Support groups exist around New Zealand for parents with children with Asperger’s Syndrome. Some are Asperger specific and some cover all Autistic Spectrum Disorders. If you know of any other groups that would like to have their details included here then please get in touch. Please note that although some of these groups have been assisted by the Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation they are not run by us.
Information on the groups is below, organised from North to South. For more information contact us at the Foundation.
Bay of Plenty Support Groups (ASD)
Support groups in Katikati, Whakatane, Tauranga, Te Puke and Rotorua
For further information Contact Jenny on (07) 571 0003
Hawkes Bay
It’s called Bay Autism Support. There is a parent support group that meets on the first Thursday of the month at William Collenso High School. For further information Contact Jo Bromly at jo.b@slingshot.co.nz
Taranaki ASD Empowerment Support Group (ASD)
Contact Vicki on (06) 759 1191
Stratford Support Group (Taranaki)
Contact Warren on (06) 765 0302 or email thompson-shaw@xtra.co.nz
Masterton / Wairarapa Support Group (AS/HFA)
This much needed support network was formed early this year. It aims to enable information to flow throughout the Wairarapa AS / HFA community and will then lead to other services being made available. Megan Batchellor, who organises the group, is a mother of two AS / HFA children and knows how difficult this condition is and especially so in rural areas. Meetings are held at the CCS Hodder House in Albert St Masterton on one Monday each month. If you would be interested in joining the group, contact either:
Megan Bachelor – phone (06) 372 6868 or (025) 295 4897 OR
Bev Melhuish – phone (06) 378 2426 or email: bmelhuish@wairarapa.ccs.org.nz
Kapiti Support Group (ASD)
Kapiti Support Group started 2 1/2 years ago because of a need for support in their local area and currently have around 25 families in the group. They meet on the last Thursday of every month, at 7.30pm. They have a group speaker or topic for discussion. Once a year they go out for dinner as a group. They have managed to establish a small library through donations of books from parents in the group and from donations from businesses. On the alternative month they have a get together and discuss any issues that have arisen. The group provides support, friendship, advice, suggestions and information. While not all of the members attend every month, they all know it is there for them when they need it.
Contact Sue – (04) 297 9940 (work) or (04) 298 3908 (home)
Lower Hutt Support Group (ASD)
This group is one of the largest and most active in the country. They meet every six weeks at the Knox Presbyterian Church Lounge (behind the church), 574 High St, Lower Hutt at 7:45pm. They have a set topic or guest speaker for each meeting. Please bring a gold coin donation to cover venue hire. Tea and coffee provided.
Contact Carol – (04) 569 2037
Nelson Support Group (AS/HFA)
Norelle is a mother of children with Asperger’s Syndrome. She is in the process of starting up a support network in the Nelson region. If you are interested in being a part of this, please contact:
Norelle – phone: (03) 545 9212 or e-mail: eschbud@clear.net.nz
Ashburton Support Group (ASD)
A well established group that is looking to expand. It is run by a lady has been actively working within her community to improve services and spread general awareness. If you would like to be involved in this group please contact:
Mandy Milne – phone (03) 308 7849 or email: mandy6@xtra.co.nz
Central and Southern Support Group (ASD)
For Central Otago and Southland areas
Contact Catherine (03) 445 1441 or Sheryl (03) 445 0947
Timaru / South Canterbury Support Group (AS/HFA)
Mary Moir is an educational advisor at Group Special Education (SES). She has established a support group for the Southern Canterbury region that meet regularly. If you would interested in becoming a part of this new group, please contact:
Mary – phone: (03) 614 8887 or e-mail: mary.moir@minedu.govt.nz
Dunedin Support Group (ASD)
The Dunedin Support Group is for parents who have children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( including Asperger’s Syndrome).The meetings are held on the 3rd Monday in the month, 7.30pm at 44 Dundas Street, Dunedin.
Anyone with an interest in family issues is very welcome, in particular parents, their extended family members and friends. Interested professionals are very welcome but please contact the coordinator first.
Contact Claire – phone: (03) 479 8064
