 Unlike most special schools in Singapore , which place little emphasis on academics , Pathlight School uses the same academic curriculum as mainstream primary and secondary schools . The sole exception is that mother tongue lessons are replaced with classes covering social and life skills . The school accommodates the needs of students with smaller class sizes , staff trained to handle autistic children , more visual teaching methods , more predictable environments and individual education plans for each student . Satellite classes and special events give students regular opportunities to interact with neurotypical ( non @-@ autistic ) peers from mainstream schools ; exceptional students are allowed to attend classes with mainstream students for some subjects . To prepare students for employment , Pathlight School runs computing courses , a design studio and a cafe staffed by students . The school also produces book compilations of thoughts written by students , conducts exhibitions of student artwork and sells merchandise made by students , to help students develop useful skills , raise funds for the school and raise awareness of autism . In addition , Pathlight School has hosted autism events such as the <unk> Learning Congress 2010 , where over 20 international experts shared their best practices in autism care with about 560 delegates . 
