KTM / Sean's story

Sean's story · 29, autism (PDD-NOS)

From Meltdowns to Morning Cups of Joy

At each Kopi Teh Makan pop-up, Sean greets customers with a grin and a thumbs-up — sometimes pressing his thumb to theirs. Friendly and smiley, it's hard to imagine the road it took to get here.

Sean at a KTM pop-up

Photo from project-ktm.framer.website. Story adapted with care for this microsite draft.

"The biggest change was when Sean came to me and asked if I was proud of him. That inner happiness — it's not something you can measure."Suit Fong, Sean's mother

Childhood challenges

Diagnosed with PDD-NOS (now classified under autism) at age 4, Sean was prone to frequent meltdowns and physical outbursts. To support him, his family moved to the UK for a more inclusive environment, then back to Siglap to be near St Andrew's Autism Centre. Their home adapted thoughtfully: cupboards with no handles, soft-closing doors, fixed chairs, timers for routines, full-length mirrors for self-awareness — plus blackout curtains and morning meditation space.

During COVID-19, isolation heightened frustration, sometimes leading to aggression. His mother Suit Fong, a mindfulness practitioner, introduced self-regulation practices — pause measures, deep and belly breathing, walking meditation at East Coast Park — speaking with him, offering choices, letting him explore at his own pace.

Kopi Teh Makan — a new beginning

Joining KTM was Sean's very first micro-job training — momentous and daunting. With challenges in coordination, motor skills and verbal communication, plus discomfort in large groups, his parents wondered if back-end work like horticulture might suit him better.

But Flour Power encouraged him to try. To Suit Fong's surprise, he passed the interview and completed training in coffee and tea preparation.

"We weren't sure he'd be ready for the front counter. But Sean surprised us — he picked up coffee preparation quickly, learned workplace etiquette, and engaged warmly with customers."Yeo Hiok Keat, CEO, Flour Power

Even now, crowded spaces can overwhelm him. "Anyone can feel overwhelmed but the key is managing it. Sean is learning that step by step — KTM offers such great real-life opportunities to practise. We are eternally grateful," Suit Fong reflects.

Growing independence

Small tasks — preparing drinks, following instructions, interacting with strangers — helped Sean engage more confidently. Beyond KTM he enjoys basketball, cycling, the gym and word searches. His family is building independent-living skills, including longer trips without him — most recently a holiday to see the Northern Lights.

"Sometimes we wonder, as we are aging, if we're ready for new challenges? For now, it's about him choosing what he wants to do, with inclusive organisations supporting him along the way."

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