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Education
Most families begin their connection with the education system at an early childhood centre. Sometimes it can be complex managing assessments, funding, and relationships with teachers, support staff and carers and the transition to school. These resources should help.
Awhi Articles
Awhi Article
What is an IEP and how do I do one?
Individual Education Plans or IEPs are usually requested by schools and the Ministry of Education. What are they and why are they needed?
Awhi Article
What is a meltdown?
Ever wondered what the difference between a temper tantrum and a meltdown is? This guide will tell you and help you understand how to manage meltdowns.
Awhi Article
Inclusive Education - What is it?
We're sure you've heard of inclusive education. But do you know what it is?
Awhi Article
How do you home school a neurodivergent child?
Many parents of neuordivergent children turn to homeschooling when the mainstream education system doesn't work for their child. Here's a guide from a homeschooling parent.
Awhi Article
How do you get a teacher aide?
Does your child need a teacher aide? Here's a step-by-step guide to getting funding for a teacher aide.
Awhi Article
How do I keep my disabled child safe online?
Keeping your disabled child safe online can be challenging. As parents it's an incredibly important job. Here are tips for online safety.
Awhi Article
How can I tell if my disabled child is getting...
Want to make sure your child has an inclusive education? Here's what you should look into when choosing a school and what you can do in partnership with your school to improve the environment.
Awhi Article
How can I help my PDA child thrive at school?
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum that perceives demands as personal attacks. It is no wonder then, that many PDA children avoid going to school as there are few places more likely to be full of demands than a school!
Awhi Article
Help! My local school does not want to enrol my...
Too many families in Aotearoa find local schools unwilling to enrol their disabled child – frequently schools say they have inadequate resources. All students are legally entitled to free...
Awhi Article
Help! My child is being bullied and I don’t...
It's awful when your child is being bullied. This guide will help you know what to do and how to help.
Awhi Article
Autistic children are more likely to be bullied...
Autistic children can face bullying at higher rates than neurotypical children. Here's how parents can help.
Books
Book
Every child included
Aims to track the move to creating a more flexible continuum of provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) at the same time to comment on the complementary agenda that is unfolding...
Book
Inclusive education :
Examines some of the key influences behind the moves towards inclusive education and inclusion in mainstream society. Features more than 50 extracts from key documents and classic texts, alongside...
Book
Children's rights from international...
This book critically examines contemporary educational practices with a children's rights lens. Through investigating the factors that contribute to (or hinder) the realisation of children's rights...
Book
Belonging for people with profound intellectual...
"This book pushes the boundaries in the way we approach people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, and in how we work with them in education and research. While it is grounded in...
Book
Working with Māori children with special...
"Emphasises the importance of learning from the past and listening to Māori children, their parents and wider whānau. It explores the key components of culturally responsive, evidence-based,...
Book
Learning disabilities :
"This fifth edition has been fully revised and updated and is divided into eight sections: Understanding learning disabilities, Services and support, Independence and well-being across the life...
Book
Intellectual disabilities :
This leading textbook (previously known as Learning Disabilities) aims to further the practice of professionals and agencies who support people with intellectual disabilities. It emphasizes the...
Book
Belonging :
"In Belonging: Rethinking Inclusive Practices to Support Well-Being and Identity, issues related to inclusive education and belonging across a range of education contexts from early childhood to...
Book
Janine /
"Janine is one of a kind. She focuses on the positive while navigating life with disabilities. She makes a difference just by being herself"--
Book
You are enough :
"It can be hard to be different--whether because of how you look, where you live, or what you can or can't do. But wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same? Being different is great! Being...
Book
Accept and value each person /
"The world is becoming more diverse, and so are the daily lives of our children. Accepting and valuing people and groups who are different from oneself and one's immediate family are critical...
Book
Finding my voice.
A two-colour graphic novel about speaking-up and standing out when you feel different. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier How do you find your voice when everyone around you is telling you to be...
Book
The survival guide for kids with LD* :
"Kids with LD can learn--they just learn differently. Young people labeled with a "learning disability" or "learning disorder" will find a welcome resource in this fully revised and updated...
Book
I don't like reading /
"Meet Harry, Harry likes to play football, climb trees, and hang out with friends, but Harry doesn't like reading. That is, until his teacher explains that Harry has dyslexia, which makes things...
Book
My friend Sam :
Points out that autism is not easy for anyone to understand so how do you explain it to very young children? Uses simple wording and delightful colour pictures to describe some of the difficulties...
Book
This is me /
Meet George and his friends! This is me. I am George. My eyes are sparkly, just like my mum. Like my dad, I'm determined and brave, and like my sister, I'm full of FUN! This is Me celebrates our...
Book
Of course you can! =
Jeremy, a young boy who uses a wheelchair, is nervous about starting at his new school, but the other children encourage him to take part in their activities.
Book
The bully blockers :
"Tells the story of a boy who witnesses a classmate with autism being bullied and how he decides to get involved. Shows that one child can make a difference when he has the courage to stand up for...
Book
The Asperger teen's toolkit /
Dealing with the everyday realities facing teens with Asperger Syndrome, this book presents a toolkit of tried-and-trusted ideas to help them work through difficulties and find the solutions that...
Book
The Asperger children's toolkit
"Growing up with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can throw up all sorts of challenges, but never fear, The Brain Guru, The Sensory Detective and The Social Scientist are here to help! These likeable...
Book
Teasing isn't funny :
"Sensitive, narrative text from illustrated animal characters shows readers what emotional bullying is and provides possible solutions to stop it"--
Book
Stop bullying by taking charge of safety :
"In this book, you will find lessons with explanations, stories, skill practice coaching guides, and Kidpower Safety Signals about: noticing when bullying is happening, what you can do to prevent ...
Book
Perfect targets :
“Perfect Targets provides helpful guidelines for administrators, teachers and parents. The tools are specifically designed/adapted for the challenges faced by students with AS. One of my favourites...
Book
Ouch! moments :
"Explains 'ouch moments' in kid-friendly terms, offers practical strategies for what kids can do to help, and empowers kids to stand up to mean and hurtful language." - BOOK JACKET
Book
On the internet :
On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety introduces children to the basics of online safety in a story-based, conversational style. Using real-world examples set within the context of a...
Book
No more victims :
"The digital world offers a wonderful way to communicate and socialize with others. Yet, it is also rife with the dangers of being victimized emotionally, physically and financially. Trusting...
Book
No more meltdowns :
"Offers parents and teachers strategies for preventing and managing meltdowns with an easy to follow, four step model that will improve everyday relationships with the children in your life." -...
Book
Managing meltdowns :
"Using the easy-to-remember acronym S.C.A.R.E.D. [Safe, Calm, Affirmation, Routine, Empathy, Develop a Plan], coined by the clinical psychologist Will Richard, this guide offers strategies and...
Book
Kidpower safety comics :
"In this book you will find: Directions for adults on how to introduce "People Safety" to chilren ages 3 - 10. - Engaging social stories that teach children how to make safer choices and get help...
Book
Kidpower safety comics :
Even if your kids are not big yet, they have big powers. Mouth Closed Power. Stop Power. Walk Away Power. From 'The Trash Can For Hurting Words' to 'The Keep Telling Until You Get Help Story', this...
Book
High-functioning autism and difficult moments :
This groundbreaking technical approach to behavior delves deep into the root causes of contrary behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).--Publisher.
Book
From anxiety to meltdown :
"Anxiety is the root cause of many of the difficulties experienced by people on the autism spectrum, and is often caused by things such as a change in routine, or sensory overload. Deborah Lipsky...
Book
Freedom from meltdowns :
"Daily meltdowns and tantrums are one of the biggest challenges of life with autism and related disorders. Now there's a book with the expert advice professionals and parents need to understand...
Book
Emily is being bullied, what can she do? :
Meet Emily. She is being bullied by a group of children at school. She describes how this makes her feel, think and act. Eventually, she finds ways to help herself and also realises that she can...
Book
Easing the teasing :
Teaches children and parents how to effectively deal with teasing and develop life-long coping skills. Provides strategies that give children the confidence and self-esteem they need to put an end...
Book
Cyberbullying :
"Children and teenagers text, network and twitter online as second nature, but when emails or texts are used to threaten, harass, intimidate or embarrass someone, they can turn from being a source...
Book
Cool down and work through anger
"It's never too early for children to learn to recognize feelings of anger, express them, and build skills for coping in helpful, appropriate ways. In this reassuring and supportive book, children...
Book
Bullying and ASD :
"Focuses on the tools needed to help children with autism combat bullying. Sadly, bullying has reached epidemic proportions in our schools, causing students both physical and psychological harm....
Book
Bobby and Mandee's too smart for bullies /
Bullies, Beware! This little book is going to have a big impact! In this moral-driven story, Mandee tells big brother Bobby how a bully took all her money. Bobby stresses that she needs adult help,...
Book
Be bully free :
"Seeking to empower children who are bullied, this book presents a wide range of common bullying scenarios, before giving practical suggestions on how the recipient can take control in these...
Book
Autistic logistics :
"This updated edition is based on Kate Wilde's decades of experience and the latest autism research. Tackling day-to-day issues and more, the book offers tried-and-tested techniques to help you...
Book
Autism, bullying and me :
"It's not always easy to stand out from the crowd, especially if you're a teenager. There's a lot of information out there on how to deal with bullying, but a lot of it is contradictory or seems...
Book
Autism :
"This book will show you the most common hygiene problems that autistic children face. And provide practical solutions that you as a parent can implement to teach personal hygiene to your autistic...
Book
Autism :
"As anyone living in a family affected by autism will testify, children with autism can have a lot to contend with. While not naturally angrier than anyone else, the difficulties and uncertainties...
Book
Asperger syndrome and bullying :
Combines personal life experiences of the author and others. Describes the negative effect bullying has on its victims. Outlines the reasons for bullying and the danger of persistent recurrence if...
Book
Aroha's way :
"Come along on a journey with Aroha as she wards off nervousness, fear, worrying thoughts and apprehension, with simple, yet effective tools that everyone can use" - Back cover.
Book
Anger management games for children
"This practical handbook helps adults to understand, manage and reflect constructively on children's anger. Featuring a wealth of familiar and easy-to-learn games, it is designed to foster...
Book
Anger management :
"This resource aims to support pupils who have difficulties managing strong feelings and managing their behaviour. It develops self-belief about the ability to change and equips pupils with the...
Book
1-2-3 a calmer me :
A young girl learns a technique for dealing with anger--and it works.
Ebooks
Ebook
Working with Māori Children with Special...
Who are Māori children with special education needs? Why would working with them be any different to working with other children with special education needs? Why is this a highly important job--he...
Ebook
The Asperger Teen's Toolkit
With minimal text and fun, comic book style graphics, this is a treasure trove of information for young people with Asperger Syndrome and their carers. Exploring the science of how the human mind...
Ebook
The Asperger children's toolkit
"Growing up with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can throw up all sorts of challenges, but never fear, The Brain Guru, The Sensory Detective and The Social Scientist are here to help! These likeable...
Ebook
Managing meltdowns
"Using the easy-to-remember acronym S.C.A.R.E.D. [Safe, Calm, Affirmation, Routine, Empathy, Develop a Plan], coined by the clinical psychologist Will Richard, this guide offers strategies and...
Ebook
From anxiety to meltdown
"Anxiety is the root cause of many of the difficulties experienced by people on the autism spectrum, and is often caused by things such as a change in routine, or sensory overload. Deborah Lipsky...
Ebook
Be bully free :
"Seeking to empower children who are bullied, this book presents a wide range of common bullying scenarios, before giving practical suggestions on how the recipient can take control in these...
Ebook
Autistic logistics :
"This updated edition is based on Kate Wilde's decades of experience and the latest autism research. Tackling day-to-day issues and more, the book offers tried-and-tested techniques to help you...
Ebook
Autism, Bullying and Me :
"It's not always easy to stand out from the crowd, especially if you're a teenager. There's a lot of information out there on how to deal with bullying, but a lot of it is contradictory or seems...
Ebook
Asperger syndrome and bullying
Combines personal life experiences of the author and others. Describes the negative effect bullying has on its victims. Outlines the reasons for bullying and the danger of persistent recurrence if...
Ebook
An aspie's guide to bullying /
"Bullying is a key daily stressor for people with Asperger's Syndrome and this ebook is packed with advice from Aspie mentors who have all been there, done that, and offer suggestions for coping...
Magazine Articles
Magazine Article
Unlocking the superpowers of neurodiverse learners
Talks to members of a group of students who are part of the Young Neurodiversity Champions; an initiative of the Neurodiversity in Education Coalition. The students discuss their classroom...
Magazine Article
Teacher aides an integral part of learning teams
Reports on research from the Education Review Office commissioned by the Ministry of Education and NZEI Te Riu Roa that shows teamwork between educators and teacher aides (TAs) empowers them to...
Magazine Article
School friendships
Looks at how the community at Pillans Point School have embraced Toby Wilson. Notes how Toby was introduced to his school mates and how the staff have modelled how to communicate, interact and...
Magazine Article
Success in School :
Describes the two-day Success in School Course run by the Auckland Down Syndrome Association. Looks at the themes of the course - inclusion, learning profiles, behaviour and friendship, adapting...
Magazine Article
The long and bumpy road to inclusive education
"It has been 30 years since children with disabilities were given the right to attend their local schools, but they are still waiting to be included on the same basis as their non-disabled peers in...
Magazine Article
The journey to a more inclusive education system
Explains what an inclusive education system looks like and the steps needed to get there. Talks to a range of people about their vision to make our education system more inclusive and accessible...
Magazine Article
Bullying :
Paddy-Joe Moran is a 20 year old author, blogger and co-founder of online advice service ASKPERGERS? He shares some advice on bullying; why it might happen, how to spot it and what to do if you...
Online Resources
Online Resource
Youth Law
"YouthLaw Aotearoa is a free community law centre for children and young people nationwide. We provide free legal services to anyone aged under 25 who are unable to access legal help elsewhere, or...
Online Resource
All is for All
Pieces on the lived experiences of models working for the talent agency.
Online Resource
Education Review Office
"Receiving a quality education, from early childhood education (ECE) through to secondary school, positively affects how well all children and young people do at school and in life – from academic...
Online Resource
NZ Curriculum Online, Inclusive Education
Practical guidance for teachers and leaders to help recognise, plan for, and meet the needs of diverse learners.
Online Resource
Ministry of Education, Inclusive Education
Find out about inclusive education in New Zealand schools, including your school's legal obligations. Our resources can help your school or early learning service support students with diverse needs.
Online Resource
Inclusive Education Action Group
"The Inclusive Education Action Group (IEAG) advocates for change in the education system. We promote knowledge, attitudes, policies and practices that facilitate inclusive education so all...
Online Resource
Te Kete Ipurangi, Inclusive Education TKI
Te Kete Ipurangi – the online knowledge basket – is New Zealand’s bilingual education portal. An initiative of the Ministry of Education, it provides New Zealand schools and students with a wealth...
Online Resource
Individual Plans (IPs) and Individual Education...
Provides information aimed parents on Individual Education Plans within the context of the New Zealand education system. Covers common questions - What's an Individual Plan (IP) or Individual...
Online Resource
IEPOnline
"Individual Education Plans Online – is for anyone involved in developing or implementing individual education plans (IEPs) to support students with special education needs. This new resource is...
Online Resource
He Whakaaro :
This report presents a summary of current knowledge regarding discrimination of students in New Zealand schools. It combines previously published research with new analysis undertaken using data...
Online Resource
He Whakaaro :
New Zealand is committed to providing an inclusive education system, ensuring that disabled students are supported to achieve their potential, and can participate fully in society. To what extent...
Online Resource
He Whakaaro :
This paper summarises what we know about bullying in the education system. Bullying has widespread implications not only for the students exposed to it (those who are bullied, those doing the...
Online Resource
Bullying-Free NZ :
Bullying-Free NZ is an initiative from the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group (BPAG). BPAG is made up of 17 agencies, who collaborate and are committed to reducing bullying in New Zealand schools....
Online Resource
7 steps for whānau
"Netsafe is New Zealand's independent, non-profit online safety charity. Taking a technology-positive approach to the challenges digital technology presents, we work to help people in New Zealand...
Online Resource
"How bad should it be before I tell someone?" -...
This research explores how people with intellectual disability use the internet and how they experience and deal with online abuse. It also identifies gaps in the support and resources that are...
Research Articles
Research Article
Social vulnerability and bullying in children...
Notes that children with Asperger syndrome have IQs within the normal range but specific impairments in theory of mind, social interaction and communication skills. Aims to evaluate factors that...
Research Article
Risk factors for bullying among children with...
Extends the previous literature on bullying by identifying child-level and school-level risk factors associated with bullying in one of the largest samples of children diagnosed with an ASD across...
Videos
Video
Being You – Roadtrip Nation
"1 in 5 individuals in the U.S. struggles with math, writing, focus, and organization—but many people with learning and attention issues feel alone. They don’t have to. Follow three young people...
Video
Bullying : Hot picks from the Library 11
Phil talks about resources about bullying - including addressing isues online. He shows a number of books and refers to some great online information.
The Awhi Ngā Mātua team would like to thank Takai, the IHC Foundation and the Dines Family Charitable Trust for their generous contributions to our work. A huge thank you also to the IHC Programmes team, in particular the IHC Library which has worked so hard to make their remarkable collection available to us.
