Exploring Autism (0-9 Years)

Exploring Autism is a programme for parents, caregivers and whānau of children with a recent diagnosis of autism. It is available throughout New Zealand at no cost to families.

Related Services

Learning Together

Programmes are available for families with a child aged between 0-5 years as well as families with a child aged 6-9 years. The content covers core topics with adaptations and additional information appropriate to each age group.

The programme aims to help participants to grow their understanding of autism, to consider their child’s individual needs and to identify practical strategies that can be used in everyday life. It introduces a range of services and supports that are available in New Zealand for children with autism as well as websites and resources that families may find useful.

Out of respect for others who may have sensory sensitivities , it would be appreciated if attendees could avoid wearing perfume, or other strong fragrances and ensure that cell phones are kept on silent mode, while attending face- to- face groups.

Who can attend?

Who can attend?

Parents, caregivers and whānau of a child aged 6-9 years (up to 10th birthday) who have a recent autism diagnosis. Parents, caregivers and whānau of a child aged 0-5 years with a provisional autism diagnosis, where the child has been referred for an autism assessment and it is understood the diagnosis is likely to be confirmed. Please note, the child does not attend with their parents

Programme Details

6 sessions cover the following topics:

Introduction to autism
Social communication
Sensory processing
Thinking and learning
Supporting stress, anxiety and behaviour
Next steps – into the future

The content is mostly provided through group sessions, so families have the opportunity to connect and to learn with and from each other. These groups can occur in person or through remote delivery/video conferencing.

An individual follow up session is available so families can apply their learning to their own child and their own unique situation.

The programme can also be provided for an individual family or whānau group if that suits the situation best. This might involve home visits and/or video conferencing.

To be fair to the other families, that are waiting for a place, please be aware that we can only provide one group place per family/ per household on Exploring Autism.

Where is the programme available?

This programme is available throughout New Zealand. There is no cost to attend the programme.

Parents/caregivers can apply by

Downloading and completing the referral form, then emailing this to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can complete the online referral form by clicking on the button below.
Calling 0800 397 288 (0800 EXP AUT) to ask one of our team to complete the referral for you.
Asking another professional in the child’s support team to complete the referral e.g. service coordinator at NASC, developmental coordinator or ASD coordinator.

Before completing this form, please check:

That the child named meets the programme criteria and is in the intended age range
That the parent(s)/caregiver(s) have the availability to attend and, if not making the referral themselves, have given consent for this to be done on their behalf.