Skip to content
the autism kit
Guide

What autism support is available for children in New Zealand?

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC), Child Development Services, autism support services and school support.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Listen to this articleAbout 1 min
Read aloud · speed
A family walking across a grassy park with houses behind
Photo: Chen Te on Pexels
The short answer

In New Zealand, families can contact their regional Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation directly, with no referral needed, to find out what disability support is available. Autism support services are funded through Disability Support Services at the Ministry of Social Development. Child Development Services and your GP can help with assessment, and schools can access learning support.

Key takeaways
  • Contact your regional NASC directly; no referral needed.
  • Autism support is funded through Disability Support Services (MSD).
  • GPs and Child Development Services help with assessment.
  • Schools can access learning support.

Where do I start?

Talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki Ora provider about what you've noticed. You can also contact your regional NASC directly to ask about disability support.1

What support is available?

Autism support in Aotearoa New Zealand
ServiceWhat it does
NASCAssesses needs and coordinates disability support
Child Development ServicesAssessment and early support for young children
Autism support servicesFunded through Disability Support Services
School learning supportHelp for students at school

Disability Support Services and KidsHealth list services and resources.12

What can I do while waiting?

Try
  • Writing down what you notice
  • Contacting your NASC
  • Trying a visual schedule at home
Skip
  • Waiting for a diagnosis before trying anything
Free printable: appointment notesPDF · 2 pages · what you've noticed, plus questions to ask
Download Free printable: appointment notes

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

No. You can contact your regional NASC directly.

Sources

  1. Disability Support Services (Ministry of Social Development): Autism support services. disabilitysupport.govt.nz
  2. KidsHealth NZ: Autism (takiwātanga) support resources in Aotearoa NZ. kidshealth.org.nz

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

Was this guide helpful?
Share this guide with someone who'd find it useful
Listen

Keep reading

All guides and stories →

One small, useful tip a week

Practical ideas built on evidence-based practices, plus a free printable to start. Unsubscribe anytime.

We never sell or share your email.