ASK is a Charitable Trust run for and by New Zealand adults on the Autism Spectrum
The name ASK, besides standing for Autism Spectrum Kiwis, reflects the growing recognition, internationally, of the importance and value of ASKing us: consulting AS individuals at all levels.
The Autism Spectrum (AS) embraces a range of conditions, of which the best known are Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD)There are many different views on both what causes these conditions and what the most typical features are. Most agree it is a neurological difference affecting·
- social interaction·
- communication·
- style and flexibility of thinking·
- sensory experience (e.g. hypo and hyper sensitivities to sound touch or light)·
- executive function which includes
- · control of impulses and emotions
- · attention issues
- · organizational styles (range from highly structured to chaotic)
ASK Trust endeavours to foster:
- ways of helping AS adults live to our fullest potential: for instance by using our strengths to circumvent areas of difficulty, rather than trying to change who we are.
- better understanding of AS
- acceptance of our unique AS differences
This article recounts the history of ASK, from its grassroots beginnings.
| howaskbegan.pdf |
ASK Trust currently offers:
- support to members
- regular meetings in Christchurch and Tauranga for independent-living AS adult members
- newsletters
- a library service specialising in literature by AS individuals
- ‘insider’ perspectives
- offering training and talks from our 'insider' perspectives (enquiries to training@asknz.net)
- marketing our booklet for newly diagnosed AS adults "Beyond diagnosis: Welcome to the autism spectrum!" (to read more about this, or to order, go to our Online Store)
