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Appendix C

Resources

Free Chapter

A curated collection of the books, websites, and organisations referenced in this voyage. This list is a starting point, not an exhaustive map.

1. Crisis & Emergency Support (Immediate Help)

If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 111 or go to the nearest emergency department.

  • Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354 (24/7 crisis support).
  • Need to Talk?: 1737 (free, 24/7 mental health and addiction support—call or text).
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7 support for young people, or text 234).
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO, 24/7).
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116 (24/7 health advice from registered nurses).
  • Family Violence Information Line: 0800 456 450 (support for family violence).
  • Oranga Tamariki: 0508 326 459 (concerns about child safety).
  • Plunket Line: 0800 933 922 (parenting support, under-5s).

2. Te Ao Māori Resources (Bicultural Wellbeing)

In Aotearoa, we draw strength from Te Ao Māori concepts that align beautifully with neuro-affirming approaches.

Neuro-Affirming Māori Concepts

  • Takiwātanga ("in his/her own time and space") — The Māori term for autism, honouring each person's unique way of being.
  • Aroreretini ("attention goes to many things") — An emerging term for ADHD that reframes "disorder" as natural variation.
  • Whānau — Extended family and chosen support network. Aligns with the book's "village" philosophy.
  • Te Whare Tapa Whā — The four walls of wellbeing: Taha tinana (physical), Taha hinengaro (mental/emotional), Taha whānau (family/social), Taha wairua (spiritual/identity).

Māori Health & Wellbeing Organisations

  • Website: Te Rau Ora - terauora.com
    • Māori health workforce development and whānau wellbeing resources.
  • Website: Werry Workforce Whāraurau - werryworkforce.org
    • Mental health and addiction workforce development, including resources on rangatahi (youth) wellbeing.
  • Website: Le Va - leva.co.nz
    • Pasifika wellbeing, including family violence prevention and suicide prevention resources.

3. Understanding Neurotypes (The Currents)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Website: ADHD NZ - adhd.org.nz
    • New Zealand's national ADHD organisation. Support groups, resources, and advocacy.
  • Medication update (2024-2025): Good news: As of December 2024, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is now funded by Pharmac—previously $300+/month, now $5 per prescription. Currently only specialists can initiate, but from February 2026, trained GPs will be able to diagnose and prescribe.
  • Book: Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, PhD.
    • The definitive science-based guide on executive function and management.
  • Book: ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD.
    • Focuses on the strengths and "Ferrari engine" metaphor of the ADHD brain.

Autism / ASD

  • Website: Autism NZ - autismnz.org.nz
    • National autism organisation providing information, support, and advocacy.
  • Website: Altogether Autism - altogetherautism.org.nz
    • Autism information and advice service. Free helpline and resources for whānau.
  • Website: Yellow Ladybugs - yellowladybugs.com.au
    • Australian-based but serving NZ. Dedicated to autistic girls and women.
  • Book: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.
    • A paradigm-shifting book that reframes "autistic behaviours" as human coping mechanisms.
  • Book: NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman.
    • A comprehensive history of autism and the neurodiversity movement.
  • Book: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida.
    • A profound window into the mind of a non-speaking autistic boy.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)

  • Website: PDA Society (UK) - pdasociety.org.uk
    • The world's leading resource on PDA. Offers free downloads, training, and case studies.
  • Book: The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker.
    • An illustrated guide that captures the humour and exhaustion of PDA parenting perfectly.
  • Book: Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie.
    • Essential for navigating school accommodations for PDAers.

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) & Behaviour

  • Website: Lives in the Balance - livesinthebalance.org
    • Dr. Ross Greene's organisation. Free resources on the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
  • Book: The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, PhD.
    • Must-read for ODD. Moves from "compliance" to "collaboration."
  • Book: Beyond Behaviours by Mona Delahooke, PhD.
    • Uses neuroscience to explain "bad behaviour" as stress responses.

4. Navigation Tools (Parenting Strategy)

Disability Support Services

Note: The NZ disability support system is in transition. In late 2024, services moved from Whaikaha (Ministry of Disabled People) back to MSD. Pathways may change—check current websites for up-to-date information.

  • Website: Whaikaha / MSD Disability Services - whaikaha.govt.nz (transitioning to msd.govt.nz)
    • Central access point for disability support, funding, and equipment.
  • Website: Enable NZ - enable.co.nz
    • Equipment and modification services funded by government.
  • Website: CCS Disability Action - ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
    • Advocacy, information, and support for disabled people and their whānau.
  • Website: IHC - ihc.org.nz
    • Advocacy and services for people with intellectual disabilities.
  • Website: Parent to Parent NZ - parent2parent.org.nz
    • Peer support connecting parents of children with disabilities. Invaluable "village" resource.

Sensory Processing

  • Book: The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz.
    • The classic introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
  • Website: STAR Institute - sensoryhealth.org
    • Research and education on sensory health.

Education & School Support

Unlike Australia's NDIS, NZ uses needs-based support that is not tied to diagnosis.

Legal & Family Court

  • Website: Family Court - justice.govt.nz/family
    • Information on parenting orders, care arrangements, and family dispute resolution.
  • Website: Community Law - communitylaw.org.nz
    • Free legal advice centres across Aotearoa. Family law, tenancy, and more.
  • Website: Oranga Tamariki - orangatamariki.govt.nz
    • Child welfare services and family support.
  • Website: Family Dispute Resolution - justice.govt.nz/family/dispute-resolution
    • Required before applying to Family Court for parenting orders.
  • Book: The Co-Parenting Handbook by Karen Bonnell.
    • A practical guide for separated parents navigating shared parenting arrangements.
  • Book: Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex by Amy J. L. Baker and Paul R. Fine.
    • Strategies for high-conflict situations and parallel parenting.
  • App: OurFamilyWizard - ourfamilywizard.com
    • The court-standard app for documenting communication and expenses.

5. Podcasts & Audio (Listen While You Sail)

  • Podcast: The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast (hosted by Monique Mitchelson & Dr. Michelle Livock).
    • Australian clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist discussing neurodivergence in girls and women. Essential listening.
  • Podcast: Too Peas in a Podcast (hosted by Mandy Hose & Kate Jones).
    • Two Australian mums chatting about raising children with disabilities. Funny, raw, and validating.

6. Captain's Wellness (Parent Support)

  • Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA.
    • Essential reading for understanding the physiology of stress.
  • Book: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, PhD.
    • Antidote to the shame and "inner critic" of special needs parenting.
  • App: Insight Timer
    • Free meditation app with specific tracks for anxiety and sleep.

Disclaimer: The resources listed here are for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of every viewpoint expressed. System changes are ongoing in Aotearoa—always verify current pathways with relevant government websites. Consult with your own medical, legal, and educational teams for specific advice.

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