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Autism workforce development

Understanding and supporting the full autism spectrum

Meeting the needs of people with autism and their whānau

In 2014, Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People changed eligibility criteria for disability support services to include anyone on the autism spectrum, regardless of learning ability.

Demand for services continues to increase and the workforce requires the necessary skills to deliver high quality support.

Autistic people are adamant that anyone working in disability support should have a basic of understanding of the autism spectrum and how it impacts on the person they are supporting.

Alongside, there is a clear need to enhance knowledge around supporting people without learning disabilities, individuals who may also be experiencing mental health issues and people with complex behaviour and communication support needs.

Workforce development needs

In late 2015, Te Pou undertook an analysis of the workforce development needs of New Zealand’s autism workforce. The resulting report, Determining the workforce development needs of New Zealand’s autism workforce, describes the then-current learning and development activities that were in place across New Zealand for the workforce supporting children and adults with autism through funding from Disability Support Services.

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