Embedded Files
Many of these have been personally used by us, though some have not. If you investigate or go, and it doesn't feel right, trust your gut.
So you think you may be Autistic? Suggested reading:
Webpage: Reframing Autism -- "Am I Autistic?" A guide to navigating your neurotype
Book: Unmasking Autism by Devon Price (link to Hamilton Libraries; my personal favourite Autism book)
Book: "Spectrum Women: marching to the beat of Autism" (link to Hamilton Libraries)
Book: "I am Autistic: an interactive and informative guide" by Chanelle Moriah (link to Hamilton Libraries; simple and easy to read)
Webpage: Neurodirect -- RAADS-R test (though remember this is often a measure of environmental distress and stereotypically male traits)
Webpage: UCLA Health -- Understanding undiagnosed Autism in adult women
Mental health support:
Mental Health Foundation (respite holidays, support workers)
Stephen Macartney Habit Health (actually autistic psychologist)
Note2Self by Andre Jackson
DBT workbook for neurodivergent people
Disability Allowance through Work&Income to see counsellor (get 4 initially, then apply to get 10 at a time up to 30; get GP to fill in form and they don’t question it, after that might need more effort to approve)
Neurodiverse Insights infographics
Financial support:
Work & Income Supported Living Payment (note that I think all Autistic people should have ready access to Supported Living for when they cannot work)
Help with kids:
Community Participation Providers under MSD
Real Waikato - mental health for ND students
Awhi Ngā Mātua is a community for parents of disabled, neurodivergent and medically fragile tamariki.
Neurodiversity in Education Project
Yellow Ladybugs for ND girls and young people, but good advice for all!
Help with employment:
Managing burnout info
Mainstream Tertiary Internship Program
KS Group Ltd “matchmaking” recruitment , work prep and support
Connected.govt.nz (get connected to employment, education and training)
Career Moves supported employment programme for job seekers
Job and Training support funds (to help disabled people access training and retain jobs)
Self-organisation:
App: Dubbii for body doubling
Midwest Magic Cleaning — YouTube channel that teaches cleaning
Habitica: gamify your life for free
Support for the rainbow community:
Gender Dynamix (peer support, group therapy, cheap IPL, based in Tauranga)
Kayla Mackie at The Psychology Centre through the gender diversity clinic. Gender divergent adults should be able to access gender diversity funding through the adult sexual health clinic.
Trans-friendly counsellors: Carina Conrade, Carly Kaizen
Practical supports:
Your Way Kia Roha Multi-Sensory Room
Kaivolution for food (see Hamilton Community Houses eg. Waimarie Community House, or Western Community Centre)
Disability Support Services (get a referral from GP for a needs assessment)
Te Whatu Ora Waikato social workers to support people with disabilities via GP referral
Lottery Individuals with disabilities grant (to fund equipment)
Hidden Disabilities lanyard
Diagnostic assessments:
Tanya Breen (very experienced at identifying Autistic women)
Wendy Radford, Whakatane (reportedly affordable and good)
Good GPs (as recommended by our people):
Fen Yang, Hillcrest Medical
Chelsea Chea, Hillcrest Medical
Kate Sinclair, South City Health
Dr Gordon Tam, Dinsdale Medical
Clare Harford, Little London Clinic
Tamatoa Blaiklock, Hamilton East
Steven Lillis, University of Waikato student medical centre
Dr Helena Haggie, Tu Tono Hauora
Support with medical conditions:
Complex Chronic Illness Support (ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, etc)
Dentistry:
Gus Ariens (works at Nawton Dental once a month doing surgeries eg wisdom teeth, exam with X-ray only $55 @ 2025; he is a very reputable dentist)
Otago Dental School in Auckland Significantly discounted dental work ($120 an hour or $60 per hour for CSC holders (regardless of work) @ 2025)
Training:
Tertiary Education Commission Funding
The Learning Connexion School of Creativity and Art
Accessible library borrowing:
Hamilton Libraries Homebound Service
Getting about:
Accessibility Bee Card (free busfares for disabled people who cannot consistently drive)
Total Mobility Scheme info (discount taxi fares)
Raj Hamilton Taxis | 020 4065 7473 (Hamilton East, accepting Total Mobility Cards, recommended by two of our members)
Grover | 021 233 1919 (Hamilton West, accepting Total Mobility Cards, recommended by one of our members)
Safety:
If someone is at risk of wandering: https://wandersearchnz.org.nz
Legal assistance and advocacy:
Citizens Advice Bureau Hamilton
Talk about sexuality with disabled kids:
Credit check:
Centrix (free copy of your credit report)
Internet access:
Zero Data for accessing key govt websites even when you have no data.
Skinny Jump discounted internet access for those on a limited income
Other resources worth exploring:
Support My Decisions: a PDF aimed at people with intellectual disabilities; also helpful for reflection if your support people have left you feeling confused and undermined
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