What do we do at Autism New Zealand Inc?

Our Purpose

The main purpose of Autism New Zealand Inc. is to provide support, resources and information on autism spectrum disorders to those with these conditions, their family/whanau, caregivers and professionals working with them.

Autism New Zealand's key activities are to:

• Raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders
• Provide support, information and advice for parents and carers
• Gather and distribute the latest information and research relating to autism spectrum and related disorders
• Initiate and organise seminars and conferences
• Provide training courses for parents and professionals eg S.P.E.L.L. and EarlyBird^® programmes
• Liaise with other agencies on behalf of individuals, parents and other family
• Make submissions on relevant legislation and government reviews
• Provide a quarterly newsletter

Autism New Zealand Inc. maintains contact with many associations around the world and constantly sources the latest material for our members.

For more information about the history of our organisation click here.

Resources: Books & Library

Autism New Zealand Inc. has the best list of resources on autism spectrum disorders available to members in the country. We hold stocks of over 600 titles that can be purchased. There are also audio and video tapes from documentaries, seminars, workshops and conferences run over the years. New publications are constantly sourced from within New Zealand and overseas to ensure members have the latest information available to them.

The library holds over 350 articles for hire as well as over 2000 resource and research articles from around the world. The latest books on autistic spectrum disorder are added to the library as they become available.

We also maintain a database of published articles relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders, so you may find information on something you are looking for by talking to our Information Officer.

Training

Training opportunities are regularly run for parents and professionals. The training can be in the form of one day seminars or workshops, and programmes, conferences to individuals or family consultations with acknowledged experts in the field of autism spectrum disorders.
Click here for training information

Advocacy

At times people with an autism spectrum disorder may find that an advocate who understands autism spectrum disorders may assist them

Telephone Support

Our Head Office in Christchurch is open normal office hours Monday - Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm. We do our best to answer any questions on autism spectrum disorders or assist you to find the right help or information for your family member, friend, student, employee or client.

There is also a mobile phone number availible on our answer service for urgent enquiries, outside office hours.

Membership

Autism New Zealand Inc. does not have a specified membership fee, however voluntary donations are appreciated and help offset the costs of providing information packs and newsletters to our members.

Click here for branch information