Programmes
Autism New Zealand has a dedicated education team that delivers education and training nationwide.
We have developed a number of externally evaluated, New Zealand based education programmes.
See below for our publicly available community programmes for families and professionals. Our education team can develop and deliver individually tailored programmes to address the needs of a variety of groups working with different age groups.
Our programmes are delivered by highly skilled facilitators who are professionals working in the field of autism or parents who have lived experience, with consultation from autistic adults.
I would like to see courses for
01. Framework for Autism in New Zealand (FANZ)
Ideal introductory programme for autistic adults, family/whānau, and professionals.
Ideal introductory programme for autistic adults, family/whānau, and professionals.
FANZ is specifically designed for anyone living or involved with anyone (child to adult) on the autism spectrum, who wants some understanding and practical strategies to enhance the lives and maximise the learning opportunities for those individuals.
FANZ is a two-day introductory programme that enables participants to create a framework for understanding and supporting a person on the Autism Spectrum. It is a collection of evidence-based strategies and recommendations from the New Zealand ASD Guidelines. The programme is delivered through presentations, video examples, practical role play, and application of the strategies.
What participants say about FANZ
"Enjoyable, enlightening, entertaining, energising. Ka pai te mahi! It is always great to refresh, up skill and remember the varied ways to support these wonderful individuals who see the world in magically different ways to ourselves."
"All fantastic. Practical suggestions, great stories; approachable facilitators; a huge insight into someone with Autism, what to expect, characteristics, a plan, ideas, behaviours and how to deal with them."
"The workshop was relevant, delivered clearly and used a variety of situations that are often familiar on a daily basis and we now have strategies to employ when dealing with people with ASD."
Outcomes
A better understanding of the autism spectrum
Practical strategies to apply immediately, including the use of visual supports, how to teach new activities and writing stories for understanding
A framework to plan for success using the Autism New Zealand Seesaw
A better understanding of challenging behaviour, including prevention and teaching of alternative behaviours
A workbook, certificate, and notes from the programme
Evaluation of the Framework for Autism in New Zealand Workshops, November 2015, Phoenix Research.
Participants in the FANZ workshops showed strong improvements from pre to post workshop and subsequently at three months after. Participants reported intentions to make changes following the workshop and these were in place three to four months post workshop. The extent to which participants would recommend a FANZ workshop to a friend or colleague is very high at the conclusion and increases after three months.
Upcoming programmes
| Location | Dates | Times |
| Dunedin (cancelled) | 2 - 3 December 2020 | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Hawkes Bay | 9 - 10 December 2020 | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| 18 - 19 March 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 25 - 26 March 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 7 - 8 April 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 15 - 16 April 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 3 - 4 May 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 5 - 6 May 20201 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 19 - 20 May 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 9 - 10 June 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 23 - 24 June 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 1 - 2 July 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 8 - 9 July 2021 | 9:30 am - 3:30pm | |
| 11 - 12 August 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 15 - 16 September 2021 | 9:30am - 3.30pm | |
| 22 - 23 September 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 29 - 30 September 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 20 - 21 October 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 28 - 29 October 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 3 - 4 November 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 11 - 12 November 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 18 - 19 November 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 24 - 25 November 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 1 - 2 December 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 8 - 9 December 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
If you have missed your closest FANZ, you may wish to consider signing up to our Membership to receive updates about programmes in your area or consider Individualised Training.
To receive updates about Education Courses you can join Autism New Zealand by clicking here to complete our new member form.
Cost
$50 per person for family/whānau of a person with autism
$50 per person for an autistic adult
$175 per person for professionals and non-family/whānau
Registration
02. Way to Play
For family/whānau, early childhood teachers, health professionals, or anyone else living or working with young children with autism.
For family/whānau, early childhood teachers, health professionals, or anyone else living or working with young children with autism.
Way to Play is a fun one-day introduction to playing joyously with a child on the autism spectrum.
Way to play has been specifically designed for people directly involved with a young child with autism. Adults are often left bewildered when trying to play with the child. The course offers some simple, easy to use, practical strategies to begin playing joyously together. Having fun playing together is the focus. This course is supported by the Way To Play website, where further learning and support can be found.
What participants say about Way to Play
"It's only been four days since the course and I’m already noticing a huge difference in the way my son and I are interacting, in my confidence with my approaches to connecting with him and most unbelievably his subsequent development."
"I always wanted to play with my boy. I just didn’t know how. Can’t wait to get home and start playing."
"12 out of 10!! Fascinating! Exceptionally well presented. Great practical examples, demonstrations, and videos. Your enthusiasm is inspiring."
Outcomes
A better understanding of the importance of play and interpersonal engagement.
Strategies to play joyously with a child
Access to waytoplay.co.nz support website
A workbook, certificate, and notes from the programme
Upcoming programmes
| Location | Date | Times |
| Greymouth | 8 December 2020 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
| Taupo | 11 December 2020 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
| Auckland | 14 December 2020 | 9:30am - 3:30pm |
| 22 Feb 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 3 March 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 8 March 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 23 March 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | |
| 31 March 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 6 April 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | |
| 13 May 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | |
| 24 May 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 2 June 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | |
| 15 June 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 17 June 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 28 June 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 5 July 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 5 August 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | |
| 19 August 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 25 August 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 30 August 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 6 September 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 8 September 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 27 September 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 18 October 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 26 October 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 8 November 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 15 November 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 3 December 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 6 December 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
If you have missed your closest Way to Play, you may wish to consider signing up to our Membership to receive updates about programmes in your area or consider Individualised Training.
To receive updates about Education Courses you can join Autism New Zealand by clicking here to complete our new member form.
Cost
$20 per person for family/whānau of a person with autism.
$100 per person for professionals and non-family/whanau.
03. Individualised training programmes
For organisations or other groups requiring a training or education event.
For organisations or other groups requiring a training or education event.
Our experienced educators can individualise and create a training experience that suits your particular needs.
We have developed education programmes for early learning centres, primary, special and high schools, teacher aide organisations, Ministry of Education, Paediatricians, adult support providers, workplace teams, and teams of family/whānau and professionals.
What people have said about our individualised education
"I’d like to congratulate you both on the enthusiastic presentation you both gave to the group."
"It was the most fun filled learning experience and informative session I have attended for some time!!! Thank you both very much for the ideas you suggested, I can't wait to get back to the kindergarten to try some fun patterning with our children. (Kindergarten Association)."
"The simple strategies, such as writing down questions for him to think about, have already made a difference. The staff now recognise his strengths and use them (Car Sales Operator)."
How to access individualised training
Email training@autismnz.org.nz with the following information so we can provide a quote;
Organisation/group details
Age group you work with
Time you can allocate to training
If you’d like training based on any of our existing programmes
Any specific topics or challenges you’d like covered
If you require a short, introductory presentation, you may wish to contact your local Outreach Coordinator about Autism Kōrero.
To receive updates about Education Courses you can join Autism New Zealand by clicking here to complete our new member form.
04. Tilting the Seesaw for Teams
For Teams of family and professionals, working together to support Tamariki with autism aged 5 – 12 years. Teams may include parents, caregivers, other family/whanau, full primary school teachers, teacher aids, learning assistants, SENCOs, or RTLBs.
Tilting the Seesaw for Teams is a combination of strength-based, practical strategies to support the everyday inclusion of children with autism across the full primary school and home settings. The two-day workshop is embedded within a research inquiry. Teachers will complete simple preparatory work prior to attending the two-day workshop which will intensify the focus for their new learning.
After the workshop teachers will complete an action plan and meet with other participants 2 – 3 months later to identify the impact of their learning.
This whole process can form an excellent Professional Development opportunity for teachers willing to transform their practice to include the education of neurodiverse learners.
At Autism New Zealand we are aware that teachers have a heavy workload, so you will have a dedicated professional from Autism New Zealand to guide you through the process.
Team Requirements:
• Supporting one child 5 – 12 years (multiple children will require multiple teams)
• Child attending Full Primary School
• 2 – 5 participants
• At least one Teacher (primary contact)
• At least one Family Member
A parent/caregiver of the child, and a teacher from the school MUST be part of the team. You will need their details to complete registration. Please ensure you provide personal contact details as Autism New Zealand will be in touch prior to the programme to provide resources.
Tilting the Seesaw for Teams is based on the externally evaluated Autism New Zealand programme; Tilting the Seesaw.
What participants say about Tilting the Seesaw
"This course has been invaluable to me and my teacher aide."
"We have learnt so much more about how to understand, analyse and respond to behaviour. This course has helped me so much."
"I feel a lot more confident in teaching children with autism and being successful."
"Learnt a lot of strategies and was inspired to try new ideas."
Outcomes
• A better understanding of autism
• Learning how to use the tamariki’s strengths and interests to promote learning and communication
• Learning how to implement consistent visual supports at home and at school
• Learning how to implement stories for understanding at home and at school
• Learning strategies for inclusion
• Learning strategies for emotional regulation and reducing anxiety
• Learning tools for challenging behaviour
• Planning for success by creating an action plan and goals
Research into Tilting the Seesaw
“Results indicated significant improvements in Knowledge, Communication, Behaviour Management, Inclusion and Confidence. Tilting the Seesaw provided greater understanding, greater confidence, learnt useful practical strategies to teach children with ASD. An invaluable course”
Tilting the Seesaw - An evaluation of a teacher and teacher aide based intervention for primary school children with ASD, Auckland University of Technology, 2014.
Upcoming programmes
| Location | Dates | Times |
| 24 – 25 February 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 3 – 4 March 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 10 – 11 March 2021 | 9:30am - 3:30pm | |
| 10 – 11 March 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 17 – 18 March 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 24 – 25 March 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 31 March - 1 April 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 7 – 8 April 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 14 – 15 April 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 5 – 6 May 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 12 – 13 May 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 19 – 20 May 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 26 – 27 May 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 2 – 3 June 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 9 – 10 June 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 16 – 17 June 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 23 – 24 June 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 30 June – 1 July 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 4 – 5 August 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 11 – 12 August 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 18 – 19 August 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 25 – 26 August 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 1 – 2 September 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 8 – 9 September 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 15 – 16 September 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 22 – 23 September 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 29 – 30 September 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 20 – 21 October 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 27 – 28 October 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 3 – 4 November 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 10 – 11 November 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 17 – 18 November 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 24 – 25 November 2021 | 10:00am - 4:00pm (Day 1) | |
| 1 – 2 December 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm | |
| 8 – 9 December 2021 | 9:30am – 3:30pm |
If you have missed your closest Tilting the Seesaw for Teams, you may wish to consider signing up to our Membership to receive updates about programmes in your area or consider Individualised Training.
To receive updates about Education Courses you can join Autism New Zealand by clicking here to complete our new member form.
Cost
Free, funded by the Ministry of Education.
Teacher Relief Costs
This programme is free to participants thanks to funding from the Ministry of Education.
To apply for cover of relief teacher costs, schools should submit their invoice(s) for teacher release by emailing them to nationalautism.programme@education.govt.nz.
A maximum of $150 (GST excl) per day can be reimbursed for a teacher to attend the course i.e., $345 (GST incl) for the two-day course.
The tax invoice must include the following details:
• School name, address and bank account
• Name of the teacher who attended the Tilting the Seesaw for Teams course, and the course date
• Invoice number
Teacher release for this programme is managed by the Provider Services team, which is part of Learning Support at the Ministry of Education’s national office in Wellington. Any enquiries regarding an invoice can be made to Provider Services by emailing nationalautism.programme@education.govt.nz.
05. Autism Kōrero
For organisations or other groups requiring a short introductory presentation on autism.
Your local Outreach Coordinator can help you with advice, support, and some tips and tricks. Autism Kōrero is a 1 – 2 hour introductory presentation on autism and Autism New Zealand.
How to access Autism Kōrero.
We ask for a minimum donation of $150 to cover expenses. Please contact your local branch/Outreach Coordinator to arrange a time.
Please note Autism Kōrero does not cover training or Professional Development. Please see our other Education options for more.
06. SELO Introduction to Autism in an Early Childhood Setting
For organisations or other groups requiring a short introductory presentation on autism.
A Ministry of Education funded programme for Early Childhood Educators
These programmes can differ across locations according to our contracts with the Ministry of Education, however they usually involve a one-day workshop focusing on strategies for playing with and including a child with autism in the Early Childhood Centre/Kōhanga Reo environment. Some programmes may include centre visits for a limited number of centres, where you can see strategies in action and get hands-on experience. Please see below for dates, locations, and programme structure.
What participants say about SELO Introduction to Autism in an Early Childhood Setting
“Thank you so much! Fantastic sessions filled with very practical tips easily implemented in our daily work.”
“Exceeded expectations. Would recommend! :)This workshop was amazing and gave me so much useful information to use in the centre with our children.”
Upcoming programmes
| Turangi (Taupo) For Early Childhood Teachers and families of children who attend. Participants are expected to attend BOTH workshops. Please note that registrations outside of Taupo will be put on a waitlist. Visits are only available to a limited number of Turangi centres and there will be a selection process. | ||
| Initial workshop | 5 March | 5:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Centre visit one | 6 March | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Centre visit two | 19 March | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Centre visit three | 2 April | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Final workshop | 2 April | 5:30pm – 8:30pm |
|
Auckland North For Early Childhood Teachers and families of children who attend. Participants are expected to attend BOTH workshops. Visits are only available to a limited number of Auckland North centres and there will be a selection process. | ||
| Initial workshop | 22 March | 9:30am – 3:30pm |
| Centre visit one | 29 March | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Centre visit two | 9 April | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Final workshop | 12 April | 9:30am – 12:30pm |
|
Auckland West For Early Childhood Teachers and families of children who attend. Participants are expected to attend BOTH workshops. Visits are only available to a limited number of Auckland North centres and there will be a selection process. | ||
| Initial workshop | 5 April | 9:30am – 3:30pm |
| Centre visit one | 11 April | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Centre visit two | 29 April | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Final workshop | 7 May | 9:30am – 12:30pm |
|
Auckland South-West For Early Childhood Teachers and families of children who attend. Participants are expected to attend BOTH workshops. Visits are only available to a limited number of Auckland North centres and there will be a selection process. | ||
| Initial workshop | 1 May | 9:30am – 3:30pm |
| Centre visit one | 3 May | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Centre visit two | 14 May | Time TBA with your Educator |
| Final workshop | 21 May | 9:30am – 12:30pm |
If you have missed your closest SELO programme you may wish to look at Way to Play which is also for Early Childhood, sign up to our Membership to receive updates about programmes in your area, or consider Individualised Training.
To receive updates about Education Courses you can join Autism New Zealand by clicking here to complete our new member form.
Cost
Free, thanks for Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) funding from the Ministry of Education.
Registration
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