The number of schools with programs for autistic children in Singapore has gone up from two to twelve. More teachers for them are being trained so that by 2006, 400 more autistic children may benefit. This move has come in response to long waiting lists in special schools for the education of children with special needs. The government has also devised a new 'many-helping-hands approach' to spearhead all it's programs that will cater to children with special needs. This approach focuses on involving the community and welfare groups along with the government in fulfilling the requirements of children with special needs. There is certainly hope among special needs children and families that there will soon be a better and brighter road ahead. [Straits Times]