The process to get a diagnosis
Catherine Swan (Developmental Paediatrician) and Sharyn Gousmett (Educational Psychologist) explain the process to get a diagnosis. Catherine notes that the process varies depending on the age of the child and whether the family uses the public system or other avenues. She explains where referrals come from.
Sharyn confirms that private psychologists are able to do a diagnostic assessment and notes that families can self-refer.
Resources
Resources for families
Facebook groups
- Autism in NZ – Parents and Caregivers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/22057177435/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
Networking and sharing site for parents and caregivers, caring for someone with autism spectrum disorder.
- iFUNZ
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ifunz/
This is a non-affiliated group for users of Individualised Funding for disability support in New Zealand where members can discuss issues, share experiences and support each other.
Patient information websites
- KidsHealth https://kidshealth.org.nz/tags/autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/listing-nz-information-support-resources-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://kidshealth.org.nz/understanding-autism-spectrum-disorder-cartoon-drawings
https://kidshealth.org.nz/autism-spectrum-disorder-videos
KidsHealth is a joint initiative between The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation. Supported by the Ministry of Health
- Raising children – https://raisingchildren.net.au/search?query=autism
Raising children is the Australian parenting website
- National Autistic Society - https://www.autism.org.uk/
National Autistic Society is a UK website
Support organisations
- All Together Autism / Parent 2 Parent https://parent2parent.org.nz/services/altogether-autism/
- Autism NZ https://autismnz.org.nz/community-links/canterbury-west-coast/