How did I get the diagnosis? The appointment and date assessed were September 12, 2022. That day was a really wet day and silly me before entering the room to do the assessment forgot my wet weather gear to keep dry. This was also a bit stressful time period too due to personal reasons don’t wish to disclose this as I write this to you all and to hopefully let you know more about me behind each of my diagnoses as after all, I am still human like you all. Recommendations      Nick Stoneman Nick was the first one to suggest or recommend to me to get myself re-assessed to see if anything has changed based on the diagnosis that I received when I was 16 years old as a final diagnosis at the time of Aspergers Syndrome which is now not in the DSM-5 manual which you can find out more by clicking here. My autistic Advocate – Works as a  Disability Navigator, CEO, and founder of the NZ Disability Trust that is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. This isn’t a government-funded organization as it relies heavily on community donations and members of the public.   Who is the NZ Disability Advisory Trust?   The NZ Disability Advisory Trust was formed in early 2019 as it was clear that an alternative service was needed in terms of effective advocacy for those living on a mainstream benefit issued by the Ministry of Social Development. It soon became clear that support and advocacy were needed in several other areas and we now support and advocate for those with Mental Health and Neurological Disorders and those needing their voices heard in the wider community. Aim Their aim is just one and that is to assist you as the client to achieve the outcome you seek. Their Commitment They are committed to helping the community, that’s why we have dedicated teams in Christchurch and on the West Coast. Working with you for you. Their Christchurch team will assist you anywhere you may be in the South Island while our West Coast team is ready to assist you anywhere on the West Coast of the South Island.” Services we provide but are not necessarily limited to include: Housing Work & Income Appointments Government Appointed Roles ACC Work Ministry of Education Work Access Matters Navigation & Support with: Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income) Ministry of Education Oranga Tamariki (Child, Youth & Family Services) Employment Dispute Navigation Accident Compensation (ACC) Access Matters Aotearoa Private Primary Health Assessments Ongoing Support and Information Community Presentations Key Offerings We will assist you in moving through beau acratic processes where you may feel uncomfortable or threatened by the process. Support Services they provide: Disability Support Services Equipment, rental, and modifications Advocacy   Contact NZ Disability Advisory Trust Phone: 022 186 4838 or Phone: 027 766 5440 or toll-free in NZ is 0508 347 224 Location:  Email:  Visit  on the Web: (Just a note inside here is that at the moment that they’re upgrading the site if you were to find them) Visit on Facebook: Helen Kakas – Connector of Manawhaikaha One of the many connectors for this organisation for the different regions of New Zealand and that she’s in the Manawatu Region to assist others in need.  What or who is Manawhaikaha? Mana Whaikaha is a disability support system offering disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, families, whānau, and aiga more choice and control over their supports to best suit and tailor for their accommodation needs.   What do they offer? Kaitūhono/Connectors Disability Funding Capability Building Fund Find out more by clicking here:  Visit Facebook page Outside of office hours contact If you need to contact Mana Whaikaha outside of office hours, please call 027 236 6145 to speak to the On-Call Connector. Additional information: Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People Shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s future in partnership with all of the disabled community and Māori.     Visit Enabling Good Lives A new approach to supporting disabled people Through Enabling Good Lives, disabled people and their whanau can choose to increase the choice and control they have in their lives and support.   SPELADD PALMERSTON NORTH   The aim for me was to see if there were any changes during and after my assessment: Accessor name – Did say her name at the time of meeting her and getting the assessment done but for this purpose alone as I write this I want to make sure her privacy is safe and respected. Name of the assessment – Specific Learning Disorder Assessment – This is to test young children of any learning disorder such as dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum, etc. Duration of the assessment – 2-3hrs maximum WHO ARE THEY? SPELADD is a not-for-profit organization and registered Charity, established in 1999. We provide support and services for people with learning differences such as dyslexia, other specific learning difficulties (SLD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  We also provide help for parents/families, educators, employers, and the wider community of people with SLDs. Services they provide – Tutors Programs and tools that are specifically designed for parents and children to help with their accommodation needs LOCATION Their office is in the Grand Building opposite All Saints’ Church, Church Street, Palmerston North   AIMS To enable those with specific learning difficulties (SLD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to reach their full potential. We operate in the lower central North Island from our base in Palmerston North. Their  Vision:  That every individual with SLD or ADHD has their learning needs recognised and met; and for educators and other agencies to share knowledge in a collaborative way for the good of all. Their Mission:  To enable and facilitate the recognition, remediation, and referral of those who learn differently to encourage their success and enjoyment of life-long learning.  Achieve this Through: In-depth assessment of needs and strengths by specially trained assessors. Targeted programs of tutoring for students who need individual help. In-depth training for tutors and other educators.