Willow Corner

27/08/2026

The final Mighty Willows course for the year is locked in! This is being held at Aldersgate Centre, Christchurch, on 11th and 18th November. Register below!!

Mighty Willows helps the grownups explore ways to better understand and respond to children's underlying needs

24/08/2026

Some new research came out this month that we felt was worth sharing, because it looks at three issues that have and do come up again and again in our community, and one (PMDD) that we are diving into in an upcoming resource.

💛 Girls are still being diagnosed later: A Norwegian study looked at information from 2,483 Autistic children and young people. Girls were diagnosed later than boys, and more than half of those diagnosed at 15 or older were girls. The study could not explain all the reasons for that difference, but the finding is important because it reflects what Autistic women and families have been telling us for years: many girls are still not being recognised when they are younger.

https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261474929

💛 Autistic and ADHD adults were more affected before their periods: Another study looked at 199 adults who menstruate. Compared with people without either diagnosis, the Autistic and ADHD participants reported more premenstrual symptoms, including low mood, irritability and feeling overwhelmed. They also said these changes had a greater effect on work, relationships, social activities and things they needed to do at home. The researchers used a screening questionnaire rather than a full PMDD assessment, so the very high PMDD figures should not be shared as actual diagnosis rates. However, the results support something many Autistic and ADHD people describe: changes before a period can be significant and deserve to be properly recognised, investigated and supported.

https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057261476912

💛 School environments can add to a young person’s distress: A much smaller UK study spoke with 11 Autistic and ADHD students and 12 school staff. Students talked about noise, crowds, sudden changes, rigid rules, feeling misunderstood and the pressure to keep achieving. They also described the difference it made when they had trusted adults, quiet places, sensory tools, more choice and staff who took the time to understand what was happening for them.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07470-6

Just a few limitations to note: all three studies were carried out overseas, two involved small groups, and none gave us a clear picture of gender-diverse or people of other marginalised genders experience the same, so we still need much more Australian research that includes and is shaped by Autistic girls, women and all marginalised genders.

What do you wish there was more research on? 💛

21/08/2026

15/08/2026

This fab new book by Neurowild was spotted in Kmart today for only $14…

14/08/2026

Check out this fantastic new resource! It’s packed full of ideas to reduce sensory overload in existing homes, as well as considerations for new builds!

Make your home autism friendly

23/07/2026

We are SO excited to announce Aotearoa's First ARFID Diagnosis Assessment Pathway!!!

ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is not only under recognised but is extremely undiagnosed... That is often because there is no one to diagnosis it (some paediatrician's will but it's very few).

Receiving a diagnosis of ARFID has many benefits including recognition to medical and allied health professionals, support plans for preschools/schools, some funding opportunities and most importantly access to the correct and appropriate treatments.

The waitlist is now open!
Head to our website to register your interest - https://nourishtherapy.co.nz/arfid-diagnosis/

16/07/2026

Did you know that we offer a discounted rate for one of our most popular assessment options, the Comprehensive Assessment? This is a thorough assessment to explore your child's cognitive abilities, academic skills, as well as the possibility of Autism or ADHD.
Until now, we have been able to provide this discount at 50% of the standard learning assessment fee. Sadly, the cost of administering learning assessments has risen significantly over recent months and we are no longer able to maintain this level of discount.
The good news is that there is still a discount of $500!

The updated rate will apply to all referrals received as of Monday 20th July. The current rate will remain for any referrals received prior to that!

There is no change at this stage to the assessment fee for the Learning Assessment, or Developmental Assessment options.

06/07/2026

Wowsers. Where did term 2 disappear to?? Our team has had a fantastic term meeting a bunch of fantastic kids! My highlight for the term has to be the delightful young boy who came bouncing up to me at a school, asking if I’d just been talking about Autism. I then had the pleasure of being told some awesome facts about space before he told me “hey! I’m Autistic! It’s how I know all this stuff!”
That sums up the why of my job - helping kids be just as excited about their brains as this wee gem was!!

Anyway, our waitlist is rapidly filling up for the year! If you’re keen to get an Autism/ADHD/Learning assessment for your child this year then now is the time to refer! Just fill out the form at www.willowcorner.co.nz

(We’re based in Christchurch but accept referrals from anywhere if families are keen to travel for an assessment! We can take referrals up to age 18)

We focus on neurodiversity-affirming supports for neurodivergent children and youth, as well as their families and schools. We currently work with children and young people to undertake assessments for developmental differences including Autism and ADHD.

26/05/2026

We have a little collection of lost property! If you recognise any of this flick me a message!

24/05/2026

Clever Kids camp is coming up again soon! This is an awesome opportunity for Dyslexic kids! Check out below for details:

Clever Kids Camp - Christchurch, 4-6th Sept 2026
Are you supporting a child who would benefit from understanding their dyslexia, building positive coping strategies, and connecting with other dyslexic kids? Clever Kids Camp might be for you. To find out more or request the zoom link for the next parent info session on May 28th 7-8pm, email [email protected]. Speech and language therapists Voon & Liz would love to hear from you.