Hi, Kia ora,
Happy new year from us all! Trusting that you made the most of the holiday and enjoyed those fleeting moments when everything goes well and everybody is happy… These don’t last long so we do have to treasure them: they are the times we can remember and focus on when things don’t go so well and everyone is not so happy!
You may have noticed that you made some changes to the website, and soon our newsletter will be in a new format. Please bear with us over the next few weeks as we’re finalising all the techy stuff! We’ve also planned some great events this term, starting with a competition to win 5 nights for 2 in Fiji… Read on!
BIG SWIM COMPETITION -Win 5 nights for 2 in Fiji!
John Shackleton will swim the Cook Strait in March, but what will his time be? Support John and the Children’s Autism Foundation by entering our competition. Click here for more info…
We will have more information about the competition at the Manukau Steamers event on Monday. Hoping to see you there!
SEXSMART FOR TEENAGERS
Following the successful workshop run in December, Annette Milligan is back! A nurse who runs a sexual health clinic in Nelson Annette is experienced in teaching sexuality education in secondary schools and to disability groups, Annette has a pragmatic approach to the work she does. In 2000, she was a founding director of the company Health Click, who produces sexuality education resources. As part of her talk, Annette will be demonstrating 2 resources available to parents to help them in the sexual education of their children on the spectrum.
The workshop covers:
· Sexuality education: what is it and what should be covered?
· How to talk about sex with teenagers on the spectrum
· Demonstration of the Me range of resources – a series of CD Rom and books to teach young people with intellectual disabilities about safety in relationships, hygiene, getting help and other related topics
· Demonstration of the SexSmart resource – a CD Rom already available in 20% of secondary schools ion NZ, covering relationships, sexuality, contraception and sexual health.
The CD Roms will be available for sale on the day (cash and cheque only please) and our Goldminds Resource library also holds copies.
We understand that you may have questions that are particular to your child so we have arranged for a special clinic to run after the workshop, in 15 minute appointment slots. Places are limited so registration is essential.
WHERE: Windsor Park Baptist Church, Mairangi Bay, North Shore
WHEN: Wednesday 15th February – 9.45am to 11am (workshop)
REGISTER: events@autism.org.nz – code: SS15/02, please specify if you would like a clinic appointment
Clinic appointments will be allocated on a first come first served basis: 11.15am; 11.30am; 11.45am; 12pm; 12.15pm; 12.30pm
UNDERTSANDING AUTISM WORKSHOP
Presented by Elisa Slaat, this workshop covers:
· Diagnosis: What is ASD/ Asperger’s, where from here?
· Moving forward; coping strategies and improving family wellbeing
· Introduction to “Reach out”, family support service and finding appropriate services in the Auckland region
WHERE: our office – 70 Khyber Pass, Grafton
WHEN: Monday 20th February – 10am to 12.30pm
REGISTER: events@autism.org.nz – code: UA20/02
SKILLS TRHOUGH PLAY
Elisa is starting Skills Through Play again this month. This is a programme for families with children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old.
The sessions focus on:
· Understanding child development
· Types of play and the importance of play
· How to engage your child in play
· What toys and resources to use
WHERE: Grey Lynn Community Centre
WHEN: Tuesday 21st February – 12.30pm to 2.30pm
REGISTER: elisa@autism.org.nz
As soon as we have found a suitable venue in the Manukau/Wiri area, Elisa will be running monthly sessions there as well.
LIBRARY
The library will be open again as from next Friday, 10 February. The library will be open on Fridays from 10am to 12pm.
