ASK is a Charitable Trust run for and by New Zealand adults on the Autism Spectrum (AS) 

  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 (eg  hypo and hyper sensitivities to sound touch or light)·    
  • executive function which includes
  1. ·    control of impulses and emotions
  2. ·    attention issues
  3. ·    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
Adults who are, or think they may be, on the autism spectrum, are welcome to contact us about joining or for more information.  info@asknz.net
 

ASK Trust currently offers:

  • support to members
  • monthly meetings for independent-living AS adults, in Christchurch.
  •  a quarterly  newsletter
  • a library service specialising in literature by AS individuals
  • ‘insider’ perspectives
we are currently working on:
  • a welcome booklet for adults newly diagnosed with AS
  • collaborating with Autism New Zealand to help make the Sept 2010 conference AS friendly