Autism New Zealand Nelson/Marlborough Branch
Address: PO Box 18, Upper Moutere, NELSON
Phone: (03) 539 0285
Email: Nelson-Marlborough@autismnz.org.nz
Coordinator: Robyn Young
Field Officer: Viv Nelson
About Us
The branch covers Nelson, Tasman, the Bays and Marlborough. We are a group of parents, who work on a voluntary basis, offering support and information to other families who have someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Key Activities
* Provide parents and carers with information and support
* Provide information to professionals and liase with other agencies
* Field Officer Support
* Provide Workshops
* Provided Support Groups for Parents
* Raise Awareness of ASD
* Provide a Newsletter with ideas, information and what is happening locally
* Books Available from our Branch Library
Branch Library
* For latest list of books to borrow see inside back page of latest Newsletter
* Books are available to collect or by post from:
Yvon Smit's shop Jewel Beetle, (Upstairs above Whitcoulls) 240 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
Tel: (03) 548 0487
Email: yvon@jewelbeetle.co.nz
Newsletters Online
Support Group meetings 
These are social get-togethers for parents, whanau, caregivers and anyone working with someone with ASD. It's a great opportunity to meet other people who understand. Everyone is very welcome.
Nelson Morning Support Group:
When: 10.30am Thursday 16 February 2012
Where: Cafe De Ville, New Street, Nelson. (This is a child friendly cafe with a gate at the entrance).
Nelson Evening Support Group:
When: To be advised
Where: The Stables Tavern, (upstairs room) McGlashen Ave, Richmond
Marlborough Support Group:
When: First Tuesday of every month
Where: Family Room at the office of SF Marlborough, (Supporting Families in Mental Wellbeing) 4 Scott Street, Blenheim
Young Adult Group
If you are an older teenager/young adult between15 years and 25 years who have Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, and would like to meet and talk with other people who have ASD, come and join us for an afternoon.
When: 2.30 to 4.30pm every Monday (Those at College usually come after college - check during school holidays)
Where: Cafe De Ville, New Street, Nelson
Things you need to know:
*Person with ASD must be fairly independent and able to be left at a table on their own
*Food & Drink at your own cost
For more information please contact the Branch or Email viv.nelson@autismnz.org.nz
Workshops/Seminars in our Region
"Inclusions for Students on the Autism Spectrum" presented by our specialist consultant Celeste Littek (Med.Dip.T)
When: 9.30am to 3.30pm Friday 9 March 2012
Where: Halifax Centre, Impact Church, 16 - 18 Halifax Street, Nelson
Cost: $35 per person (including GST)
For more details and Registration please contact Jill & Alan Hounsell Tel (03) 5432 465 or Email jahounsell@ts.co.nz or the Branch.
Tips for Autism Courses
Blenheim
When: 20 - 22 March 2012
Where: Whitney Street, School
Nelson
When: 27 -29 March 2012
Where: Salisbury School, Richmond
Cost: Free to families
For further information please contact Kerry Scott, Course Co-ordinator, Tel (04) 463 8951 or Email tipsfor.autism@minedu.govt.nz or see www.tipsforautism.org.nz
"help! Programme" Nelson 2012
If you are interested in having a "help Programme" in Nelson please contact Pat Gluck, National Programme Manager on Email Pat.Gluck@autismnz.org.nz
"The Passionate Mind: How individuals with Autism Learn" Presented by Dr Wendy Lawson
When: 9.30am - 3.00pm 20 June 2012
Where: Venue TBA - Nelson
Cost: $180 or $160 Earlybird payment before 28 May 2012
Registration and more information: Contact Jo Adkins of Creating Success on 06 845 2605 or Email jo@creating success.co.nz or www.creatingsuccess.co.nz
Other Activities (NELSON AREA):
ASD Youth Group Activity - *Thanks to Nelson City Council*
Mini Golf & Big Blue Slide at Tahuna, Nelson (This activity is for our ASD kids age 9 years to 16 Years of age)
When: Sunday 26 February 2012
Time: 11am
Where: Meet at Big Blue Slide Tahuana, Nelson
Cost: $1 per young person with ASD
What to bring: A drink & something to eat + Socks as slide may be a bit warm
Important note: A caregiver/parent must be with each young person
To Register: Places are limited so please email the Branch Nelson-Marlborough@autismnz.org.nz with your name, contact details & email address - name of student and age.
Special Olympic Junior Cricket 2012
Where: Garin College Tennis Courts, Richmond
Time: 9.30am - 10.30am
When: Saturday mornings Sat 4 Feb, 11 Feb, 18 Feb, 25 Feb, 3 March, 10 March 2012
Who: Students Year 1 to Year 11
Cost: Free
Come & give it a go - just some skills practice and FUN!!
"Little Stars" Early Intervention Playgroup
When: Every Wednesday morning during term time
Time: 9.30am to 12.00noon
Where: St Barnabus Church, Main Road, Stoke
Come along for coffee and a chat with other families who have a child/children with a disability and/or special needs. Toys, activities, singing and outdoor area (enclosed and safe). This is a friendly welcoming group which also has input from Speech Language therapists, Physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
For further information contact CCS Nelson Tel (03) 548 4479
Moving Is Fun with Just Gymnastics
When: Every Thursday morning during term time
Time: 9.30am to 12.15pm
Where: Richmond Town Hall (Tasman Recreational Resourse Centre)
Just Gymnastics has identified a need for primary school aged children with special needs and has developed a specialized class to help with the child's development, confidence, participation and enjoyment in physical activity. Enrolment is essential and funding may be available to assist with the attendance costs.
For further information contact Linda & Steve Mace, Just Gymnastics Tel: (03) 546 6013 or Email just.gym@xtra.co.nz
Develop Social Skills
Develop social skills, friendship skills, life skills, organisational skills, effective communication skills as well as build confidence, resilience and empathy through fun music and drama activities.Activities are focussed on the needs of the participants in small groups.
Who: For primary/intermediate age children (including home schooled children) with special needs
Where: Richmond
When: Mondays (term time), other sessions can be arranged during the day in Nelson
Cost: $150 per 10 week term ($15 per session per student)
Contact: For more information phone Maria Reid on 03 544 7102 or Email mariareid1@xtra.co.nz
Other Activities (MARLBOROUGH AREA):
Sports Training - Special Olympics
Have fun & learn new skills!!
Age: Over 8 years old
When: Thursdays 3.15 - 4.30 pm (school term)
Where: Queen Charlotte College Gym
Cost: Free
Contact: Derek Quigley (CCS Disability Action) Tel (03) 578 1170 or Email
derek.quigley@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
Activity Night
For like minded teenagers from Year 9 & older. Various activities arranged monthly in Blenheim.
Contact: Derek Quigley (CCS Disability Action) Tel (03) 578 1170
Directory of Information & Services
How to Get a Diagnosis:
Contact your local GP for referral to a Paediatrician or CAMHS (Child & adolescent Mental Health Services) if young person is over 12 years old. Tel 03 546 1800
If you are in Nelson and wish to go privately, you can contact TACTICS (user pays part of Tautoko Services). Tel 03 546 8370 or visit the website www.tautoko.org.nz
Adult Diagnosis
Nelson - Contact the psychologists at TACTICS (user pays part of Tautoko Services), who will take private referrals for diagnosis. Tel 03 546 8370 or visit the website www.tautoko.org.nz
Blenheim - Contact Maggie Dewar, clinical Psychologist for a diagnosis Tel: (03) 578 7615 or Email: m.dewar@xtra.co.nz
Who to Contact when you get a Diagnosis:
Autism NZ Nelson/Marlborough Branch for support.
WINZ - Work & Income NZ- contact your local office.
You may be entitled to a Child Disability Allowance. (A fortnightly payment - non taxable & not means tested). From age 16 years you may be entitled to a Sickness/Invalids Benefit. This is variable and subject to change.
Support Works - Needs Assessment Agency
1 Harley Street,Nelson Tel 03 539 3976
Toll Free 0800 244 300
22 Scott Street, Blenheim Tel 03 579 2187
Toll Free 0800 244 300
www.nmdhb.govt.nz/supportworks.aspx
Support Works provide a "needs assessment" to assist people, identify their support needs and design an individual package to meet those needs including funding.
They may provide funding towards the costs of Respite Care Services/ Carer Relief, so that you can have someone look after the person with ASD to give you a break.
Care Solutions - provide care/respite services. Contact Support Works for a Referral.
Unit 8, 1 Koru Place, Stoke, Nelson
Tel: (03) 548 0888
Ministry of Education:
Special Education - provide services in Early Childhood Sector and Schools. Contact:
SE Nelson - P O Box 282, Nelson - Tel: (03) 546 3470
SE Motueka - Tel : (03) 528 1148
SE Blenheim - PO Box 826, Blenheim - Tel: (03) 578 5917
Ministry of Education - Special Education Facilitator
Assists students/parents/schools with communication issues that occur from time to time between home & school.
Contact Hilary Clifton Tel 03 546 3486
Email hilary.clifton@minedu.govt.nz
Further Education
NMIT Nelson/Marlborough Institute of Technology
Private Bag 19, Nelson Tel 03 546 9175
E mail info@nmit.ac.nz
Employment/Work Assistance
Workbridge Inc Nelson Tel 03 546 7560
Workbridge Inc Motueka Tel 03 528 1040
Workbridge Inc Blenheim Tel 03 984 3510
WORKSTAR
70 Waimea Road, Nelson
Tel 03 546 9206
Email: info@workstar.co.nz
www.workstar.co.nz
Neighbourhood Connections Nelson & Blenheim
Please contact Support Works for a Referral.
Nelson
10 Natalie Street, Nelson - Tel 03 545 7499
Blenheim
Wesley Centre, 3 Henry Street, Blenheim - Tel 03 577 9094
Residential/Supported Independent Living Services
* many of these services are dependent upon Support Works (the needs assessment agency) for funding.
IDEA Services (IHC) offers a variety of residential choices as well as vocational services aimed at maximising people's participation in society.
For further information contact IHC (Ideas).
Nelson Tel 03 548 4229
Blenheim Tel 03 578 0949
(IDSS Intellectual Disability Support Services) are a division of Nelson/Marlborough Health Board. They provide a range of residential support services depending on the individual's needs. They also provide Day services and Respite Care.
For further information contact:
Nelson Tel 03 546 1671
Blenheim Tel 03 520 9999
NZ Care Group - is a division of HealthCare NZ.
They provide residential services with the aim to give client's as much autonomy and control in living their day to day lives as possible. They also provide Activity programmes and offer Supported Independent Living services.
For further information contact: Toll free 0800 692 273
Neighbourhood Connections part of Tautoko Services
10 Natalie Street, Nelson 7010 & Wesley Centre, 3 Henry Street, Blenheim
They provide a service for people who want to live in their own place or their family home with support.
A Support Worker is provided to assist in doing the things that a person may need help with. For further information contact:
Nelson Tel 03 545 7499
Blenheim Tel 03 577 9094
Legal & Advocacy Issues
Free Advice:
A child turning 16 is entiltled to live independently off their parents. You will need to do this any way once your child turns 20 years of age. For a free confidential service call:
Nelson Bays Community Law Service Nelson
Tel 03 548 1288
Toll free 0800 246 146
Marlborough Community Law Service Blenheim Tel 03 577 9919
Lawyers
Steven Zindel LL.M(Hons), Zindels Barristers & Solicitors,
21 New Street, P O Box 1023, Nelson Tel 03 548 3268
Email office@zindels.co.nz
Beneficiaries & Unwaged Workers Trust Union
Providing infortmation & advice on welfare laws. Advocating for people who have problems with governmental agencies. Contact
Jill Preston or Lewis Martin ( Hours Mon - Thurs 9.30 am - 3.30 pm)
Suite 3, 83 Buxton Square, Nelson Tel 03 548 8171
Other Services/Useful Information:
Altogether Autism - Information Service Nelson
Tel 0800 273 463
Email nelson@altogetherautism.org.nz
Website www.altogetherautism.org.nz
Ahorangi Consultants & Services
Provide hands on help and best practice advice in teaching and care of people with ASD.
Contact: Tim Powell, P O Box 635, Nelson tel 021 544 550 www.ahorangi.com
ASD Plus Education for families ( available in South Island)
This is a free programme for pre scholl age children diagnosed with ASD delivered by Idea Services. For further information see www.ihc.org.nz or Tel 0800 273 7587 Email asdplus-education@idea.org.nz.
Behaviour Problems - Tautoko Services
Supporting people with intellectual disability and/or autism who have behaviour that challenges themselves or others. A referral from Support Works may be required.
Contact: 10 Natalie Street, Nelson Tel 03 546 8370
Contact: 3 Henry Street, Blenheim Tel 03 577 9094
Cloud 9 Children's Foundation - Asperger Syndrome Nelson
Phone contact, books on AS and talks to caregivers
Email: onefabknitter@slingshot.co.nz
Website: www.withyoueverystepoftheway.com
Dyspraxia Support Group Nelson
For further information contact 03 359 7072 Email dyspraxia.centre.org.nz See www.dyspraxia.org.nz
FragileX Learn more and find support. Contact Toll free 0508 938 0552 www.fragilex.org.nz
Dyslexia & Other Learning Difficulties
See www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz for information
Nelson Area:
Konstanca Friedrich-Palzer of Dyslexia Correction Tasman Bay, Marahau, RD2 Motueka.
Tel 03 527 8060 .
www.DyslexiaCorrectionTasmanBay.co.nz
Sally McCue Dyslexia Solutions, Nelson
Tel 03 545 1779
www.dyslexiasolutions.co.nz
Tina Guy Davis Facilitator, Nelson
Tel 03 547 4984
Email tina@dyslexiasolutionservices.co.nz
Speld Nelson 111 Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson.
Tel 03 544 6921
Marlborough Area:-
Jocelyn Print,Davis Facilitator, Kaikoura Tel 03 319 6711
Email print@ihug.co.nz
Speld Blenheim 9 Gee street, Renwick, Blenheim.
Tel 03 578 3508
Joya Centre - offers Listening Training by certified Toamatis Consultant & psychotherapist Paulina Aarts.
49 Brougham Street, Nelson, Tel 03 539 1360
For more information see www.joyacentre.co.nz
Email joyacentre@xtra.co.nz
Social Skills Nelson
Develop social skills, communication skills, organisational skills through fun music and drama activities. For primary & intermediate age children. For further information see www.mleducational.com
Contact Maria Reid Tel 03 544 7102
Email mariareid1@xtra.co.nz or Rachel Rimmer Tel 03 540 3984
Various Services (private) - Pelim
Offers private health care services including dietician, occupational therapist(Colleen Shaw), play therapist, psychologist, social worker, specch langauage therapy, teachers & coaches.
Tel 03 547 4999 Email maryanne@pelim.co.nz
TACTICS Assessment & Therapy Service (private)
This is a new user pay service offered by Tautoko Services which include Diagnosis, Therapies - Sensory Processing, Music therapy, Play therapy, Art Therapy, Family Therapy & Individualised Counselling. Contact Tautoko Services Nelson/Blenheim for more details:
Nelson Tel 03 546 8370
Blenheim 03 577 9094
Email regional@tautoko.org.nz
Website www.tautoko.org.nz
Other Support Services
CCS Disability Action
Provides information, support and advocacy for children, young adults,and adults and their families who have a disability. Nelson Tel 03 548 4479
Blenheim Tel 03 578 1170
IHC (Idea Services)
Nelson Tel 03 538 0046
Blenheim Tel 03 578 0949
www.ihc.org.nz
Parent to Parent Provides support & information for parents of children with special needs. Tel 03 546 8973
E mail nelson@parent2parent.org.nz
Strengthening Families
Strengthening families helps families to get access to the sevices they need. For more information see www.strengtheningfamilies.govt.nz Nelson Tel 03 539 1654
Motueka Tel 03 528 1001
Golden Bay Tel 03 525 9728
Marlborough Tel 03 577 5423
SF Nelson S(Supporting Families in Mental Health) Nelson Tel 03 546 6090
Motueka Tel 03 528 7790
Marlborough Tel 03 577 5491
Health Alternatives
Homeopathy - Linda Peat Homeopath (NZCH) For advice and information with experience as a mother of a child with ASD.
Tel 03 526 6229 Mobile 027 410178
Gluten & casien free diets see www.autismdiet.com or www.doctorgluten.com
Contact Lynette Lord at Culinary Compass to help you change to a gluten free life!
For information and advice Tel 027 3300 683 Email enviro-mtl@clear.net.nz
Sport/Recreation
Basket ball Nelson Fulton Hogan Basket Ball is run for young people over age of 10 with a disability to encourage them to play basket ball. For further information contact: Heathert Tel 03 548 5955 E mail haether@inclusivesport.org.nz
Riding For the Disabled/Therapeutic riding -
Nelson - Tel 03 544 8960
Motueka Tel 03 528 0227
Blenheim - Tel 03 578 7350
Swimming lessons
Individual lessons contact Lisa at Swimstaion, Richmond Aquatic Centre, Richmond, Nelson - Tel 03 543 9755
Blenheim - Stadium 2000 Tel 03 577 8300
Special Olympics Offer a range of activities in our Region See www.specialolympics.org.nz
Sport Tasman/Halberg Trust Nelson Tel 03 546 7910
Refer for financial contribution towards individual training/participation in sport i.e. swimming lessons, tennis, swimming lessons for children and young people with ASD can have individual one on one lessons at the Aquatic Centre Richmond, Nelson. Contact Lisa on Tel 03 543 9755.
Support Groups:
Nelson & Blenheim - See above or Newsletter for latest information for details of meetings.
Please note:
Autism NZ Inc Nelson/Marlborough Branch does not necssarily support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, product, programme, or therapist for those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We do, however, seek to inform, in the belief that you have the right to know, so that you may make informed choices.
Special Thanks to the Following:
ThePacific.net Our local Broadband service provider
Tel 543 9094 or www.ThePacific.net
Pub Charity
Community Organisation Grants Scheme
The Lion Foundation
Community Post, New Zealand Post
The Canterbury Community Trust
Nelson City Council
The Lotteries Commission
Network Tasman Trust
Fresh Choice Supermarket, Richmond