Autism NZ Gets Boost For 0800 Number
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8 July 2008
AUTISM NZ GETS BOOST FOR 0800 NUMBER
(L-R) Sovereign Sunshine ambassador, Kiwi actress Greer Robson, with 4 year old Alicia Byrne from Birkenhead who has
autism.
Autism NZ has received a much needed funding boost for its 0800 information line which has experienced rapid growth in
call numbers in recent years.
Autism NZ National Fundraising Manager, Bobbi Oliver, said the charity had received a donation from the Sovereign
Sunshine programme which would be used to bolster its 0800 line.
“The number which was established in 2004 to provide information to parents of children with autism has been in huge
demand, with the number of calls rising by approximately 300% since 2005,” she said.
“We believe that the rise in calls is due in part to greater public awareness of the disorder, as well as early
diagnosis of children with autism by health professionals.
“Parents who have been told that their child has autism often go through a grieving process. We’re usually the first
port of call for caregivers who are searching for information and advice.”
The 0800 number which operates during business hours provides parents with help and support, as well as suggestions for
managing the situation.
Wellington mother, Bernadette George who has a three year old son with autism said she found the 0800 line to be a ‘life
line’ when she first found out her child had the disorder.
“I was completely at a loss and didn’t know who to turn to,”Bernadette said.
“I wanted information and advice and Autism NZ has been and continues to be helpful. They sent me a parent pack full of
useful information and websites and I have since attended their training courses. It’s helpful to know that there are
others in similar situations and that we’re not alone. More importantly, when you are in an emotional state, the 0800
AUTISM number is very easy to remember.”
Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are relatively unknown disorders, however, based on recent overseas data it is thought
that 1 in 100 people (approximately 40,000 New Zealanders) are affected by it.
Aside from the 0800 line, Autism New Zealand will use the over $13K donation from Sovereign Sunshine to produce parent
information packs and provide training to volunteers.
The Sovereign Sunshine scheme which is backed by Kiwi actress and mother of two, Greer Robson, helps under-resourced
children’s charities by providing them with funding.
Each month the initiative focuses on a different charity group, with members of the public deciding via online voting
which charity gets the funding.
To find out more about the programme or to vote for a charity go to www.sovereignsunshine.co.nz.
ENDS
About Autism
• Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are lifelong developmental disorders that affect the brain and makes communicating and
interacting with other people difficult. It occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups and is four times more likely
to strike boys than girls.
• Because autism affects people differently – it is known as a ‘spectrum disorder’. Two people with the same spectrum
disorder may not act alike or have the same skills. People with autism often have delayed language development, prefer
to spend time alone, and don’t know how to make and keep friendships. Another characteristic is what some people
describe as ‘sensory overload’ – sounds are louder, lights are brighter and smells are stronger.
• Those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder look the same as other people and because of the invisible nature of their
disorder, it can be much harder to create awareness and understanding.
• While there is no cure for autism there are ways of helping, especially if a child is diagnosed early and receives
appropriate intervention early in life. Specialist education and structured support can make a difference, helping to
maximise skills and achieve their full potential in life.