Advisory Groups
Two advisory groups provide direction to Autism New Zealand to ensure our services and support, education and information meet the needs of the community we exist to support. Our advisory groups support advocacy and understanding as well as provide advice on best practice in diagnosis and support.
Community Advisory Group
The Community Advisory Group is made up of autistic adults and parents/caregivers with an autistic child.
The group supports advocacy and understanding of the experience, needs and arising issues in the autistic and autism communities. Roles and functions include:
- Discussing and working to improve current Autism New Zealand service delivery and how new developments may impact our community.
- Advising and assessing current government policy and practice as concerns autistic individuals and those who make up their support network.
- Discussing the best means of delivering awareness, education, and practical help for people on the autism spectrum and their support network.
Research Advisory Group
The Research Advisory Group is made up of professionals with extensive recent involvement in autism or related research.
The group provides advice on international best practice in autism diagnosis and provision of support to inform our service delivery and our position when working with central government. Specific roles and functions include:
- Reviewing the efficacy of, and recommending best practice in, education, therapy, and support programmes.
- Supporting development and evaluation of Autism New Zealand’s service delivery.
- Identifying new research that will be of interest to the autistic and autism communities.
- Advising and assessing current government policy and practice based on latest research.
- Discussing the best means of delivering awareness, education, and practical help for people on the autism spectrum and their support network.
Further Information
The Autism New Zealand Advisory Groups meet quarterly and can also be asked to provide advice between meetings, primarily via email or additional meetings when necessary.
For further information about the Advisory Groups please contact our Research and Advocacy Advisor at: research@autismnz.org.nz