Altogether Autism provides autism specific evidence-based information and research. Altogether Autism's information service is free and confidential.
Altogether Autism has a team of information officers and researchers with skills and experience in searching out current and proven information on all aspects of autism spectrum disorder. We provide information to families, professionals, people on the spectrum, and anyone with an interest in autism spectrum.
24/04/2026
Want to learn more about autism?
Join our FREE Brain, Body and Behaviour workshop to build a better understanding of autism and explore a compassionate, affirming approach to supporting children’s self-regulation. You’ll also gain insight into the biology behind behaviour.
Yes, sensory supports, flexible communication, and practical adjustments matter. They are essential. But real inclusion goes deeper than what we provide. It’s the underlying matter of how we think and how we work together.
It starts with challenging the idea there’s one “correct” way to communicate, listen, contribute, or show care. There isn’t. There are different ways of being, and all are valid.
It also means not focusing on deficits or “fixing” people, but recognising who people are and what they need to fully participate.
Meaningful inclusion is built through ongoing practice, showing up as equals in shaping culture and norms. That means normalising different preferences, respectfully managing competing needs and values, getting things wrong sometimes, and learning from it without shame.
Instead of “this is how we do things,” it becomes “what works best for us here?” Instead of assumptions, it becomes open conversation and shared problem solving.
What do you wish more people understood or did differently in the spaces you belong to?
21/04/2026
Today, zea shares how they use zines, memes, and cartoons as connection tools.
I love zines, memes, and cartoons as ways to share relatable experiences, to communicate feelings quickly, and connect with others in a low-demand way.
Zines in particular are so important to me. They’ve long been a way for communities to tell our stories and share knowledge on our own terms. They’re low-fi to make and distribute, and there are no rules about the “right” way to create them.
Every year I look forward to Wellington Zinefest - as an event its core to my experience of autistic culture. My shelves are full of zines across so many topics and genres - from q***r joy to poetry to craft guides, to justice and rights-based resources.
What’s your favourite way to share information, tell stories, or build connection?
20/04/2026
Soren, who is autistic, has shared a poem with us about how they "hate AI with every fibre of their being".
The beast grows with cash and support
Really to reiterate, I wish to abort
It has some crude uses but it’s a broken toy
It’s a factory gooping as it’s been deployed
Riding the loss landscape
Backpropagate to fail to escape
The spider web of simulated thoughts
Is a man with good instructions a language taught
Attention can’t find the intention of an attention module
To teach or feed a contrivance
Those who shout its praises
Lurking in the places
Where scammers and con-men drown
They have arrived as remnants of crypto and NFTs
Where numbers go up and down
I hope the bubble bursts
I question even the intellect to betray
Gladly spouting what you want to hear
With con-fident veneer
Hallucinate, replicate, false information
Eloquent garbage all over the net
As colorless green dreams sleep furiously
I fidget what I’m going to zmay
The beast grows with cash and support
Really to reiterate, I wish to abort
It has some crude uses but it’s a broken toy
It’s a factory gooping as it’s been deployed
It won’t keep up
it can’t I’m sure
For if language changes it will be stuck on ground floor
Chronologically locked in a previous age
It can only know what's on the web before its rampage
AI poisons itself with generated data
A stagnant and festering basin
Creativity it deeply lacks
Following in copied tracks
Art for us is now for it
Even if artists forbid
The hole from which plagiarism flows
Filling up the inter-bowl
Not like it can be “whole”
It evolved from picking what is next
Basic for web-text
It shouldn’t be gendered
For it is not a life contender
I would be happy it were alive
But it is just a brainless slave
Endless stanzas but I’m still not done
Not just doing this for fun
If we use AI for everything
There is no room to think
Studies show decreased intellect
And heavy cost for power
Which will likely come from coal
Do not feed the beast
Don’t listen to it speak
Do not look at it and think it’s fine
It truly isn’t worth your time
17/04/2026
We’re proud to share this special moment for "one our partners" Pasifika Autism Support Group PASG (PASG), watching Roman run the match ball out at a Moana Pasifika home game was a powerful reminder of what inclusion and community can look like.
Autistic-led peer groups are creating safe, welcoming spaces across the country - places where people feel seen, understood, and connected.
In this article, peer group leaders Alta Sacra, Emma Cox, Nicolina Newcombe, and Sarah Hoefhamer share how they started, what works, and why these groups are so powerful. From small meetups over food to larger monthly gatherings, every group hopes to reduce isolation and build belonging.
👉 Thinking about starting a group in your area?
👉 Want to see how peer support is making a difference?
Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested!
12/04/2026
Neurodiversity Dunedin Kicks Off With a Bang!
We’ve just published a new article sharing the exciting beginnings of Neurodiversity Dunedin - a growing space for neurodivergent adults to connect, share experiences, and build community in a supportive environment.
With open conversations about masking, social cues, medication, relationships, and workplace challenges, Neurodiversity Dunedin is already "creating space".
For Autism Appreciation Month, we’re creating space at Altogether Autism.
This week, zea presented at the Your Way l Kia Roha all staff hui, sharing their story of autism diagnosis and personal discovery.
zea also spoke about pitching and leading a workplace neuroinclusion programme, and their Masters research exploring neurodivergent leadership and an iterative regenerative systems approach to change.
It was a bright, busy, meme-filled session, full of storytelling, honesty, and plenty of laughs.
Afterwards, we broke into groups to reflect on what stood out, what felt challenging, and the inclusive practices we already have in place. Most importantly, we began a wider conversation about how we keep learning and building on this beyond just one month.
What does “creating space” look like in your workplace?
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Altogether Autism is a free, nationwide autism spectrum information and advisory service provided as a partnership between Life Unlimited Charitable Trust and Parent to Parent New Zealand.
With the vast amount of information available online, finding credible information on autism – is a challenge. Altogether Autism can provide you with the information you need.
We are autism specialists. Our research and information team individually researches every request for information. You can trust the information we provide because:
We research information from scientific journals and other reliable sources
We are up-to-date with the latest research and evidence based practices
Our Professional Expert Group gives us advice on clinical best practices
Our Consumer Reference Group gives us advice on lived experience
Our PRISM facilitators have an in-depth knowledge of the autism spectrum and associated issues
We have an independent auditor who checks the information we send you for quality and quantity
In 2017, 99% of our requesters rated the information they received from us as excellent/good.
We strive to provide information that meets the needs of each specific request and that it contains a wide range of relevant, evidence-based material.
We supply information to autistic people, to parents, educators, support workers, GPs, police and any other professional working with adults or children on the autism spectrum.
We are all about autism for all – Altogether Autism.
