Altogether Autism

Merina George, the founder of Pacific Autism Centre in Suva, Fiji, works seven days a week. On top of providing an incredible service for families, teachers and Autistic youth across Fiji, Merina is a fierce advocate. She advocates for more accessible support, for early support, and support after the education years. We joined up with Sensory Sam Ltd and the Pasifika Autism Support Group to gift the Centre with new tools, books and other resources. Vinaka vakalevu / Ngā mihi nui / thank you for joining us in giving this gift and supporting Autistic people and their families who visit the Pacific Autism Centre! “What an incredible person Merina is,” summarises Karea, a member of our Advisory group, “And what an incredible service the Pacific Autism Centre in Fiji provides.”

A Supplementary Paper updating the Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline was recently published. The Guideline describes how to best support Autistic people in New Zealand.  The Supplementary Paper includes a systematic review of research relating to the role of a person’s sex or gender in the presentation of autistic characteristics, the timing of diagnosis; and how they mask their autistic characteristics. Recommendations for best practice include: • When considering the possibility of referral or diagnosis for autism, practitioners should be aware of the diversity of presentations of autism and consider the possibility of gender-based differences in autistic characteristics. • In assessment for autism, individuals presenting characteristics should be compared with reference to those of non-autistic peers of the same gender and intellectual abilities. • Masking of autistic characteristics can occur regardless of age or gender. Support goals should be consistent with creating an environment where autistic people can be safely and authentically autistic. • When assessing characteristics for autism, clinicians and practitioners should be aware that diagnostic characteristics of autism may present differently to stereotypically male presentation, particularly for individuals who are (cisgender) female/girls/women, transgender, non-binary, and/or genderfluid. You can read a summary of the new recommendations for practitioners here; https://lnkd.in/gYh7zH44 This latest Supplementary Paper and 14 previous papers can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gtt4XmJy And the full Guideline (3rd Edition) can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gPMCZrjv

Your voice matters! We're listening to concerns about telehealth autism assessments in NZ. At Altogether Autism, we believe in:   • Choice and control for Autistic people   • Quality engagement from and with decision-makers  Our National Manager, Catherine Trezona, says: "Our goal is to listen to Autistic people, families and professionals. Together with other organisations, we engage with decision-makers to share your views.”  💬 Share your thoughts and experiences with us: How has telehealth impacted your access to services? What autism assessment options would best suit your needs? Comment below or DM us your feedback.

 Want to support a neurodivergent employee to develop new skills for the workplace? We offer tailored coaching and support packages directly targeted to goal areas for the employee. Content can be custom designed to meet the needs of the employee and the workplace. Some previous topics include: • Sustainable work practices • Communication across neurotypes • Showcasing success • Data organisation and reporting • Business and professional communication Get in touch with our team by calling 0800 008 011 or enquire with this link: https://lnkd.in/gX4nTAZq

The Ministry of Social Development has shared an update on the recent changes to Disability Support Services.  Read more by clicking the link.

Do you have thoughts to share about the changes at Whaikaha? The team at Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA have put out a survey to gather feedback from community, including disabled people and whānau. They're seeking feedback on Whaikaha, the new Traffic Light system, and anything else that's affecting you and your family. Find the survey here: https://lnkd.in/g35rS7Tg

We're excited to join Marina and John to bring you this exciting workshop. Join us to reflect and to discuss new strategies. Where: Zoom When: 22 August, 10:00am Register here - https://lnkd.in/gYfPDJ2Y

We're working with tertiary institutions and other education professionals to develop tailored workshops and action plans to support neurodivergent students 👩🎓 Our team includes governance specialists, strategic planners and people with lived experiences. We can help you with: 👉 Comprehensive Professional Development 👉 Strategic Planning Services 👉 Expert Consultation Ready to create an inclusive environment? 🤩 Get in touch at 0800 008 011 or email info@yourwaykiaroha.nz

Join us at our upcoming Brain, Body and Behaviour workshop in Waihi. This workshop is for educators, professionals, parents, whānau and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of autistic and neurodivergent children and ways we can support them. Gain insights into the biology beneath behaviour with a compassionate approach that supports understanding of emotions and the development of self-regulation skills in children. This workshop draws on information from Dr Mona Delahooke’s book, “Brain-Body Parenting”, as well as other sources, such as Dr Ross Greene’s “Kids Do Well If They Can” framework. 📅 Thursday 15, August, 2024 🕙 10 - 1pm 🗺 Waihi Community Centre, 44 Mueller Street, Waihi RSVP as soon as possible to info@altogetherautism.org.nz or call 0800 008 011