Parents of children with autism have called for more workshops to help them better support their children at home and in the wider community, according to the Loto Taumafai Society.
The call was made during a workshop hosted by the Loto Taumafai Society on Friday, 12 June, in collaboration with New Zealand Special Education Adviser, Jan Kennington and a group of parents.
The workshop was the first of many planned sessions aimed at supporting families of children with autism, especially those attending mainstream and private schools. According to the Loto Taumafai Society, the initiative follows consultations with specialists from New Zealand, also hosted by the Society, during which parents raised the need for more information, support, and access to professional advice.
The first workshop brought together 40 participants, including parents, representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women, private schools, and behavioural specialists.
Parents were allowed to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, ask questions, and learn about available support services.
