Clinical Psychologist, AMKFSC Community Services, Psychological Service Unit

Vicki has worked with clients across the lifespan and conducts trainings/lectures for both public and professionals across varied settings. Currently, as a clinical psychologist at the AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.’s Psychological Service Unit, she sees predominantly children and adolescents with mood, anxiety, behavioural and trauma-related issues. She also engages in transdisciplinary consultations. Vicki is passionate about advancing community mental health, as well as journeying with individuals and families through the joys and challenges of life.

Socioemotional Functioning of Children Living with Dyslexia: A Many Helping Hands Approach

Beyond apparent academic challenges, there are increasing research evidence and clinical concerns regarding the less visible socioemotional struggles that children with dyslexia may concurrently face. These further impact upon their responsiveness to learning interventions, in turn perpetuating developmental gaps. Early identification and holistic support for vulnerable individuals are therefore crucial. This presentation will touch on some of these common socioemotional difficulties faced by dyslexic children, risk factors, and warning signs that parents and professionals can look out for. We will also explore how partners in the child’s support system can work in tandem to help him thrive and attain mental wellness, while living with dyslexia.

Specialist Psychologist, Dyslexia Association of Singapore

Shaian has been a specialist psychologist at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) since 2017 after graduating from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology. At the DAS, she mainly conducts psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents to determine their learning profile and provide tailored recommendations. Apart from assessments, Shaian is involved in the research committee and research projects at the DAS. She has also completed courses such as the Certificate in Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching and Certificate in Working with Children with Special Needs: Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Assistive Technology to Support Struggling Learners

Apart from the reading and spelling difficulties commonly experienced by individuals with dyslexia, they also face associated challenges in terms of organization, time management as well as sustaining attention. Fortunately, there now exists an increasing range of Assistive Technology (AT) that can support individuals with difficulties in these areas. This talk will explore how AT can help individuals with learning difficulties compensate for their challenges and better demonstrate their knowledge, in both the home and classroom environments. Different types of AT to target specific challenges will also be introduced. Lastly, the talk will take a look at the kinds of AT that can currently be utilised in our local educational settings.

Speech-Language Therapist, Dyslexia Association of Singapore

Xian Hui is a speech therapist who has just returned to DAS after completing her Master of Science (Speech and Language Pathology) at the National University of Singapore. Prior to taking on her Masters degree, Xian Hui joined DAS in 2015 as an educational therapist and completed her Specialist Diploma in Educational Therapy. She is currently registered with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC). Her clinical experience includes working with children aged 3 to 16 years. Xian Hui provides assessment and intervention for learners with dyslexia and/or speech, language, and social communication difficulties. In addition, she is also involved in conducting lectures on speech and language therapy for the DAS Educational Therapists at the DAS Academy. With a keen interest in research on the language and literacy abilities of children in Singapore, Xian hui has presented her research findings at both local and overseas conferences (i.e. UnITE SpLD 2019 in Singapore, Twenty-Sixth Annual SSSR conference in Toronto, Canada).

What is a Language Disorder?

Children learn language from their environment by listening and by practising what they have learnt. By around 5 years of age, most children are able to use language easily. However, some children face difficulties in mastering the language, in terms of understanding and using it to express themselves, and these difficulties persist with age. This often results in considerable struggles and frustrations in social and academic environments. Such children who have language abilities that are significantly below those expected for their age despite no obvious reasons are often eventually diagnosed with having a language disorder (LD). As it is a condition that is often hidden from superficial view and not well understood, the presentation seeks to clarify what LD is and how it is different from dyslexia. In addition, the speakers will share insights on how LD is diagnosed, as well as the role played by speech-language therapists in supporting children with LD.