Pilot new role – Diagnosis and Early Support Manager
Autism New Zealand received a grant of $40,000 towards the salary costs of a Diagnosis and Early Support Manager within the Autism Resource Centre, in Wellington. The purpose of this role is to oversee the operation of the Autism Resource Centre with a focus on expanding services to reach underserved regions throughout New Zealand, and developing similar centres in Auckland and Christchurch.
The Foundation’s support enabled the Centre to function and to demonstrate the importance of an integrated pathway from identification and diagnosis through ongoing support. Demonstration of impact supported funding from the Government’s new Social Investment Agency for a four-year Autism Early Years Support Pathway. The Centre was one of only three organisations to receive this funding in the first round.
Established in 2017 by Victoria University, in partnership with the IHC Foundation and Autism New Zealand, The Autism Clinic—Te Rāngai Takiwātanga worked to develop a New Zealand-appropriate programme aimed at better supporting autistic children and their families. You can read about this programme here.
Now run by Autism New Zealand, and integrated into the Autism Early Years Support Pathway, the programme provides a cohesive journey for whānau and their autistic children in one place. This includes:
Early identification will ensure whānau and educators are supported to understand the needs of autistic children and children showing signs of autism.
Diagnostic assessment options, autistic children often have other conditions and it is estimated 25% also have an intellectual disability.
Parent/whānau support programme provides workshops, home visits and coaching to learn ways to support their child, and has a focus on family/ whānau wellbeing.
Educators and other professionals in the child’s education setting are also provided training and support. There is on-going support from 12 months of age at home and in Early Childhood Education, including transition to school and building life skills.
The IHC Foundation’s support has enabled the implementation of an integrated autism journey for the first time. With this cohesive, proactive approach, autistic people and the wider autism community will be supported effectively and holistically throughout their journey to live the lives they wish to live.