Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 93,000* New Zealanders. The traits associated with autism span a wide spectrum and lead to a different way of seeing the world and interacting with others. Autism New Zealand has worked continuously with the community to deliver thousands of educational programmes that increase public understanding of autism.

This booklet examines how ASD can influence learning and provides strategies teachers can use in the classroom. It is a easy document to read. Download the PDF version to have in your Kete of resources.

Read Page 17 it is all about ways you can adapt your communication style.

Altogether Autism is a free, nationwide autism information and advisory service funded by the Ministry of Health provided as a partnership between Life Unlimited Charitable Trust and Parent to Parent New Zealand. This website has so much information, it is a valuable resource. I have added a link to the communication page but if you have the time, explore the website for helpful tips.

Communication is the way we not only signal wants and needs but it forms the basis for the transmission of knowledge from one person to another.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is experienced differently by everyone who has it. Children and students often need support in communicating, interacting and taking in information. Their strengths may include visual and spatial skills, non-verbal problem solving and both visual and auditory memory.

Educators should work with the student’s individual strengths and interests in early childhood education and at school.

Kids Link NZ

Supporting students with autism in the classroom: what teachers need to know.

ASD and Learning - Approaches that are useful for students with ASD are often valuable for everyone. Here you will find lots of helpful tips to support learning in the classroom.

The NZ Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline provides evidence-based information for people on the autism spectrum, their family and whanau, as well as health, disability and education professionals and social service agencies. It includes information about good practice that is evidence-based and aims to improve the health, educational and social outcomes for people with ASD.

Sue Larkey is a highly qualified educator who has taught students with autism spectrum disorder in the mainstream and special schools. Sue has many informative tips & tricks to support students with Autism on her website and if you get the opportunity to go to one her workshops DO IT. She is truly inspirational.

Sue has Webinars, runs online workshops and has a range of resources and books she sells.

Dr Temple Grandin is one of the most respected individuals with Autism in the world. She presents at conferences around the world, helping hundreds of thousands of educators and families understand how to teach and engage students on the autism spectrum. Informed by both her lived experience and the latest academic, evidence-based research, Temple shares her valuable insights into how to increase a student’s engagement and participation in education and beyond.

Click here to watch a free webinar with Dr Temple Grandin and Sue Larkey.

Tony Attwood has a career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Tony is well known for sharing his knowledge of Asperger’s Syndrome. He has an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey and a PhD from the University of London. He is currently adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland.

Our purpose is to set children free from difficulties such as ADHD/ADD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorders and Auditory Processing Disorders.

This website is a great resource and also would be a helpful site to share with whānau.

This is an Australian Parenting Magazine that I found is full with useful tips and tricks to support ASD students in the classroom. Cooperative behaviour helps children succeed at school, in relationships with others and in extracurricular activities. It’s also important for a happy and harmonious life. Cooperation involves several important skills like sharing, taking turns and following instructions from others. Children need these skills to communicate and get along with others in most social situations

One of the most valuable skills for children and adults with autism is the ability to follow instructions. When people with autism can follow instructions, this opens up more options for learning, making friends, options for school, and options for life after school. This website has valuable information to share with whānau.

The Incredible Years Helping Children with Autism is a six-session, group-based programme for teachers and early childhood educators of children aged 2–5 on the autism spectrum. By supporting the skills and confidence of the key adults in the lives of children on the autism spectrum, it aims to promote children’s emotional regulation, positive social interactions and language development.