Services we offer...

Am I / could I be an Aspie?  (Short hand for "individual with Asperger Syndrome):
General information and advice pre- and post-diagnosis for yourself, your partner, family, friends etc.

Please make an appointment to see us (ph. 337 6337) at either 11.00am or 2.00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursday. The initial interview will typically be 60-90 minutes long as we get to know you, your background, particular issues in your life and find out what you want us to help you with.  By the end of that time, we will have formulated a plan for moving forward in your life and checked it out with you. 

​Very often, this plan will involve us in quite a lot of work "behind the scenes" to set up the needful arrangements such as appointments with other professionals including WINZ, educational contacts etc. We will accompany you to all such appointments as it makes a big difference to the outcomes.

​Further counselling may be indicated, library books loaned etc., and clients might like to attend our social groups twice a month.

Advice regarding employment:
Preparing for interviews
Personal grooming and appropriate behavior
Constructing a CV
How to create a good first (and lasting) impression
Which questions are OK and which are not -- and how to cope
Settling into the job, use of mentor services, special needs to cover sensory issues
Disclosure of your diagnosis or not?
Learning the job and keeping focussed
Social relations on the job and keeping a balance in your life

Managing meltdowns
Check-ins with your mentor and your employer. Adults on the spectrum often require a mentor who will keep in touch with their workplace in order to preserve their ability to do the job and "stickability". Employers and colleagues also need to have reviews of their knowledge of ASD and the reason for some of the requirements their new colleague has in order to be able to function productively. It is often best for us to contact your prospective employer before you start work. We are in favour of full disclosure of your diagnosis as then proper accommodations can be arranged to support you in your work.

Living as an Aspie:  Life skills, social interactions, accessing benefits etc.
We will support you at interviews and meetings if you require it.

Counselling: If a counsellor or therapist is not themselves a diagnosed Aspie, the counselling is never going to work "properly". People with Lived Experience and a good store of knowledge about how Aspergers and Autism manifests in people are the most appropriate people to help. Often, "it's not rocket science" but people not on the spectrum sometimes over-intellectualise and over-think because they really don't understand how to tackle the subject. We use a lot of pragmatism coupled with
our informed knowledge (we read a lot of books but we also have met a lot of Aspies by now!) We are convinced that we are the best resource available for teens and adults in the South Island after hearing the sad experiences of so many clients with other "experts".

Working with your Career Guidance or Disability Resource person in order to plan for "best fit" education and job aspirations. A diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome must be taken into account when deciding on  educational, career and life planning  for maximum success.

We are happy to address interested groups on our favorite subject- please email us with an indication of how much time you would like us to speak for, plus date(s), venue and time of day you would prefer. (Use our Contact form)

All our work carries a guarantee of absolute confidentiality unless you authorise otherwise.   

Here is the door...

Screening for Irlen (Scotopic Sensitivity) Syndrome
People who have difficulty with reading and bright light in many situations may be suffering from Scotopic Sensitivity, which means that very bright light interferes with the way the brain interprets what the eyes are perceiving. Typically, sufferers will find print is very unstable on the page and that, sometimes, the text divides itself into meaningless shapes.

 Irlen lenses properly prescribed will correct the problem fantastically! For a useful demonstration of how Scotopic Sensitivity may affect vision, please visit www.irlen.com.

 Leith can demonstrate how specially tinted lenses help with SSS, and  (if indicated) will then  recommend an  appropriate Optometrist for further examination and the selection of the most appropriate tint/s for the spectacle lenses.


Please ring 03 337 6 337 for an appointment.

When we apply to philanthropic organisations for funding, we must show that we are raising some money by membership subscriptions and donations .

Public speaking will be charged for at the rate of $125.00 per hour.                                                    

Cheques can be made out to the Aspire Trust or money can be direct credited to our Bank account (don't forget to add your details!)  031599 0445958 00 (Westpac)

                                               



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