From “Problem Child” to Purpose
Clarence Ching is the Founder and Executive Director of Access, a social mobility charity that provides career exposure opportunities for disadvantaged students in Singapore. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Clarence grew up feeling misunderstood but eventually transformed his challenges into strengths. His relentless energy now drives Access’ mission, his decade of grassroots service, and his advocacy for disadvantaged youth—work that earned him the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s (NVPC)’s President’s Volunteerism and Philanthropy Award (PVPA) Leaders of Good (Youth) Award.
Quotes
“Your challenges can become your strengths. Embrace them, learn from them, and build something beautiful with them. ADHD may be misunderstood, but to me, it’s a superhero trait—one that has allowed me to transform struggle into service, misfit energy into meaningful impact.”
“I chose to embrace ADHD as part of who I am. I realised there was no shame in it, no reason to hide. ADHD doesn’t define me, but it is a part of me—the part that’s creative, driven, and unconventional.”
Early Struggles
I was diagnosed with ADHD in Primary 1 at the Child Guidance Clinic, part of the Institute of Mental Health. Back then, ADHD was a condition surrounded by misconceptions. Teachers and classmates didn’t know what to make of me.
I was constantly fidgety, my mind jumping from one thought to the next, and I spent way too much time outside class visiting senior school staff. Through secondary school, I was seen as the troublemaker—the kid who couldn’t sit still, who didn’t fit the mold. I got into trouble often and was even caned.
The school system prioritised compliance, structure, and grades. It wasn’t set up for someone like me. My parents, both educators, didn’t pressure me much, but I could feel their disappointment when I brought home failing grades. Watching them sign my reports or disciplinary notices was incredibly tough.
Embracing ADHD
It wasn’t until university that things began to click. I chose to embrace ADHD as part of who I am. I realised there was no shame in it, no reason to hide. ADHD doesn’t define me, but it is a part of me—the part that’s creative, driven, and unconventional.
That shift in mindset was transformative. I stopped fighting to be someone I wasn’t and instead leaned into the energy and perspective that ADHD gave me. Those qualities eventually shaped the path from “problem child” to founder of a social mobility charity.
Grassroots Service and Community Building
Before starting Access, I spent nearly a decade assisting elderly individuals and low-income families in the Kreta Ayer–Kim Seng community. Later, I became actively involved in the Moulmein-Cairnhill community, serving as a Member of the Citizen’s Consultative Committee and Chairing the Moulmein-Cairnhill Mental Well-being Circle.
These experiences grounded me. They reminded me that community service is not about accolades but about showing up consistently, listening deeply, and addressing real needs. They also gave me insight into the complexities of mental health and social mobility—issues I knew I wanted to continue addressing in bigger, more systemic ways.
Building Access Singapore
In 2019, I founded Access, a social mobility charity that provides early intervention support for disadvantaged students. I spearhead operations, finances, programmes, staff, and volunteers, while also cultivating relationships with stakeholders, running fundraising initiatives, and driving strategic planning.
Disadvantaged youth face real challenges. They don’t just need financial aid—they need belief, guidance, and genuine opportunities. My mission has always been to build confidence and aspirations among students, whether they’re heartland secondary school students, JC repeat students, or bursary recipients in institutes of higher learning.
In 2023, receiving the NVPC’s PVPA Leaders of Good (Youth) Award from President Tharman was a full-circle moment. As a former Normal (Academic) student who doubted himself, I never imagined this recognition. It’s not just my award—it belongs to the entire Access team, who work tirelessly to equalise opportunities. Leadership, to me, isn’t about having all the answers or leading from the front; it’s about empowering others to make decisions and drive meaningful change.
Strengths and Support
My relentless energy is one of my greatest ADHD strengths. On good days, it fuels my vision to create opportunities and build spaces where potential is recognised, even if it doesn’t fit the standard mold.
Of course, there are tough days. That’s when I lean on my incredible team at Access and my supportive better half. Their presence reminds me that leadership is never a solo journey.
Reflections
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: You’re not alone. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to manage ADHD, but you’ll find your rhythm. And when you do, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Your challenges can become your strengths. Embrace them, learn from them, and build something beautiful with them. ADHD may be misunderstood, but to me, it’s a superhero trait—one that has allowed me to transform struggle into service, misfit energy into meaningful impact.
Support the ADHD Community
If you’d like to read more stories like these, consider donating $150 or more to receive a copy of our book, Differently Wired Minds as a thank-you. Limited quantities available.
Your donation helps Unlocking ADHD provide counselling, psychoeducation, and other vital support services to those affected by ADHD.
Special thanks to our sponsors whose generous support made this book possible:
MINDSET, Singapore Pools, Chua Foundation, Hyphens Pharma
Leave a Reply