Guiding Growth: Ashley Loh’s Path to Becoming A Special Needs Educator

How are bright futures formed? 

The foundation for an empowering tomorrow often lies in the small yet transformative moments of learning and growth. Ashley Loh came to this pivotal realisation early, during a short stint working at a childcare centre. Amidst the laughter, boundless curiosity and inspiring creativity, Ashley understood the transformative power of education.

Today, Ashley works as a special needs educator, dedicating her livelihood to supporting children with autism, ADHD and other learning differences. Her role in the classroom goes far beyond teaching: it's about creating safe spaces where children can flourish and discover their unique potential.

From navigating a psychology degree to unveiling the fulfilment that comes with helping the differently abled, Ashley’s journey is a poignant reminder of the beauty that finding meaning in unexpected places and embracing the hardships helping others can bring.

Discovering a Passion for Working with Children

Ashley’s passion for working with children bloomed early in her life. Before going to university, Ashley had the opportunity to work at a childcare centre for two months, an experience that left a profound impact. “I knew I liked communicating with kids,” Ashley recalled. “These formative years are where we grow and change the most, so it was fascinating to see how simple things, like words, are learnt for the first time.”

What struck Ashley most during this period was the joy that children bring into the world, a quality that often diminishes as people get older. “There’s so much joy that kids have. It’s something we lose as adults, but being around them reminded me of how exciting it is to learn and discover things for the first time.”

For Ashley, there was a unique magic in the early years of a child’s life: the rapid growth, the excitement for life and the endless possibilities for potential. It was here, in those moments of shared discovery, that she realised how fulfilling it could be to play a role in their learning journey. “I loved seeing how they changed and grew. It’s amazing to be even a small part of that.”

Ashley’s short-lived experience at the childcare centre planted the seed for her future, sparking a sincere interest in child development that would mould her life and career.

Finding Psychology

Pursuing a degree in Psychology wasn't always part of Ashley's plan. She initially had her eyes set on studying the arts, unsure of what she truly wanted to do. But it was a psychology course she took during college that captured her imagination. “It was the most interesting subject I had because it talked about experiments and how people work,” she said. “I realised I really love learning about people.”

Ashley's passion for the human mind stems from her love for biology, her favourite subject in secondary school. “I loved learning how the body works, and psychology felt like the next step: understanding how the mind works,” she explained. Fascinated by the connection between physical processes and mental behaviour, combined with the support of her parents, Ashley was driven to explore the field. 

While Ashley was still uncertain about her career path, there was always one certainty about her future: she wanted to work with people. “I wasn’t planning every detail, but I knew I wanted to understand people—and that’s why I was sure about Psychology.”

Shaping her Path with The University of Nottingham 

After completing her Foundation programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, Ashley felt a strong sense of comfort and familiarity with the institution. It was the key factor in her decision to return and enrol in its Psychology degree programme.

The early days of her degree coincided with the pandemic, which meant online classes and limited interaction with peers. “It was really hard,” Ashley recalled. “I’m very extroverted, so being stuck at home and not meeting people was tough. Even group projects felt impersonal; we were just talking on microphones without seeing each other’s faces.” Yet, the isolation she felt during this period marked a significant turning point. 

Being locked in and closed off from the world for so long left Ashley longing for a new adventure. This desire was soon satiated when she participated in an exchange programme at the Univerity of Nottingham UK campus. The programme became a defining moment in her university life, offering her the chance to build new connections and rediscover her confidence. “The exchange taught me so much about being independent and navigating new environments. It’s one of my core memories from university."

Among her most memorable modules were those on autism and memory, areas that piqued her interest in further understanding human behaviour. For her final year project, Ashley centred her research around autobiographical memory, diving into how past experiences play a significant role in our perception of the future. She credited her professor, Steve Jensen, for formulating an enriching learning experience. “He was amazing. He specialised in memory and guided us so well, from weekly progress meetings to explaining concepts in a way that just clicked.”

Embracing both the hardships and exciting opportunities her time at Nottingham presented, Ashley not only shaped her academic interests but also created avenues for personal growth, providing much-needed clarity for the career she wanted to pursue.

From Academia to a Career in Special Needs Education

The path to becoming a special needs educator was carved with both intention and conviction. In the classroom, subjects relating to special needs and autism captured her attention beyond surface-level intrigue; it was in these moments of deep captivation that the seed of assuming the virtuous role was first planted.  “I wanted to do something meaningful and hands-on. I realised that a traditional desk job doesn't appeal to me."

Beyond the lecture halls, long and thoughtful conversations with peers who had experience working with the differently-abled further helped her explore and understand her aspirations. “A lot of my classmates had experiences in this area and shared their stories: both the challenges and the rewards,” Ashley explained. These accounts, combined with her understanding of and inherent interest in the necessary theory, gave her the confidence to pursue a career path that would intimidate many.

Today, Ashley works as a teacher at Brain Connection, a learning centre in Petaling Jaya dedicated to providing an attentive and thoughtful educational experience to children and teenagers with special needs. This opportunity has helped her unveil many profound insights about the profession and, more importantly, herself.  "I’ve learned how hard it is to be a parent. The sheer amount of patience, diligence and love required to raise a child with unique needs are quite moving.” She also noted the importance of celebrating small victories. “Even the tiniest milestones, like learning a new word or expressing an emotion, feel huge. Those moments of fulfilment outweigh the difficulties.”

As any good educator, Ashley has found value in her students’ unique strengths and learning preferences. “Every child is different, and that’s what makes the work so rewarding: you’re constantly learning how to adapt and connect with each of them in their own way.” Every student in Ashley’s classroom represents a distinctive area for fulfilment in her heart, all contributing in their own ways to what makes this job worth doing. 

Looking Ahead and Advice

Ashley’s dedication to supporting children with special needs on their educational journeys remains unwavering. Whether through building her skills in education, deepening her knowledge in psychology, or expanding her reach, she will continue to trek a path that is as righteous as it is fulfilling. While Ashley acknowledges the difficulties that come with her job, she recognises the gratification that struggle can often bring with it. “Every experience, even the difficult ones, has taught me something valuable,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but the rewards make it all worthwhile.”

To those considering a similar path, Ashley has some words of encouragement: “It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. What’s important is to stay open to the journey and trust in the process.” In a life covered in uncertainties (as all are), one thing is certain for Ashley: she will tenaciously commit to improving the lives of her students and their families, one milestone at a time.