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Friendship may look different for Autistic people
Being a parent of an Autistic young person can often mean worrying about their friendships and social skills. Parents often want their Autistic teens to have friends and develop social skills. But...
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Anxiety prevalence in Autistic youth: An overview
The close link between autism and anxiety reveals unique complexities for Autistic individuals, with the need to explore tailored approaches, writes researcher Ashe Yee. Anxiety is a common human...
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Stress relief therapies for Autistic people
Dianne McLean first wrote for the Altogether Autism Journal in May 2020 with an article titled “Unmasking in the workplace — the late diagnosed Autistic dilemma”. Since then, she has written on...
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Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price
Book Review: Unmasking Autism, The Power of Embracing our Hidden Neurodiversity by Dr. Devon Price. Autistic communities online are on fire with people recommending Dr Devon Price’s latest book...
View ArticleFurther clarifications on funding updates March 2024
22 March 2024 – We know it has been a distressing week for Autistic people, families and carers due to the sudden changes to the Purchasing Rules for Respite. We understand your concern and the...
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Autistic immigration lawyer Rory shares his employment journey
Rory is one of the newest members of our Advisory team and a great addition. He shared his journey with us, from dropping out of high school to becoming an immigration lawyer. After dropping out of...
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Exemptions to the ‘Phones Away for the Day’ Policy
The Government has recently introduced regulations requiring that all state schools and kura have rules in place to ensure that students do not use or access their personal phone while they are at...
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By Misfits For Misfits – A growing community in Tauranga
Laughing, talking Stimming, fidgeting Neurodivergent joy Food and talks Learning more about how our brains work An impromptu karaoke session A sensory friendly movie session Autistics and...
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Pros and cons of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult
It can be hard to decide whether to seek an autism diagnosis as an adult, writes researcher Sara Meyer. You may have lived many years without thinking about yourself in terms of autism, and there might...
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A professional’s guide to autism-affirming care
In early autism research and treatment, autism was considered a disorder or a disease that needed to be mitigated or cured. Its characteristics were presented as ‘symptoms’ and ‘deficits’, and...
View ArticleClarification on Purchasing Rules from Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
New information has been released by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People to clarify changes to purchasing rules announced on 18 March 2024. For any questions, please email contact@whaikaha.govt.nz...
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Finding a neuro-affirming therapist
In a 2022 review of mental health services for Autistic adults, Brede and colleagues concluded that mental health services do not currently provide adequate support for Autistic people. These findings...
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Revealing research: Healthcare barriers faced by Autistic people
Luella Wheeler (she/they/ia) – BSc, GradDipBus, PGDipSci Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, and Pākehā, tangata whaitakiwātanga and tangata whaikaha, a late-diagnosed Autistic person. I am passionate...
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Teacher Aides in New Zealand: what do they do and how are they accessed?
A classroom of young boys and girls drawing on one large piece of paper. The children are wearing school uniform while their teacher watches. The role of Teacher Aides in New Zealand The role of...
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Autism and social anxiety
Exploring the roots of social anxiety, Sara Meyer sheds light on the power of diagnosis and the impact of connecting with other Autistics. I’m out for coffee with a friend I’ve known for a long time. I...
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Anxiety communicates: Interpreting and responding to anxiety in Autistic...
Identifying both observable and less obvious signs of anxiety in Autistic children, Estelle Pretorius highlights the importance of understanding a child’s preferences and sensitivities, and the use of...
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New digital mental health solutions for Autistic youth
Co-design of digital mental health support for Autistic youth with co-occurring anxiety: a research project Digital mental health solutions, particularly for Autistic youth, lack research...
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Short film shines a light on autism
Altogether Autism was proud to feature the groundbreaking film ‘He Karu, He Taringa’ alongside Māoriland Film during Autism Appreciation Month 2023, writes Jamie-Leigh Timoti. Inspired by the firsthand...
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Pathological Demand Avoidance in the New Zealand context
Autistic researcher, Sara Meyer and clinical psychologist, Jenny Gibbs share some background and current understandings of demand avoidance, also known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). For some...
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How to support an Autistic child with meltdowns
Autistic researcher, Sara Meyer discusses how to support an Autistic child with meltdowns. Autistic people sometimes experience states of overwhelm where they lash out at others, become rigid and...
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