Learning more about ASD
There are many ways that people who support young people with ASD can find out more.
The following programmes are funded by the Ministry of Education, Special Education through Budget 2004 ASD funding.
Parent education
The Ministries of Education and Health jointly purchase two parent education programmes for parents and whānau of young children who have not yet started school.
ASD Plus
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Plus parent education programme is provided by IDEA Services. ASD Plus supports families to learn about ASD. Families wil understand how ASD influences their child, and learn and practice strategies to help their child's development.
ASD Plus is currently provided in Northland and the whole of the South Island.
To find out more about the programme:
EarlyBird
EarlyBird is aimed at increasing parent’s knowledge of ASD and their ability to help their child learn. Autism New Zealand is currently providing this programme under licence from the National Autistic Society in the UK.
EarlyBird is currently provided across the North Island, except Northland.
For more information and/or to register an expression of interest to attend an EarlyBird programme, visit the Autism New Zealand website or phone 0800 AUTISM (288 476).
Professional learning and development for teachers and teams
'tips for autism'
This three-day team-based professional development brings together the team around the child, eg classroom teacher, teacher aide, parent(s) and specialist service providers. Teams work together to learn more about ASD from the perspective of the individual and develop a detailed plan for the child they are supporting.
Since early 2009, the Ministry of Health has also contributed.
For more information about this course or to register your interest in attending visit the 'tips for autism' website.
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ASD: A Resource for Teachers
Although aimed at teachers the Autism Spectrum Disorders Resource for Teachers is also useful for other people supporting children and young people with ASD, including parents. It introduces some of the challenges faced by children and young people with ASD, some of the characteristics of these disorders, and practical strategies for support. The resource can be downloaded from Autism Spectrum Disorders Resource for Teachers page and complimentary copies can be requested by email from asd.mailbox@minedu.govt.nz. [no spam]
New specialist teaching qualification
A new, flexible specialist teaching qualification is expected to be available from 2011.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching*, currently being developed by Massey University and the University of Canterbury, will have endorsements in:
- Early Intervention
- Deaf and Hearing Impairment
- Learning and Behaviour
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Special Learning Needs
* Subject to Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) approval.
Additional information
Autism New Zealand Inc provides a range of workshops and seminars in addition to EarlyBird. Visit the ‘training programmes’ page on the Autism New Zealand website or contact 0800 AUTISM (288 476).
Altogether Autism have information about seminars and workshops. Visit the Altogether Autism website or phone 0800 ASD INFO (273 463).
Other websites of interest include:
The Ministry of Education is not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. Listing shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. The Ministry of Education has no control over the availability or accessibility of the linked pages.