Receiving a diagnosis of autism - takiwātanga

Parents and whānau can have a range of responses to a diagnosis of autism - takiwātanga in their child. Some parents and whānau are relieved to understand differences in their child's development. Others may find the diagnosis difficult.

If your child does have autism - takiwātanga, there are services available to support your child, you and your whānau.

Getting information about autism - takiwātanga is important. But, parents and whānau will have their own needs about this. Some want as much information as possible early on. Others find a lot of information, early on, overwhelming. There are resources, information and support available for you to check in your own time, when you need them.

Check a listing of NZ resources and support available on autism - takiwātanga [1]

What support is there for my child with autism - takiwātanga?

Developmental coordinators

Each district health board (DHB) has a developmental coordinator who is involved with children having an assessment for autism - takiwātanga. Your developmental coordinator may be able to help you find the information and support available in your area that will be most helpful.

Exploring Autism

Exploring Autism is a programme for parents, caregivers, families and whānau of children with a recent diagnosis of autism - takiwātanga. It's for children from 0 to 9 years (up to their 10th birthday). It's free and available throughout New Zealand. Families can self-refer into this programme by calling 0800 605 001 and asking one of the team to complete the referral for them. See:

• Exploring Autism - for children aged 0 to 5 years with a recent diagnosis of autism (PDF, 117KB) [2]
• Exploring Autism - for children aged 6 to 9 years with a recent diagnosis of autism (PDF, 131KB) [3]
• Exploring Autism - referral form [4]

You can also check the information at the HealthCare NZ website [5].

Financial support

If your child has autism - takiwātanga, financial support is available.

Check information about financial help for your child [6]

Needs assessment

If your child has autism - takiwātanga, a needs assessment is the first step towards getting support or services for your child and whānau.

Check the information on needs assessment [7]

Behaviour support

Explore's Behaviour Support Service

Explore's Behaviour Support Service has a network of over 170 behaviour specialists who work with parents and whānau anywhere in New Zealand. These behaviour specialists give practical and flexible support to help you develop skills and strategies to manage any situation. You can talk with your Needs Assessment Service Coordinator about seeking specialist behaviour support from Explore.

Explore's 0800 number

The Explore 0800 number is for people with autism - takiwātanga and their support people who are looking for advice or support around challenging behaviours. Anyone can call - you don't need a referral and it doesn't matter whether you're new to Explore, on their waitlist, or you've worked with Explore before. You can call Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. When you phone Explore's 0800 number you will connect with someone who will make an appointment with one of Explore's specialists.

Watch the video below to follow Josh's story and find out about a family who have had support from Explore's Behaviour Support Services.

Find out more about Explore's Behaviour Support Service [8].

Are there any medicines for children with autism - takiwātanga?

Medicines

There are no medicines to cure autism - takiwātanga.

Children with autism - takiwātanga can develop psychological problems such as anxiety, ADHD, depression or psychosis or medical problems such as epilepsy. These problems may benefit from treatment with medicine. A paediatrician or child psychiatrist usually prescribes this medicine to begin with, but your family doctor can often continue prescribing it later on.

Complementary and alternative medicine

All parents want to provide the best opportunities for their child with autism - takiwātanga. There is a lot of online information about a range of treatments for children with autism - takiwātanga . Much of this information is based on individual stories (anecdotes). If you are considering this kind of treatment for your child, talk to your child's paediatrician or psychiatrist first.

Check advice for parents about complementary and alternative medicine [9]

"People who know the details about my autism are usually more comfortable dealing with me. Also, the more information my teachers have, the more ideas they have to help me learn".

See all the content on autism - takiwātanga [10]