Children's Autism Foundation

Support for families with children on the Autism Spectrum

Extraordinarily Creative Drama Classes

We are thrilled to support Tim Bray Theatre Company with Extraordinarily Creative,  drama classes for those children and teens who are differently wired. A positive and fun programme in a safe and nurturing environment where children can use the creativity of drama and theatre to enhance their life skills and express themselves in extraordinary ways.

These classes are for ages 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs, 11-13yrs and 14-16yrs and based on the North Shore.

Scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship, kindly funded by Stewart Germann administered by Cognition Education Trust.

Follow this link to find the class to suit your child and send the team at Tim Bray Theatre Company an expression of interest.
https://enrolmy.com/tim-bray-productions

More info here

Take on our 30 Charitable Acts Challenge in 2021!

After such a tough 2020 we’ve been considering how we can step up and show kindness & charity to others through 2021.
The team at Children’s Autism Foundation have made things easier for you by putting together a 30 Charitable Acts sheet.

Download our challenge, get your family on-board and have fun ticking off each item during 2021!

Once you’ve ticked everything off, send us an email or post on our Facebook page – we’d love to hear what the highlights were for your family (and don’t forget to take some pics along the way)!

Join our Round the Bays Team


The CAF team are donning their running/walking shoes and tackling Round The Bays on 28th February 21.

We’d love you to join us!  Bring your family, friends and workmates!

Sign up here

 

ASK (Autism Spectrum Knowledge) Training for Teacher Aides

This training has been specially designed for TA’s & Learning Assistants to increase your understanding of Autism and the strengths & challenges of learners with ASD.

Start the 2021 school year equipped with practical strategies & tools to better support children on the Autism Spectrum.


Module 1 – Understanding & Supporting Learners with ASD (Full Day)

  • What is Autism?
  • The sensory and communication differences that learners with ASD may experience.
  • Understanding each learner and their individual profile of strengths & challenges.
  • How to build a kete/toolbox of strategies, visual aids, activities & tips to better support children with ASD in the learning environment.

Cost: $195 + GST per Teacher Aide   
Venue: The Garden Room, Grey Lynn Community Centre
Date: Thursday 28th January 2021, 9am to 4pm

*Webinar version: Wed 27th January 2021 (register here for webinar)

Find out about MoE Pilot Fund for TA training here

 

Module 2 – Next Steps in Supporting Learners with ASD (2 hour Follow Up Session)

  • A follow-up session and an opportunity to review & refresh your Autism knowledge based on your classroom experiences supporting children with ASD.
  • Top up your kete/toolbox with strategies, resources & activities specifically for the children you support.
  • Autism Q&A – further enhance your knowledge & understanding of Autism specific to the child or children you are supporting.
  • Only suitable for those who have attended Module 1

Cost: $50 + GST per Teacher Aide 
Venue: The Garden Room, Grey Lynn Community Centre
Date: Thursday 4th March 2021, 7pm to 9pm

* Webinar version: Wed 3rd March 2021 (register here for webinar)

Find out about MoE Pilot Fund for TA training here

 

GEMS Online Group for parents/caregivers of girls with ASD

GEMS
Girls on the Autism Spectrum
Empowering
Mentoring
Supporting

Girls with Autism are often diagnosed much later than most boys, and sometimes not at all.

  • Understand more about girls on the Autism Spectrum and how they may differ from boys.
  • Learn tips & strategies to help girls to navigate those tricky adolescent/teenage years.
  • Share your experiences with other parents & caregivers who are going through similar challenges and highlights as you

Make yourself a coffee or tea and join us on Zoom for a virtual meet-up.  Our Family Consultant Jeanita Cush-Hunter is passionate about equipping our girls and young women with skills for life & will be on hand to guide discussion and answer your questions.

This is a great place to share experiences, ask questions, discuss issues, and learn from each other.

This online group has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Women, enabling Children’s Autism Foundation to provide support to New Zealand women.

UPCOMING MEETING DATES (2nd Thursday of each month) 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Thursday 17th December
Thursday 14th January 21
Thursday 11th February 21
Thursday 11th March 21

REGISTER HERE

Never used Zoom before?
Zoom is super easy, it takes you through a simple installation process when you click the meeting link.  Please phone us on 021 792 855 if you have any questions or email enquiry@autism.org.nz if you wish to set up a “practice” meeting beforehand.