Grace Song
I am 22 years old and neurodivergent.
I am dyslexic, and was recently diagnosed with social communication disorder. I am studying Occupational Therapy (OT) at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).
Tell us more about yourself.
In my polytechnic days, I studied Child Psychology and Education. I have always wanted to work in the early intervention and special needs field. Upon graduation, I took a gap year to explore this. I reached out to an educational psychologist to work with her. That was where I found out about OT and wanted to pursue it.
When you took a gap year, how did your parents react?
My parents were a little worried as it was the path less taken. However, they trusted my judgement and let me do it. They knew I had a specific goal.
What about occupational therapy that interests you?
OT is extremely holistic and works on everyday daily living skills. I thought that was extremely interesting.
Could you tell us more about your neurodivergence?
“I am dyslexic, and only recently I was diagnosed with Social Communication Disorder (SCD).”
I have always been a very socially awkward kid, so when I was given this diagnosis, everything made sense.
Sometimes, I may be very loud when I’m excited, and I have difficulties modulating my volume. It was not very socially acceptable, and I often got myself into trouble. I knew I was doing something wrong, but I wasn’t sure what that was. So, this diagnosis has helped me cement an understanding of myself and brought a lot of comfort.
What about your journey with dyslexia?
I was diagnosed with mild dyslexia at Primary 5. My parents picked it up and sought the support I needed. Academically, it never occurred to me that I was different. It only affected me when I went into secondary school. Ironically, my challenges in primary school were not academic in nature, but more social.
What was it like going through school with dyslexia and social communication disorder?
“Academically, I managed to stay afloat throughout my schooling years.”
In secondary school, I also found my own way of studying and what worked for me. Socially, I struggled in primary and secondary school.
Things started getting better in polytechnic. There was a particular social incident that happened in poly that sparked my search to understand more about myself and also help other neurodivergent kids.
What kept you going when things are difficult?
“My parents were a very big support pillar.”
As I grew up, my friends were a big support as well. I have neurodivergent friends and they are one of my best emotional supports. Right now, my passion to knowing about myself and learning about this field is also something that motivates me.
How does your friends react when you tell them you are neurodivergent?
I have friends who know how to react, who just say “oh okay”. I also have friends who don’t know how to react, and say things like “I don’t know how to do this also, maybe I am dyslexic” or “what is dyslexia?”
What are some common misconceptions about dyslexia?
People often ask if I see words flying, but this is actually a small part of the dyslexic population. Some people react by saying “maybe I also have difficulty reading too”.
“It is important to understand that we all can have some differences, but it is the level of differences that makes it neurodivergent.”
Personally, reading is not the most challenging, but structuring my thoughts and writing it out coherently is one of my biggest thing. Word-finding difficulties and not being able to communicate things clearly is also something me and my dyslexic friends also experience, although it is not in the diagnostic criteria.
What do you think are your strengths?
I am able to relate emotionally with others, as I have experienced it as well.
“I am a very big picture thinker and am able to take perspectives, take information and put it into a larger picture.”
There are some cons to it because I may overthink, and it does take up a lot of time.
When you look back at your journey so far, what would you tell your younger self?
“It’s okay. Things will come into play and you’ll find your purpose in being here.”
The things you go through shapes you for who you are today.
What other advice or messages would you give to others with learning differences like yourself (or their parents or general public)?
If you know someone who is neurodivergent, look past the lines of the Diagnostic Statistic Manual (DSM) and observable characteristics. There are lots of things that are going on behind the scenes that they struggle with and may not tell you. Don’t make assumptions. Be careful with your words and be open to other people’s experiences and understanding of the diagnosis.
From your perspective, what can schools do better to be more inclusive?
It may be controversial and difficult given a big class of 40, but encouraging empathy towards others like asking “hey how are you” is enough to feel seen. Also, bullying is another big thing. When a child comes up to you and says bullying might have happened, don’t dismiss it too quickly.
Besides being an OT, what are some of your dreams and hope for the future?
“My biggest dream is to just graduate first. I do want to work with neurodivergent kids.”
I hope to make a difference in their lives and empower them with the understanding of themselves, and tell them “It’s okay to be ‘you’". This is the world and it’s okay to be ‘you’ in the world. You don’t have to change yourself to fit into the world.”
