Many persons with autism, like Benny, can thrive when they are surrounded by a community who understand them, support their needs, and commit to walking alongside them through every stage of life.
Step into Benny’s journey
As a young man with autism, Benny’s journey has been shaped by a community that has walked alongside him. With their understanding, encouragement and unfailing love, he continues to take steps towards greater independence.
Discover how unfailing love makes an impact in every chapter of Benny’s life.
A teacher at our school once said:
“Students will eventually graduate. Their parents will one day no longer be around. But the community will always remain.”
Early years
The world can feel different for Benny. When it becomes too loud or overwhelming, he jumps to stim and regulate himself.
What some saw as behaviours to correct, others learnt to recognise as Benny’s way of coping and communicating.
Growing up was an uphill journey. But met with patience and the right support, Benny found people who chose to understand rather than judge him.
When words were difficult, his communication board gave him a voice.
Chapter 1
At a special education school like St. Andrew’s Autism School, our teachers and allied health professionals looked beyond Benny’s autism, tailoring their support to his needs.
A Speech and Language Therapist introduced communication boards that gave Benny a way to express himself without words.
His teachers understood that progress is not measured by how quickly a child learns, and celebrated every inchstone.
Through every breakthrough and setback, Benny was surrounded by people who believed in him.
Beyond his family, it was one of the first circles of unfailing love in his life.
Chapter 2
Just as Benny and his family had come so far, the school routines and support that had shaped his days for over a decade came to an abrupt end.
And just like that, the road ahead grew uncertain.
Chapter 3
The door doesn’t open by itself. Like many autism families, Benny and his parents faced a new uncertainty after graduation: finding continued support.
He was placed on a multi-year waitlist for a Day Activity Centre, leaving his parents with a constant worry.
While on the waitlist, Benny attended SAAC’s GoodSpace programme twice a week, where he and his mother stayed meaningfully engaged in his learning and growth.
Chapter 4
Hope blossomed when Benny was offered a place at SAAC’s Day Activity Centre.
With his coaches by his side, Benny is building everyday living and vocational skills — from buying his favourite snacks, having a meal at a coffee shop and taking the right bus home.
These skills help Benny live with greater dignity and independence.
For Benny, every inchstone is a meaningful step forward.
Very often, growth is not linear. It can be slow, and even hard to see. But we celebrate every inchstone, because it is proof that progress is happening, one small step at a time.
Imraan, Senior Coach, St. Andrew’s Autism Centre
Later years
As Benny grows older, so do the people who have loved and cared for him all his life, with one question weighing heavily on their hearts:
“Who will care for my child when I no longer can?”
Today, Benny’s parents are preparing him for a future where they may no longer care for him themselves. Entrusting him to St. Andrew’s Adult Home ensures he is cared for by a community that understands his needs and walks alongside him through the years ahead.
Because autism lasts a lifetime, so does the need for love, belonging and support.
Many persons with autism, like Benny, can thrive when they are surrounded by a community who understand them, support their needs, and commit to walking alongside them through every stage of life.
And that makes a world of difference.
Benny may be fictional, but his story reflects the lived experiences of many persons with autism and their families.
Your gift enables persons with autism, like Benny, to receive the lifelong care and support they need to live with greater dignity and independence.
With love and gratitude,
St. Andrew’s Autism Centre
Donate now at donate.saac.org.sg/unfailinglove26
Donations of $10 and above qualify for 250% tax deduction. Donate by 28 December to receive tax deduction for 2026.
