Awakening Minds^© : Autism, Special Education and Mental Illness

My name is Choo Kah Ying. I am a writer/educator and a homeschooler of Sebastien, my autistic son and my inspiration. I am also a recovered sufferer of manic-depression. Both of these conditions have shaped the trajectory of my life and sculpted the landscape of my character. Most significantly, they have influenced my perspectives in my work and inspired me to create Awakening Minds^©.

Sebastien's unique celebration of colour

What is Awakening Minds^© ?

Awakening Minds^© is a social enterprise that strives to debunk stereotypical conceptions about autism, special needs and mental illness/mental wellness. Through affordable original books, articles, learning materials, talks, workshops and consultations, Awakening Minds aims to:

• Empower sufferers and caregivers to adopt a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to supplement professional treatments;
• Inspire and motivate people to think outside the box about strategies and solutions for their conditions;
• Encourage the pursuit of a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy lifestyle; and
• Combat stigmatisation of people with special needs and mental illnesses.

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What does Awakening Minds^© offer ?

Awakening Minds^© offers the following products and services:

• Inspiring books with personal and practical perspectives on autism and manic depression.
• Innovative learning materials that provide fun scaffolding and hands-on learning for children with special needs.
• Informative talks and workshops on:
  1. various aspects of autism and special needs – learning strategies, curriculum design and implementation, social and communication approaches, sensory regulation, behavioural management, etc.
  2. mental illness/mental wellness – practical lifestyle strategies on treatment and recovery; addressing life issues; stigmatisation; creating a programme plan for recovery, etc..
• Individualised on-site/in-home consultations to provide targeted services – creating a programme plan for recovery and training individuals/caregivers to execute the programme.

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Who is Awakening Minds^© for ?

Awakening Minds^© seeks to reach out to:

• Individuals with autism, special needs and mental illnesses (particularly those with manic depression or depression)
• Caregivers
• Professionals
• Schools
• Helping Organisations and Community Agencies
• Members of the Public.

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