staff, who helped their autistic son.
What is Autism?
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that influences how a person thinks, interacts, and perceives the world.
Its symptoms and severity can vary greatly. Here are some important aspects:
- Social Challenges: They may struggle with social interactions and have difficulty understanding social cues.
- Communication Differences: Some may experience delays in speech or use language in unusual ways, and some may be non-verbal.
- Repetitive Behaviors: People with autism may exhibit repetitive movements or adhere to specific routines.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Some may be extra sensitive or less sensitive to things they see, hear, touch, or smell.
- Varied Experiences: Each person with autism has different needs and strengths; some may require extensive support, while others can live independently.
Understanding autism promotes acceptance and helps individuals on the spectrum thrive.
How to Help People with Autism
When approaching someone with autism, it’s important to be mindful of their unique needs and sensitivities.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you provide support respectfully and effectively:
- Use a Calm Tone: Always speak in a normal, calm voice, avoiding raised tones even in emergencies.
- Gentle Guidance: If moving to a safer place is necessary, gently invite them to follow you. You can hold their arm or hand lightly if they seem comfortable with it.
- Provide Supervision: If they can remain in the current location, offer to keep an eye on them while you ensure their safety.
- Check for Contact Information: Look for any contact numbers nearby or identify any special identification (like badges) that may provide parental contact details.
Watch the video here:
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