Altogether Autism

22/10/2026

🌟 Free Workshop: Kids Do Well If They Can 🌟
Is there an Autistic child in your life? 💛

Drawing from Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions approach, our Kids Do Well If They Can workshop explores how parents, whānau, and educators can support the growth and development of young Autistics.

📅 17 November 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 Link to register is in the comments 👇

22/10/2026

Are all cats on the autism spectrum? Tap on the link in the comments to get Beth's take on that 😺.

To celebrate 20 years of Altogether Autism, we're sharing stories from Autistic people and whānau who have found connection, information and support through our service. So many great insights from our interviewees!

20/10/2026

🎨 We've already received some amazing artwork for the Altogether Autism Journal!

Thank you to everyone who has shared their creativity with us so far. 💛

There's still time to submit your artwork for our theme, *We Are Here.*

📅 Submissions close 28 October 2026.
📧 Send your artwork to [email protected]

We can't wait to see what else comes in!

🎨 Calling all artists!

The theme of the Altogether Autism Journal 2026 is "We Are Here."

We're looking for artwork created by Autistic people that celebrates identity, connection, belonging, interests, experiences, and the many ways Autistic people show up in the world.

✨ All art styles are welcome.

📅 Submit your artwork by 28 October 2026 to [email protected]

Help us tell a powerful story through creativity and community.

18/10/2026

Have your say on Behavioural Support Services.
Disability Support Services (DSS) is seeking feedback to help plan the future of Behavioural Support Services.

DSS wants to hear from disabled people, whānau, families, carers and service providers about what works well, what could be improved, and what support may be needed in the future.

They are particularly interested in practical and innovative supports that have worked well, and ideas to improve access to services and achieve positive long-term outcomes.

📅 Feedback closes 10 November 2026.

How to provide feedback
Disabled people, whānau, families, carers and organisations can share their feedback by emailing [email protected] or sending a written submission to PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140.

Please do not include personal information that could identify you in your response.

Find out more about the consultation and how to provide feedback:
https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/assets/Providers/RFI-Behavioural-Support-Services.docx

16/10/2026

Updates from Disability Support Services.

Disability Support Services (DSS) has shared the findings from its 2026 consultation with the disability community.

More than 860 people took part through workshops, surveys and submissions, sharing what a good disability support system could look like.

Key priorities included:
- Support that reflects individual needs.
- Services that respond to changing circumstances.
- Information that is easier to find and understand.
- Fair and consistent decision-making.
- Greater choice and flexibility.
- Better recognition and support for carers and whānau.

Read the consultation findings and learn more about the next steps on the DSS website:
🔗

Thank you everyone who shared their experiences and suggestions for what good support looks like, or who supported others to have their say.

15/10/2026

We’re out and about across the motu today! 🌿

📍 In Kirikiriroa Hamilton, we’re at the Aspire Community Showcase today and tomorrow. Come along and say kia ora!

📍 Our National Manager, April Johnson, is attending the Autism Research Centre Symposium in Christchurch.

It’s great to be connecting with our communities and the wider autism community across Aotearoa. 💛

15/10/2026

🌿 For Mental Health Awareness Week, we had a great day at an amazing event in Garden Place, Hamilton!

It was lovely to connect with our community and be part of such a positive day.

Ngā mihi nui to the organisers for bringing everyone together! 💚

11/10/2026

Upcoming webinar: Understanding Neurodiversity and Disability through Māori and Pasifika Experiences

Join the Migrant Neuro-Inclusion Network for an upcoming webinar exploring how culture, identity and whānau experiences shape understandings of neurodiversity and disability.

Guest speaker Sophia Sagapolutele-To'afa, a Samoan researcher, educator and community advocate, will share insights from Māori and Pasifika parents and caregivers. The webinar will explore looking beyond diagnosis, navigating systems, and recognising whānau as partners and knowledge holders.

📅 Tuesday 20 October 2026
🕖 7pm – 8pm
📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/rZrcGPN9wzyaa4ZQA

Ngā mihi to the Migrant Neuro-Inclusion Network for sharing this opportunity.

08/10/2026

By Autistics for Autistics Zoom hui 💻
Are you Autistic, or think you might be Autistic? Would you like to connect and share with other Autistic people in a welcoming, low-pressure space?

Come along to our By Autistics for Autistics Zoom hui.

These social meet-ups are facilitated by Autistic people, with no more than 15 people attending each hui. This means everyone has the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way.

You can take part in whatever way works for you:
• Turn your camera on or keep it off
• Speak up, use the chat, or just listen

You do not need a formal autism diagnosis to attend.

Please note that this is a social connection group, not a mental health group.

📅 Find upcoming hui and register through our events page:
https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/events/

08/10/2026

🌟 Want to learn more about autism? 🌟

Come along to our friendly and supportive workshop to learn more about Autism. There’ll be time to ask questions, share ideas, and learn practical ways to support Autistic people.

✅ Autistic strengths.
✅ Sensory experiences.
✅ Executive function.
✅ Communication.
✅ Practical, everyday support strategies.

📅 2 November 2026.
🕘 9:00am – 12:00pm.
🏷️ $80 per person.
💻 Online via Zoom.

This workshop is ideal for families, professionals, and anyone wanting to build their knowledge and confidence in supporting Autistic people.

👉 Register today:

Gain a strengths-based understanding of autism as a fundamental brain difference that shapes how people think, communicate and experience the world. Learn practical strategies to support Autistic people to thrive in everyday life, learning environments, and workplaces. This event will be hosted on Z...