Listening to Families Videos

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) and Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) note that Explore offers 4 different services. They explain which ones you can self-refer to and which ones you need to come through another agency. They note that to be accepted for all services except one you need a diagnosis.

Michelle talks about challenging behaviour and the Behaviour Support services Explore provides.

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) explains the contracts that Explore has with the Ministry of Health - National Behaviour Support and Autism Support. Michelle outlines what’s involved with the programs within each contract. The benefits for families from the interactions in these programs is discussed.

The group acknowledges the very positive feedback from participants in the Teen Life program.

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) confirms that Explore takes referrals from anywhere in the country and suggests the best ways for those living rurally to connect to services.

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) confirms that all of the current Explore services are free.

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) notes that there are resources available to support families while they are waiting to be seen – she discusses these.

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) confirms that a new referral is required each time a family engages with Explore and notes the importance of having a new assessment for this referral.

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) explains how Rapid Re-entry works

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) suggests a process to follow if a family is not happy with the Explore team member that they are working with.

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) explains that Explore doesn’t write plans for interventions at school but does work closely with schools in various ways to support a young person.

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) notes that if required Explore will attend a meeting to develop an IEP.

The positive outcomes for families when they participate in group sessions is discussed.

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) talks about Explores role in starting a conversation about siblings

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) identifies Autism NZ and Altogether Autism as the key organisations.

Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) talks about the positive behaviour approach used within Explore programs. She notes that there are multiple elements in supporting behaviour change. Taking time to understand what is happening for the young person is a key part of the package. .

Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) talks about the importance of looking at why a behaviour is happening

Explore team members Michelle Skelton (Supervising Behaviour Specialist) and Sally Clayton (Autism Program Manager) share key messages from the discussion with Helen Wagstaff (Autism Coordinator) and Kim Russell (mother of 2 autistic children)