asplanet.info

NZ Meetings, Groups, Activies

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all the time and various activities throughout NZ and

usually the bigger groups can advise,. Otherwise add

details of your group, ideas in comments below, or

email me: http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3

as happy to help advise... (new updates ongoing)

http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=75

SOUTH ISLAND

http://www.autismnz.org.nz/Branches/Canterbury.php

http://www.asknz.net/

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Johns web site : Aspergers Syndrome New Zealand

ASNZ is a small advocacy/self-advocacy group established specifically

  by and for adults with Asperges' Syndrome which is currently involved

in representation,advocacy, information, listening, advice, referral,

publicity and education from a consumer lived-experience perspective.

http://www.asnz.exofire.net/

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NORTH ISLAND

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Auckland  (09) 846 0913

Bay of Plenty (07) 571 0003

Canterbury (03) 343 2225

Gisborne (06) 868 1517

Hawkes Bay 0800 288 476

Manawatu (06)357 7846

Nelson / Marlborough (03) 539 0285

Northland 0800 288 476

Otago (03) 474 9640

Southland 027 221 6151

Taranaki (06) 769 5958

Waikato (07) 854 9531

Wanganui (06) 343 2082

Wellington (04) 478 2700

West Coast (03) 768 6657

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AUCKLAND (NZ) ADULT & TEEN ASPERGER SYNDROME

/ AUTISM SPECTRUM SOCIAL GRIUP

(a service provided by Autism NZ, Auckland Branch)

Meets once a month, on the Third Saturday of each month, 3-5 p.m., at Autism NZ Auckland Branch office:

65 Morningside Drive, St. Lukes, Auckland.

Office phone: (09) 846-0913.

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Contact persons: Natasha (Adult Liaison Officer of Autism NZ, Auckland Branch),

phone number as above; email

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or Jen Birch, (Co-facilitator):

or PO Box 17-426, Greenlane, Auckland, New Zealand; www.aspergers.co.nz

Author of "Congratulations! It's Asperger Syndrome,"

(Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2003).

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Official diagnosis is not required for attendance at the above friendly get-togethers. Persons do not need to state that they will be attending or not attending. Support persons (e.g. parent, friend, carer) are also very welcome. Tea, coffee, milo and biscuits are available.

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Sometimes there are pre-set discussion topics, circulated amongst members on Jen's membership list beforehand. (Nobody is forced to join in the discussions). Sometimes we have additional services available, e.g. Focus Groups with an Asperger-friendly professional counsellor.

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(The Adult Asperger Syndrome Social Group is a free, not-for-profit service). It is one of the services provided by Autism NZ, Auckland Branch, (itself a not-for-profit organisation).

For more information, please contact Jen or Natasha (details above)

Various 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.Groups change, update quite often so may need to check with main NZ organisations if unable to contact...

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North Shore, Auckland Support Group (AS/HFA)

Meets on the second Tuesday evening of every month in Takapuna
For more information, contact Denise on (09) 419 0210 or email

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Aspergers Network Auckland (AS/HFA)

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:
Post: PO Box 109 131, Newmarket, Auckland

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Bay of Plenty Support Groups (ASD)

Support groups in Katikati, Whakatane, Tauranga, Te Puke and Rotorua
For further information Contact Lorraine on (07) 571 0003

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Hawkes Bay ANZ Inc Support Group (ASD)

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

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Taranaki ASD Empowerment Support Group (ASD)

Contact Vicki on (06) 759 1191

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Stratford Support Group (Taranaki)

Contact Warren on (06) 765 0302 or email

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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:

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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.
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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 Sally - (04) 589 8061 or Carol (04) 569 2037

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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:

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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:

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Central and Southern Support Group (ASD)

For Central Otago and Southland areas
Contact Catherine (03) 445 1441 or Sheryl (03) 445 0947

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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:

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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

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Just my view: Fear of the unknown" holds so many of us back from doing so many things, being out of routine never easy, but taking those first steps can be vital especially for the younger generation who have to get on and be in society, as for me to be honest as I get older I just want to back out and be myself that little bit more - quirky, eccentric... just me, the person others often find hard to understand!

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But if you're feeling alone there are lots of very supportive groups, who can help and give advice and some have great social events, support and advcie. I prefer mostly not attending AS groups but enjoy gatherings, but that's just me. I so love the aspie / autie community and feel very privileged to be a part of, who have mostly embraced me for me and made me feel extremely welcome. There of course will always be the odd few, no one can get on with everyone, as we are in fact all unique individuals on or off the spectrum…

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No group will suit everyone and personally I find online support more useful. But I am the type that needs to offload, some groups make me overload :) Please feel free to join for more in dept autism spectrum conversations – AsPlanet Forum : http://www.asplanet.info/forum/  At times myself I find interacting exhausting, guess spending so many years being exposed to a society that does get us, never easy....

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These days I often find easier simply to be self, having complex needs means it can be hard to fit into any one group and other drawbacks, the tall poppy syndrome comes to mind and being different allows for all sorts of discrimination. So have decided to start up an advisory group for support, as and when needed for myself and other like minded individuals who are being bullied, discriminated agianst or simply to support each other. But I so hope that one day here in NZ the many groups out there can work togther and get the support they need.

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