Age-specific information on autism-takiwātanga
It can sometimes be overwhelming finding age-appropriate information on autism-takiwātanga. This page is designed to make it easier. Many families find they want new information and extra support when their teenager is about 14 years old.
This includes information on:
- resources and supports
- managing at high school
- social support for the whānau
This page includes information about helpful organisations and links to useful websites. Click on the images to link through to the websites.
Navigating resources and supports
Finding your way through autism-takiwātanga supports and information can feel overwhelming at times. The links below may help you find what you need, or to find someone to help you.
Autism NZ has resources on navigating the world of autism-takiwātanga, including information to help you understand autism-takiwātanga. The Autism NZ website has many resources for parents and whānau, including education resources.
Autism NZ has 16 branches nationwide - you can ring your local branch for individualised information and support.
Altogether Autism can provide personalised information packages for you - just click on the 'Ask us a question' box and fill in the online information request form. Check out the information hub section on their website.
Puberty
Some families may need information on how to approach puberty, sex education and identity issues. Raising Children has information for whānau. Keep in mind it is an Australian site and not all services described on the site will be available in Aotearoa.
Altogether Autism has a range of resources grouped together under 'Sex Education'. Check out Altogether Autism's information about sex education.
Teen Life
Healthcare NZ's Explore service runs a course called Teen Life. It is run remotely and in person. This course is for parents of children and teenagers with autism-takiwātanga aged 10 to 15 years. It includes sessions on autism-takiwātanga in rangatahi, self-esteem, stress and anxiety, puberty and planning for the future. There is a waitlist so it is recommended people register early.
Learning support
The Ministry of Education has information and advice on:
- supporting young people with autism-takiwātanga at school
- secondary school learning support
- exam assistance for NCEA (on the Altogether Autism website)
Check out information on supporting children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Check out Altogether Autism's information on teenagers and education support. They have information on how parents can get exam assistance for NZ special needs students. There is a also a section on Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) for NCEA Exams: How to get free help with alternative evidence.
Family support
Parenting a child with autism-takiwātanga can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Non-religious support is available from Methodist Mission. Many other churches and organisations also provide whānau support. Find your local Methodist Mission organisation on the Methodist Church of New Zealand website.
Family Works is the name for child and family services provided by the 7 Presbyterian Support organisations in New Zealand. They are based in 40 centres in Aotearoa New Zealand. Family Works delivers a full range of social work and counselling services in communities throughout Aotearoa.
CCS Disability Action offers a broad range of support services for disabled people, family and whānau. Services include advocacy for whānau, early intervention in education, and support for people to remain living at home or in their communities.
Parent support
Parent to Parent is a website that helps connect parents who have children with similar needs. They provide support and information to families and whānau of tamariki with disabilities.
Support for parents is also available from your health professional. They may be able to refer you for further support if you find that your mental health is suffering.
Cultural support
Talk to your iwi or hapu about what support they may be able to provide. For help with finding your iwi website, head to the Te Puni Kōkiri website. Once there, you can find your iwi by searching on the map function. Click on the iwi, then on 'Representative Organisations' - this will give you a website address and contact details for your local iwi.
Pasifika Autism Support Group is for parents and carers of children and youth with autism-takiwātanga. The group aims to meet every term and also operates a Facebook page.
Social skills and support for school-aged children
Many children with autism-takiwātanga need support to develop social skills and friendships.
Some social skills-focused groups that might be useful include:
- music or dance groups
- physical activity, gymnastics, climbing or sports groups
- Lego groups
- social conversation and speaking development groups
- special interest groups
Contact your local Autism NZ outreach coordinator or Altogether Autism cordinator for more information about groups in your area.
Sexuality, gender and relationships
Some young adults and their families find they want information and support on how to manage aspects of puberty, sex education and gender identity.
The Australian Raising Children website has information on these topics. The information is mainly aimed at parents of autistic young people. Keep in mind not all services described on this site will be available in New Zealand.
Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa has a range of information and resources for young people and their families. Check out the 'advice' section on their website to read about a range of topics, including sexuality and consent.
Visit Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
See Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa's information for parents and whānau
There is a variety of information on gender and sexuality on the Rainbow Youth website. Rainbow Youth also offers a support service and social groups at a number of locations throughout Aotearoa.
Other useful information
Your local NASCA organisation helps with respite care and carer support. If your situation has changed since your last assessment, please discuss this with your NASCA organisation. If you have a carer support allocation, this may need updating.
Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC)
Explore (HealthCare NZ) offers a range of services for children with autism-takiwātanga and their families. They provide a range of services.
This is a course for parents of children with autism-takiwātanga aged between 0 and 9. Many parents who have done this course recommend it.
Targeted Parenting Support programme
This programme helps parents develop specific skills and goals.
A service to help parents and whānau manage challenging behaviour.
Free online courses to help you understand your child's behaviour, communicate with them and develop strategies.
QR code poster
To give others easy access to KidsHealth's autism-takiwātanga content, you can share a QR code poster. Anyone can scan the QR code with their smartphone and go straight to KidsHealth's age-specific information on autism-takiwātanga.
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