Children's Autism Foundation

Support for families with children on the Autism Spectrum

Autism CHAT sessions for family/whanau

Autism CHAT sessions for families/whanau

Book a half hour Autism CHAT with a Children’s Autism Foundation Family Consultant.  Meet with one of our friendly, experienced consultants for a relaxed session to discuss any issues or questions you have related to autism (eg. behaviours, school, anxiety, communication, social skills, diagnosis, toileting, sleeping etc).  These sessions are designed with a focus on your family, equipping you with the strategies & information you need to be able to support your child and be confident in your parenting.  Includes follow-up support by phone, email or Zoom.

South Auckland – Wed 17th February – Te Whare Awhina, Manurewa
Book here

East Auckland – Sat 20th February – Eastview Baptist Church
Book here

Ellerslie – Wed 24th February / Wed 24th March / Wed 21st April
Fillan Healthcare, Ellerslie Village
Book here

More 2021 dates available soon!

CHAT Q&A’s
Should I bring my child to my CHAT session?  You are welcome to attend with or without your child.

Can I bring my pre-schooler to my CHAT session?  Yes, younger children are welcome.

Does my child need to have an Autism diagnosis? Yes, our CHAT sessions are provided to whanau of children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  However, you are welcome to make an appointment if you are currently on the pathway to diagnosis or need advice around seeking a diagnosis.

What happens if I need to cancel my CHAT session?  You can cancel your CHAT anytime (must be no later than 7 days prior to receive a refund of your booking fee) but please phone or email us so that we can offer the slot to another family on our waiting list.

What can I expect from my CHAT session? This session is an opportunity for you to discuss any issues or challenges that you may be facing as a parent or caregiver of a child with Autism.  Our Family Consultant may be able to provide you with information, tips, tools and strategies to enable you to better support your child and whanau at home, at school and in the community.

Is there a charge for my CHAT session? Our Autism CHAT sessions (valued at $80) are provided FREE thanks to support from our funders. A booking fee of $20 applies but we are able to waive this fee for any family or individual who cannot afford to pay right now.  Simply phone or email us and we will book your CHAT session at no cost.  Please don’t be afraid to ask!

 

Monthly Online Groups

Make yourself a coffee or tea and join us on Zoom for a virtual meet-up with parents and carers who are going through similar challenges and highlights as you.

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

Groups are facilitated by our friendly Family Consultants, Jeanita Cush-Hunter and Khadijah Sharif.

UPCOMING MEETING DATES:

Thursday 18th February 7.30pm
Topic: Helping your child regulate their emotions

Thursday 18th March 7.30pm
Topic: Behavioural strategies to help your child

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.

 

Our Online groups have been made possible by the generous support of Lotteries NZ

 

Skills Through Play – North Shore & Manurewa

Join us at our “Skills Through Play” playgroup sessions hosted by Children’s Autism Foundation Family Consultants, Emma Bartlett & 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 will run monthly starting February 2021:

NORTH SHORE – Birkdale Community House
Dates/info/bookings here

SOUTH AUCKLAND – Te Whare Awhina, Manurewa
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 Lister Presbyterian Health Trust for supporting our Skills Through Play programme.

ASK (Autism Spectrum Knowledge) Professional Development Workshops

ASK (Autism Spectrum Knowledge) training is a series of interactive professional development workshops facilitated by knowledgeable and experienced facilitators who work with ASD children on a daily basis.

This training is for:

  • Teachers – ECE, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary
  • SENCOs, RTLBs, Learning Support Coordinators
  • Teacher Aides/Teaching Assistants
  • Disability Support Workers
  • Social Workers
  • Mental Health Support Workers
  • Psychologists, Therapists, GP’s

If you are a professional who engages with children or young people with ASD then these workshops are for you!

The full training programme is made up of 5 two hour modules run through 2021 at Freeman’s Bay Community Centre.
Attend one workshop or attend the full series of 5 modules to gain our ASK Professional Training certificate.

Cost: $50 incl GST per module (non-refundable registration fee)

Register for our 5 Module Package Deal ($225) or register for current modules individually:

Modules available:

1. Understanding Autism
Wednesday 17th February 2021 7 pm to 9pm

  • What is ASD?
  • What might ASD look like in the learning environment?
  • How can we better support children on the Autism Spectrum?

2. Sensory Issues
Wednesday 17th March 2021 7pm to 9pm

  • Understanding sensory issues
  • Practical tools & strategies to implement in your classroom or practice

3. Dealing with Anxiety
Wednesday 14th April 2021 7pm to 9pm

  • Defining autism and anxiety
  • Practical tools & strategies for managing anxiety

4. Social Skills & Communication
Wednesday 19th May 2021 7pm to 9pm

  • Strategies to support and improve social skills & communication
  • Useful resources and visual aides

5. Strategies for Behaviour
Wednesday 16th June 2021 7pm to 9pm

  • The triggers & functions of behaviour
  • Behaviour is communication.  What is the child trying to communicate to us?
  • Create a positive and achievable intervention plan for a child you are currently working with.

REGISTER HERE

We can deliver this PLD directly to your staff or team, in your staff room or meeting room!  Please contact us if you would like to book a particular training module or the full PLD programme for your team.  Yes, we can cater for large groups!  Bespoke training available eg: Adult Mental Health, Autism in ECE etc.

Download our ASK flyer here:
ASK for Schools
ASK for ECE
ASK for all professionals & community organisations
ASK for mental health providers