Our aim was to evaluate the needs of Autism NZ’s newest service within the Autism Resource Centre – the Autism Diagnostic Service. A mixed method survey and interview research project was implemented to identify the needs of tāngata whaitakiwātanga/autistic people and whānau at different stages of their autism diagnostic journey and navigating the services that are available post diagnosis.
Overall, 94% of participants rated their experience with the Autism NZ Diagnostic Service as positive/very positive. This research supports our understanding of diagnosis as a critical point that can have long term impacts on an individual’s life as well as for their family and whānau. Diagnosis can help an individual to understand and explain themselves or their child, and it is seen as an important step towards accessing necessary supports.
Recommendations include (1) increased professional development for professionals and other organisations involved in autism diagnosis and support focused on practical approaches to implement strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive diagnostic and support pathways and (2) Government advocacy to increase understanding and the need for diagnosis and post-diagnostic support throughout Aotearoa.