What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It's called a "spectrum" because autism affects people in different ways and to varying degrees.
Key Facts About Autism
- Autism is not a disease or illness - it's a different way of experiencing the world
- Approximately 1 in 66 children in New Zealand are diagnosed with autism
- Autism is lifelong - people are born autistic and remain autistic throughout their lives
- There is no "cure" for autism, and many autistic people don't want one
- With appropriate support, autistic people can lead fulfilling lives
- In New Zealand, autism affects people of all ethnicities and backgrounds
Early signs of autism may include:
- Limited eye contact
- Delayed speech development
- Repetitive behaviors
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Intense focus on specific interests
In New Zealand, autism is typically diagnosed through:
- Assessment by paediatricians or psychologists
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
- Observation of behavior
- Parent/caregiver interviews
- Referrals through your GP
Many autistic people have remarkable strengths:
- Attention to detail
- Deep focus and concentration
- Strong memory
- Honesty and loyalty
- Unique problem-solving abilities
Characteristics of Autism
Autism manifests differently in each individual, but common characteristics fall into these main categories:
- Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation
- Challenges understanding nonverbal cues
- Difficulty developing and maintaining relationships
- May not initiate social interaction
- May interpret language literally
- Repetitive movements or speech
- Insistence on sameness and routines
- Highly restricted, fixated interests
- Unusual responses to sensory input
- Preoccupation with parts of objects
- Over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures
- Unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment
- Adverse response to specific sounds or textures
- May seek or avoid certain sensory experiences
- Can affect eating, dressing, and daily activities
Sensory Experience
Here are some examples of how sensory differences might feel for an autistic person:
Imagine trying to focus while:
- Fluorescent lights are flickering and buzzing
- Multiple conversations are happening around you
- Someone is wearing strong perfume
- Your clothing tags are itching
- A clock is ticking loudly
This overwhelming experience can make it difficult to concentrate or function.
Imagine:
- Bright lights causing physical discomfort or pain
- Patterns that appear to move or vibrate
- Difficulty filtering visual information
- Being distracted by small visual details others don't notice
These visual sensitivities can make environments like shopping malls or classrooms challenging.
Imagine:
- Every sound being equally loud and important
- Difficulty filtering background noise from conversation
- Certain frequencies causing physical pain
- Being able to hear electricity humming or clocks ticking
This can make noisy environments overwhelming and conversations difficult to follow.
Myths vs Facts About Autism
There are many misconceptions about autism. Let's separate fact from fiction:
Vaccines cause autism.
This myth originated from a fraudulent study that has been thoroughly debunked. Extensive research has shown no link between vaccines and autism.
Autism has a strong genetic component.
Research indicates that autism is primarily genetic, though environmental factors may also play a role in some cases.
Autistic people lack empathy.
Many autistic people experience empathy deeply, though they may express it differently than neurotypical people.
Autism occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in NZ.
Autism affects people of all backgrounds in Aotearoa, though diagnosis rates may vary due to disparities in access to healthcare and cultural factors.
All autistic people have savant skills.
While some autistic people have exceptional skills in specific areas, this is not true for everyone on the spectrum.
Early intervention can improve outcomes.
While there is no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate support can help autistic people develop skills and reach their full potential.
Support Strategies in New Zealand
There are many ways to support autistic individuals in various settings in Aotearoa:
- Establish predictable routines
- Create a calm, organized environment
- Use visual schedules and timers
- Provide advance notice of changes
- Respect sensory needs and preferences
- Implement individual education plans (IEPs)
- Provide clear, concise instructions
- Offer breaks and quiet spaces
- Use visual supports and social stories
- Teach social skills explicitly
- Access Ministry of Education support services
- Provide clear job descriptions and expectations
- Offer flexible work arrangements
- Minimize sensory distractions
- Use written communication when possible
- Focus on strengths and talents
- Access Work and Income support services
New Zealand Support Services
In New Zealand, several government and community services support autistic individuals and their families:
- Ministry of Education - Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)
- Ministry of Health - Disability Support Services
- Work and Income - Disability Allowance
- Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
- Autism New Zealand regional services
- Altogether Autism
- IHC advocacy services
- Parent to Parent support networks
Communication Tips
Try these strategies when communicating with autistic individuals:
Do
- Be clear and direct
- Allow processing time
- Use visual supports
- Respect personal space
Don't
- Use sarcasm or irony
- Force eye contact
- Assume understanding
- Take behaviors personally
New Zealand Resources & Further Information
If you'd like to learn more about autism in New Zealand, here are some valuable resources:
- Autism New Zealand - National organisation providing support and resources
- Altogether Autism - Provides information and resources
- IHC New Zealand - Advocacy and support services
- Parent to Parent - Support for parents of disabled children
- Ministry of Health - Information on disability support services
- Neurodivergent Friendly Workbooks by Sonny Jane Wise - Lived Experience Educator
- "The Autism Discussion Page" by Bill Nason
- "The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide" by Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman
- "The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum" by Jeanette Purkis, Emma Goodall, and Jane Nugent
- "I Am an Aspie Girl" by Danuta Bulhak-Paterson
- "The Disappointment Dragon" by K.I. Al-Ghani
- "I am Autistic: An interactive and informative guide to autism" by Chanelle Moriah
Getting a Diagnosis in New Zealand
The process for getting an autism diagnosis in New Zealand typically involves:
- Discuss your concerns with your GP (family doctor)
- Your GP may refer you to a paediatrician or psychologist
- Assessment by a multidisciplinary team may be recommended
- Diagnosis is based on observation, developmental history, and standardized assessment tools
- Once diagnosed, you can access support services through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education
Note: Wait times for publicly funded assessments can vary by region. Private assessments are also available.