Building brighter futures for children with autism

Published on 21 October 2025

Ms Chiang Jing Jing is helping children with autism – and their parents – thrive, while preparing the next generation of therapists to carry the work forward.

Ask Ms Chiang Jing Jing what sparks joy, and she will point to the meaningful moments she shares with parents of children with autism.

Recounting how she felt seeing children who were once completely non-verbal begin to speak after just eight sessions of therapy, the Senior Occupational Therapist with the Child Development Unit at the National University Hospital (NUH) said, “The most memorable part is sharing that joy with parents. Their relief and happiness are what keep me going.”

Ms Chiang, 41, is Singapore’s only certified trainer in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), an evidence-based programme that supports young children with autism and their families. Her certification allows her not just to practise the method, but also to train other early intervention professionals in Singapore – something she sees as crucial for scaling impact.

“We didn’t have anyone locally who could train others in ESDM before,” she explained. “Now we can build capability within our own early intervention scene, so more children and families can benefit.”

Her belief in ESDM lies in in its blend of structure and flexibility, which helps therapists track progress while tailoring interventions to each child. She led the adaptation of the curriculum for Singapore’s context and contributed to local research showing results that are consistent with international findings. “It’s evidence-based, practical, and it works,” she said.

Supporting parents together

At NUH, she spearheaded a multidisciplinary approach where doctors and therapists evaluate and treat children across communication, motor skills and behaviour. Parents, too, are central to the process. “Healthcare isn’t just us doing what we think is good,” she said. “It’s about working with families, so they are empowered and supported. It really takes a whole village.”

Her leadership goes beyond clinical care. She has introduced group therapy programmes for social skills, attention and emotional regulation, and shifted parent education workshops online to make them more accessible. She also mentors junior therapists and coordinates clinical education, ensuring the next generation is equipped to carry the work forward.

Ms Chiang’s own career has been defined by a willingness to step into the unknown. She recalls her early days as a young occupational therapist, when she was still exploring which approach worked best for children. “There are many models out there,” she said. “I wanted one that was evidence-based, but also something I could teach others.”

That blend of clinical passion and educator’s instinct led her towards ESDM, and eventually to pursue the demanding trainer certification. “It wasn’t easy,” she said. “I was working full-time, while waking up for classes in the middle of the night because they were US-based. If I had hesitated, I might have missed the opportunity. Sometimes, you just have to be bold and take the leap.”

Looking ahead

This year, Ms Chiang received the Young Achiever Award at the NUHS Allied Health & Pharmacy Awards, which recognise young professionals who demonstrate excellence, leadership potential and commitment to compassionate care.

For Ms Chiang, the future of allied health is moving towards more transdisciplinary collaboration, where professionals work across traditional boundaries to provide holistic care. “We’ll still have our identities as occupational therapists, physiotherapists or speech therapists,” she said. “But patients – especially children with special needs – shouldn’t have to see multiple people for different issues. A more integrated approach is the way forward.”

Her vision reflects the qualities the National University Health System (NUHS) champions in the Healthcare Workforce of the Future: collaborative, adaptable and committed to building capacity for tomorrow. What drives her is equal parts creativity and responsibility. She enjoys developing new programmes and testing fresh ideas but is equally committed to preparing the younger generation.

“We need to future-proof our profession,” she said. “That means mentoring, upskilling, and creating opportunities for them to step up. I think it’s also what keeps me going – really trying to make sure that they’re supported. Ultimately, we have to pass things on and prepare the younger generation to be ready for the future.”

The NUHS Allied Health & Pharmacy Awards celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to patient care, education, research and professional practice across NUHS.

Click here to find out more about the various Allied Health Professionals.

In consultation with Ms Chiang Jing Jing, Senior Occupational Therapist, Child Development Unit, NUH.