05. Autism and Education

Family, Whanau and Disability

Research: Rebecca Armstrong
Presenter: Val Ockenden
Produced by Louise Ratcliffe and FreeFM89.0
Guests: Joanne Dacombe
Joanne Dacombe has spent 21 years working at the Reserve Bank in the area of monetary policy. She was diagnosed with autism later in life and has a son on the Autism Spectrum. Joanne currently serves on the Board of Autism New Zealand as well as the Board of the ASK Trust, an autistic-led organisation for autistic adults.
Cat Noakes-Duncan
Cat is the mother of three beautiful children, two with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Recently Cat founded 'Spectrum Playgroup' a community playgroup for children on the autism spectrum, their siblings and families. Cat is trained in Early Childhood Education and is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching: Autism Spectrum
Disorders.
Programme Synopsis

• The difficulties parents have trying navigate the education system with an Autistic child
• Parenting a child on the Autistic Spectrum
• Inclusive Education

Music
“Same Page” Rich Austin, from Memories Forever album
Tune in to Parent to Parent's podcast Connect, Inform, Support
Connect, Inform, Support features interviews with professionals and specialists on disability-related topics, and is a source of information and resources for families and whānau caring for people with disabilities.
Discussion topics cover a range of subjects related to disability and special needs, such as inclusive education, supporting someone with special needs, and the challenges and triumphs of living with disability.
Links

• Further information on Joanne Dacombe - https://altogetherautism.org.nz/autism-information/6433/6433/
• Autistic Burnout - https://boren.blog/2017/01/26/autistic-burnout-the-cost-ofcoping-and-passing/
• Further information on Spectrum Playgroup -
  https://altogetherautism.org.nz/autism-information/6390/playgroup-providescare-support/
• https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018617
  601/spectrum-playgroup-a-special-place-for-kids-with-autism
• https://www.richaustinmusic.com/index.html
• https://altogetherautism.org.nz/
• Safesquares
• Parent to Parent New Zealand Inc
• Altogether Autism
• Care Matters or 0508 236 236 freephone service for carers
• Mana Whaikaha – MidCentral only