I am 22 years old and I am on the autism spectrum. I am currently serving National Service (NS) as a medic.

Interests & Passions

After serving in the army, I will be studying the Materials Science Engineering course at Nanyang Technological University Singapore. I chose Materials Science because it is related to environmental sustainability, and includes some of my favourite subjects such as Math and Science, particularly chemistry.

I also loved playing badminton since secondary school and was part of the school team at Nanyang Polytechnic. I am also a badminton coach for young kids.

Can you tell us about your schooling years? Any highlights or good memories?

I found secondary school to be actually quite enjoyable, as when it started, some of my close primary school friends came along with me. This strengthened our friendship and helped me a lot as there were now more people whom I shared interests such as badminton with.

In polytechnic, I still did decently well, in part because some of the subjects were chemistry-related.

Were there any low points or challenges you faced?

In kindergarten, I was the only one who didn’t want to go to school, and always tried to delay going to school. I would stall until 10am before I finally went to school, after much coaxing from my grandmother. This was probably because I preferred the comfort of familiarity.

In primary school, I was quite quiet and not very sociable, and not able to stand up for myself. I recall there were some playful boys who used to shoot me point-blank with a rubber band when they were running by. I just kept quiet and didn’t tell my mother anything about the incidents. Luckily, they eventually stopped, otherwise it could have gone on for a long time.

When I went to NYP, it took me a year to warm up to everyone, I was very angry with myself for being so awkward, and tried to break down this invisible barrier and become more sociable.

“That anger actually motivated me further to change myself and open up.”

I also told myself that it would be a fresh start. Even when my GPA was not up to expectations, I told myself that it would only be temporary.

What do you remember about your childhood? When did you first realise you are on the autism spectrum?

“I was non-verbal when I was younger, and didn’t speak until I was about 3 years old.”

My mother spent a lot of effort trying to get me to speak, sending me to therapy and practicing exercises from the therapist. She used the delayed gratification technique to encourage me to make sounds before I could be given food to eat.

For example, if I wanted something, she wouldn’t give it to me until I had said the words on the flash cards she showed me.

How do people react when they know that you have autism?

I’m very selective about who I tell and only feel comfortable when I consider them one of my BFFs, or if they ask me about it. Usually, their reaction is something like “You don’t look like you have autism”.

What is the common misconception that people may have about autism?

Some people may feel that having autism is a bad thing, but it is not really the case.

“Autism is just a different way of thinking.”

What are your strengths?

I am focused and motivated to achieve whatever I am interested in. I never give up. There was this time where I was rejected twice when applying to the badminton school team at NYP. Subsequently, I told the coach I was very passionate about badminton. So he placed me on a 2 month probation. Seeing my full attendance and commitment to train, they let me in officially.

I have the ability to empathise with others. I try to see from another person's point of view and I can find ways to console them. Based on other people's body language, I can also tell their emotions, and I'll respond accordingly.

I am also an optimistic person. In NS, people see the job scope of being in a medical centre as a chore. Even though I carry more workload than many other NSFs, I still see the good side of staying near camp and having good food. I took this chance to improve my communication skills and other essential skills which will come in useful for future work life.

Who or what do you consider to be your pillar of support?

I consider my mum to be my pillar of support. When I was in secondary school, I felt that I didn’t deserve to be ExCo in the student council as I thought everyone else there was much more competent than me in terms of speaking up. She reminded me that this situation was temporary and that I could improve myself as I grow older.

Another example is when I was still in primary school and one of my teachers saw me playing with my friends after school, and called my mother to say that I should go home to study rather than play with my friends. My mother stood up for me, she told the teacher that I could play as much as I wanted, as she wanted me to go outside more in order to make friends and develop my social skills.

What message would you give to your younger self or others about autism?

“People bloom at different times, it is just a matter of when.”

To parents with autistic or atypical kids, there is a solution to everything. Do your best and guide your children however you can.

To the general public, do not judge a book by its cover. Give people a second chance.

To schools, pay more attention to those with autism, adhd or dyslexia. Schools could provide more access to counsellors.

In addition, choose your partner wisely. Couples should support each other to be the best of themselves.

What are your hopes and dreams about the future?

I wish to be in an area related to Materials Science after graduation. I also wouldn’t mind becoming a part-time model!

Joshua