Children's Autism Foundation

Now fully integrated with Autism New Zealand

Online workshops in 2022

Our most popular workshops are now available online!

Join Autism New Zealand National Educator Jo Sutton online for in-depth, meaningful learning that will equip you to better support your child or the children you work with.

  • Understand more about autism and what makes our children unique.
  • Learn tips and strategies to help children navigate their world…at home, at school and in the community.
  • Learn how to communicate effectively & positively with neurodivergent children
  • Learn how to identify a child’s strengths and use these to facilitate learning, build acceptance and enable autistic children to live their best lives.

Book one workshop, or book them all!
Our workshops are FREE for parents/caregivers/whanau thanks to support from our funders.

WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE ONLINE WORKSHOPS COMING SOON!

Find out about upcoming Auckland in-person workshops here

Find out about other Autism New Zealand programmes here

Family Support & Play Group – Manurewa

Join us at a playgroup & family support session hosted by Children’s Autism Foundation Family Consultant Khadijah Sharif.

Running from 10am to 11am, these relaxed sessions are an opportunity to learn about play & communication for your pre-schooler with ASD.

The play environment provides opportunities for practicing skills like language and socialisation. Being able to play teaches children important lessons about the world and how to get along with people.

These playgrops are a great opportunity for parents or caregivers to ask questions and meet other families/whanau with children on the Autism Spectrum.  We will have tea & coffee available but feel free to bring a snack & drink for your child or children.

Suitable for preschool children up to 6 years old and must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Playgroups run monthly through 2021:

MANUREWA – Te Whare Awhina o Tamworth
Dates/info/bookings here

Cost: by gold donation

Your donation enables us to provide events like this at no or low cost to all members of our community.

Many thanks to the Manuewa Local Board for enabling us to provide this programme for families.

 

 

 

We are also able to deliver Skills Through Play as a face-to-face session in your own home*  Please contact us for details
*a service fee/suggested donation may apply for this service

Whangarei Whanau Chat

Whangarei, we are coming to your community for a FREE Whanau chat for tamariki/rangatahi.

Nau mai, haere mai to Terenga Parāoa Marae, Whangarei.

Open to any parents/caregivers/whanau of a child on the Autism Spectrum. This is NOT for professionals.

Your child does not need to have an Autism diagnosis to attend this hui – everyone welcome, including support whanau!  It takes a village to raise a child.

Does this sound like you?

  • My child is more sensitive or overreacts more than other kids.
  • Your child’s behaviour causing issues at home or school?
  • I need ideas or strategies to help?

Jeanita and Jo are skilled with supporting tamariki and whanau and are both parents of kids on the Autism Spectrum.  They understand how challenging it can be and come with tips and tricks to help you to get through.  Come along for as little or long as you like.

Thursday 24th June 2021 10am to 12 noon
Terenga Parāoa Marae, Whangarei (corner of Kaka and Porowini St)
Map to venue here

Refreshments will be provided, and we look forward to meeting with you.
Nga mihi, Jo & Jeanita

Register here:

  • Support whanau are very welcome!
  • You are very welcome to bring your tamariki. We will have toys available to keep younger children occupied.

 

 

 

 

10 Tips for calming your child

Our team have put together a Self-Regulation Toolkit – 10 Tips for calming your child.

There are some great ideas on how to teach your child to regulate their emotions, manage anxiety & avoid meltdowns.

Check it out!  Download and share with your child’s teacher, teaching assistant and whanau.

CAF Self Regulating Toolkit

PDA workshop back by popular demand!

Overwhelming demand for information and support around PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) has meant that we have scheduled another workshop on Thursday 27th May.

Register online as spaces are limited!

Many thanks to Louisa & Patrick Emmet Murphy Foundation for their support which enables us to provide this workshop for free to parents/caregivers/whanau.