The moving personal story that led Cordilia to an amazing career in psychology

Moments In Mind returns for season two with a heart-rending story that began many years ago in a primary school in southern India many years ago—and continues to this day in Singapore.Our guest is the amazing Cordilia Justin, Senior Principal Psychologist at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS).

In this episode, Cordilia recalls how her twin sister struggled with her studies at school, and Cordilia’s chance discovery of a book in the school library that would change both of their lives forever. It’s a tale of love and hope that shows how much can be achieved when family members pull together to solve seemingly insurmountable challenges.

We also hear about some touching moments from Cordilia’s work at CPAS, where she supports people with cerebral palsy (and their families). Cordilia describes light bulb moments for children and parents, as well as for the allied health professionals who work alongside them. Her experiences underline how much can be achieved when you combine objective assessments, strong clinical skills and a determination to understand what makes each individual tick.

About Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore:
CPAS serves around 850 clients of all age groups—the youngest client being 2.5 years of age to the oldest client who will soon reach his 60s. There are several programmes catering to clients needs: 

• The Early Intervention Programme caters to children who are 6 and under
• The CPAS school caters to children who are 7—18 years of age
• Adult services cater to students who are 18 and over
• The day activity centre serves clients with significant physical needs and intellectual disability
• GROW (Goodwill, Rehabilitation & Occupational Workshop) serves clients with cerebral palsy & multiple disabilities. It’s a sheltered workshop that provides employment for clients
• Connect Alumni programme serves clients who have graduated from CPAS to stay in contact with their peers and have opportunities for ad-hoc events and mentoring for employment. 

There’s also an Assistive Technology Hub, which brings in low-tech to high tech assistance to help clients reach their fullest potential such devices include the rain shield, sensory & vision aids, electronic aids for daily living, seating & positioning aids, alternative computer access etc.To learn more about CPAS visit cpas.org.sg

Timestamps:

• 00:03:00 – How Cordilia and her twin sister’s school days led them both to careers in psychology
• 00:09:10 – Cerebral palsy definition
• 00:10:30 – How Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore supports people
• 00:13:40 – How clinical assessments help determine what early interventions are required
• 00:16:30 – How clinical assessments help determine children’s potential
• 00:21:30 – Cordilia’s work with a parent who was suffering from sleep deprivation
• 00:24:16 – Cordilia’s work giving more agency and choice to a young person with cerebral palsy
• 00:27:00 – Special moments that Cordilia will always remember

Disclaimer
Client details and narratives presented in this podcast have been altered or omitted to protect confidentiality and privacy. Any similarities to actual individuals, events, or circumstances are entirely coincidental. Each client interaction is unique, and the outcomes or breakthroughs described are specific to the individuals involved. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees or promises of similar results for others.


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