Altogether Autism

How can we create learning environments that better support all learners?

Our Strategies for Creating Inclusive Learning Environments workshop offers educators and education support professionals a safe and supportive space to explore practical strategies, tools and resources.

The workshop will focus on:
🧩 Proactive strategies to support sensory needs.
💬 Inclusive communication.
🧠 Understanding and responding to behaviour as communication.

✍️ Registration is required
📅 3 November 2026
🕘 11:30am – 2:30pm
🏷️ $80 per person
💻 Online via Zoom

Find out more and register here: https://www.yourwaykiaroha.nz/events/strategies-for-creating-inclusive-learning-environments-03-11-2026/

Monthly whānau coffee hui ☕

The AVB Lab at the University of Waikato is hosting a monthly whānau coffee hui in Tauranga and would love to hear from whānau.

This is an opportunity to share your experiences and help the AVB Lab understand how their research can best support whānau across the Bay and inform future research projects.

☕ Next whānau coffee hui
📅 Friday 16 October
🕓 4:00–5:00pm
📍 Tauranga

👉 RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=w10PIlKU5UibT4iN9C96LQeSZTDAbcZGp9qhQIPXyNBUNVoxQTRYRVNFRFVZMEJUSkpZNFBRQUhKVC4u

Find out more about the AVB Lab and their current projects: www.verbalbehaviour.co.nz

🎨 Calling all artists!

The theme of the Altogether Autism Journal 2026 is "We Are Here."

We're looking for artwork created by Autistic people that celebrates identity, connection, belonging, interests, experiences, and the many ways Autistic people show up in the world.

✨ All art styles are welcome.

📅 Submit your artwork by 28 October 2026 to [email protected]

Help us tell a powerful story through creativity and community.

You do not have to wait until you are completely exhausted before taking a break. If you notice your energy beginning to dip, that may be a good time to pause, find some quiet, or do something familiar and comforting.

Rest can be preventative, not just something you earn afterwards.

What are the first signs that tell you it might be time to pause?

We were excited to attend the opening of Whare Wairua from our friends at Xabilities yesterday.

Whare Wairua is a space made by and for neurodivergent people to heal, develop, connect and simply be.

The space offers mirimiri healing sessions, as well as a low-sensory space where people can slow down, regulate and enjoy some kawakawa.

We’re excited to see this space open and look forward to seeing the ways it supports the neurodivergent community.

Did you miss our last Social Stories and other front-loading strategies workshop? We've got another one coming up!

🌟 Join us as we explore Social Stories and other front-loading strategies - practical tools that can support Autistic children by helping to reduce anxiety and create positive, inclusive environments.

📅 5 October 2026
⏰ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
🏷️ $80
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 Register here: https://www.yourwaykiaroha.nz/events/social-stories-and-other-frontloading-strategies-to-support-autistic-children-05-10-2026/

Research request 📣
We're sharing a research opportunity from Rebecca Barker, Master’s Student at the University of Waikato.

Rebecca is researching whether parent coaching is effective in supporting water-safety skills among neurodiverse children. The research will also investigate whether these skills transfer to a new pool once they have been taught.

· Is your child aged between 6 and 14 years old?
· Is your child diagnosed as neurodiverse?
· Does your child have limited or no water safety skills (e.g., waiting to access pools under adult supervision, walking near the pool’s edge)?

If you answered yes to the above, you may qualify to take part in this research.

If you are interested in your child participating in this study, or would just like further information about what is involved, please contact Rebecca Barker.
📧 [email protected]
📞 021 081 91376

Spending time together does not have to mean talking the whole time. Watching a familiar programme, doing separate activities in the same room, or sharing a quiet car ride can all be meaningful ways to connect.

Connection does not always need conversation.

What is your favourite way to spend quiet time with someone?

There's still time to register 👇

Strategies for creating inclusive learning environments - 30/09/2026 - Your Way Kia Roha This workshop offers educators and education support professionals a safe and supportive space to explore strategies, tools, and resources to create inclusive learning environments. We will focus on proactive strategies to address sensory need, inclusive communication, and understanding and respondi...

We recently delivered a Takiwātanga workshop organised by Te Ika Whenua Hauora, led by one of our Specialist Facilitators, Hanna Randall.

The workshop was really well received, with feedback highlighting the value of the training and the difference it is making for whānau and communities. It’s great to hear how the training is helping build understanding and create more inclusive environments, particularly in Māori and rural communities.

Here are two reels shared by our friends at Pūkāea from the Takiwātanga workshop:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/reel/1587838689502288
👉 https://www.facebook.com/reel/1862702548028458