Autism-Takiwātanga Support Information For Children Aged 6 To 9

Age-specific information on autism-takiwātanga

It can sometimes be overwhelming finding age-appropriate information on autism-takiwātanga. This page is designed to make it easier. Many whānau find they want new information and extra support when their child is about 7 years old. 

This includes information on:

• resources and supports
• parent education about autism-takiwātanga
• helping their child access learning support at school
• developing social skills
• social support for the whānau

This page includes information about helpful organisations and links to useful websites. Click on the images to link through to the websites. 

Check out a QR code poster highlighting the content on this page. 

Navigating resources and supports

Finding your way through autism-takiwātanga supports and information can feel overwhelming at times. The links below may help you find what you need, or to find someone to help you. 

Autism NZ

Autism NZ has resources on navigating the world of autism-takiwātanga, including information to help you understand autism-takiwātanga. The Autism NZ website has many resources for parents and whānau, including education resources.

Autism NZ has 16 branches nationwide - you can ring your local branch for individualised information and support.

Check out the Autism NZ website. 

Altogether Autism 

Altogether Autism can provide personalised information packages for you - just click on the 'Ask us a question' box and fill in the online information request form. 

Check out the information hub section on the Altogether Autism website. 

Parent education

Healthcare NZ

Healthcare NZ runs a course for parents called 'Exploring Autism'. This is run in 2 sections: 0 to 5-year olds and 6 to 9-year olds. 

There is often a wait list so it's recommended people register early. Check out the Healthcare NZ website to get a registration form, or you can ring their 0800 number to register.

Autism NZ

Autism NZ runs a range of courses for families and schools including 'Tilting the Seesaw for Teams' and 'Way to Play'. You can call Autism NZ and speak to an autism-takiwātanga outreach coordinator for advice.

Altogether Autism

Altogether Autism has a useful section on primary aged children.

The section has many articles covering topics including: 

• getting the right learning supports in place
• managing screen time
• preparing for school after the holidays
• picky eating
• supporting peer inclusion

Check out the primary-aged section on the Autism Altogether website. 

Learning support

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education has information and advice on services and supports. These include information on supporting a child with autism-takiwātanga and the 'Incredible Years' programmes for parents and teachers of children aged 3 to 8 years who experience behaviour difficulties.  

Check out Ministry of Education information on support for autistic primary aged children. 

 

Altogether Autism 

Altogether Autism has a range of resources to promote peer inclusion and understanding of autism-takiwātanga in the classroom. The website also has many articles and resources for school-aged tamariki.

Check out Altogether Autism section on 'supporting peer inclusion and understanding of autism in the classroom'.

Family support and counselling

Family support

Parenting a child with autism-takiwātanga can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging.  Non-religious support is available from Family Works (Presbyterian Support Service) or Methodist Mission. Many other churches and organisations also provide whānau support. 

Find your local Methodist Mission organisation on the Methodist Church of New Zealand website.

CCS Disability Action offers a broad range of support services for disabled people, family and whānau. Services include advocacy for whānau, early intervention in education, and support for people to remain living at home or in their communities. 

Find out more about CCS Disability Action.

Parent support

Support for parents is also available from Parent to Parent and Autism NZ. You can also see your GP who may be able to refer you for further support if you find that your mental health is suffering.

Cultural support

Talk to your iwi or hapu about what support they may be able to provide. For help with finding your iwi website, head to the Te Puni Kōkiri website. Once there, you can find your iwi by searching on the map function. Click on the iwi, then on 'Representative Organisations' - this will give you a website address and contact details for your local iwi.

Check out the map function on the Te Puni Kōkiri website.

Pasifika Autism Support Group is for parents and carers of children and youth with autism-takiwātanga. The group aims to meet every term and also operates a Facebook page. 

Social skills and support for school-aged children

Many children with autism-takiwātanga need support to develop social skills and friendships.

Some social skills-focused groups that might be useful include:

• music or dance groups
• physical activity, gymnastics, climbing or sports groups 
• Lego groups
• social conversation and speaking development groups
• special interest groups

Contact your local Autism NZ outreach coordinator or Altogether Autism cordinator for more information about groups in your area. 

Other useful information

Needs Assessment Service Coordination Association (NASCA) 

Your local NASCA organisation helps with respite care and carer support. If your situation has changed since your last assessment, please discuss this with your NASCA organisation. If you have a carer support allocation, this may need updating.

Find your local Needs Assessment Service Coordination Association services.

Find out more about Needs Assessment Service Coordination Association

Explore (HealthCare NZ) autism-takiwātanga services

Explore (HealthCare NZ) offers a range of services for children with autism-takiwātanga and their families.

Services include:

Exploring Autism programme 

This is a course for parents of children with autism-takiwātanga aged between 0 and 9. Many parents who have done this course recommend it. 

Targeted Parenting Support programme

This programme helps parents develop specific skills and goals.

Explore Specialist Advice

A service to help parents and whānau manage challenging behaviour. 

Resources and online support

Free online courses to help you understand your child's behaviour, communicate with them and develop strategies. 

Check out Healthcare NZ's autism support services.

The Healthcare NZ website also has a section on preparing your child for the COVID-19 immunisation.

QR code poster

To give others easy access to KidsHealth's autism-takiwātanga content, you can share a QR code poster. Anyone can scan the QR code with their smartphone and go straight to the KidsHealth autism-takiwātanga - support and resources by age group landing page. 

Share a digital image of the poster (PNG, 3.0MB) or print out a PDF version (PDF, 1.3MB).

See more KidsHealth content on autism-takiwātanga

Check out KidsHealth's section on autism-takiwātanga

Find age-specific resources for autistic children and their families

Find more supports and resources

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