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.
Meets on the second Tuesday evening of every month in Takapuna
For more information, contact Denise on (09) 419 0210 or email denise_gledhill@hotmail.com
The Aspergers Network Auckland is a registered charitable trust that provides numerous services and events for families of children with Aspergers Syndrome. We currently hold regular support meetings as well as social events for parents. There are also social events for children with AS and their siblings. We hope to shortly offer guest speakers on a range of topics related to AS. All welcome to join us.
Phone: Kate D'Anvers (09) 589 4140
Email: aspergersauckland@hotmail.com
Post: PO Box 109 131, Newmarket, Auckland
Support groups in Katikati, Whakatane, Tauranga, Te Puke and Rotorua
For further information Contact Lorraine on (07) 571 0003
The Hawkes Bay branch of Autism NZ runs a parent support group on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Fairhaven School, Meeanee Rd Taradale. They also offer a holiday programme (for children with Asperger's Syndrome), a youth club and an extensive library on ASD. Anyone interested in this support group or anything else to do with the branch can contact:
Dianne Cowan - phone: (06) 845 2443
Contact Vicki on (06) 759 1191
Contact Warren on (06) 765 0302 or email thompson-shaw@xtra.co.nz
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 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)
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 Sally - (04) 589 8061 or Carol (04) 569 2037
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
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
For Central Otago and Southland areas
Contact Catherine (03) 445 1441 or Sheryl (03) 445 0947
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
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