[Greg SA]

Hi

We are currently looking into immigrating to NZ. I have a very good job offer in Auckland.
I have a son (Aged 6) with Asperger. We are just waiting for our passports and police clearance before we do the medicals. He is currently functioning normally in school, but requires his Ritalin every day. He is in good health otherwise, and if we didn't tell you he had Asperger nobody would notice.

Has anybody been through the process and what was the out come.

Regards
Greg

[lockstock]

Hi Greg - where are you from by the way? I'm particularly interested in your question because I work with children and families with Asperger Syndrome here in the UK and I'm looking into provision in NZ both in schools and family support. You are really lucky to have such an early diagnosis (I've got kids coming though diagnosed in their late teens) I'm a bit surprised at the ritalin though. I work mostly with social skills training and applied behaviour analysis. There are a few website about AS and autism in New Zealand - it's worth checking them out. I think awareness is in its early stages but moving very rapidly forward (not surprising with Tony Attwood, world authority, living just next door in Oz).

I get the impression the NZ ed system is trying to gear itself up to children with less obvious difficulties. I can't see why it should affect your application. Asperger Syndrome people just see the world in a slightly different way and all we need to learn is take a step towards their world rather than expecting them to fit into ours. Let us know how you get on.

[Greg SA]

Hi Greg - where are you from by the way? I'm particularly interested in your question because I work with children and families with Asperger Syndrome here in the UK and I'm looking into provision in NZ both in schools and family support. You are really lucky to have such an early diagnosis (I've got kids coming though diagnosed in their late teens) I'm a bit surprised at the ritalin though. I work mostly with social skills training and applied behaviour analysis. There are a few website about AS and autism in New Zealand - it's worth checking them out. I think awareness is in its early stages but moving very rapidly forward (not surprising with Tony Attwood, world authority, living just next door in Oz).

I get the impression the NZ ed system is trying to gear itself up to children with less obvious difficulties. I can't see why it should affect your application. Asperger Syndrome people just see the world in a slightly different way and all we need to learn is take a step towards their world rather than expecting them to fit into ours. Let us know how you get on.

Hi - I'm from SA. orginally the diagnoses was autism. We did alot of Early Intervention (ABA & RDI) with him. He is now a fully social functioning child. He attends school, has friends and really copes well in the accademic work. The school has stated that here is problem with him at all. But they haven't been down the long road which my wife and I have been.
The ritalin I refer to, is actual risperdal which is not known by most people. EVERYBODY knows ritalin. This was to just indicate the dependency on a medication and if it will affect our application in any way?

[lockstock]

You will probably find that any dependency on medication will reduce as he gets older and more able to understand our world more. Whereabouts in SA because I have a colleague who returned to SA who's an Asp/HFA specialist and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to you. I suspect the meds are for AHDH behaviours which can lessen as his comprehension and coping skills develop - and of course people who work with him understand him better. Good luck with the process. PM me if you'd like to talk more.

[speckythecky]

My eldest's teacher has suggested that he may have aspergers. It hasn't come as a shock to us but, because of the time taken to get statements etc in UK we are not going to pursue it at this time.
He copes well on a day to day basis provided there is a routine, but struggles with change. We are a bit worried about the major change he is about to go through, although he says that he isn't and is more concerned for his friend that he is leaving behind.

[jdbob]

You might find something useful at http://www.asdin.org.nz/

[Sam B]

Your son's diagnosis may affect your ability to get PR. I have heard of instances where children with special educational needs have affected their parents' ability to get PR. Does anyone else know more about this? Once you are here, I think you will find the support in schools is generally good. (I say this as a speech and language therapist working for the Minestry of Education).

[JoanneG]

" Asperger Syndrome people just see the world in a slightly different way and all we need to learn is take a step towards their world rather than expecting them to fit into ours."

Oh well said Lockstock!!
Wouldn't it be wonderful is this sort of tolerance was taught in school!

[John Z]

For what it may be worth to you:

Autism will not "cure", but there are cases where the diagnosis Asperger Syndrome disappeared (they grew out of it). Not to give you "false hope", but to show Asperger is just something different. Long live diversity.

John Z

[incredible hulse]

Your son's diagnosis may affect your ability to get PR. I have heard of instances where children with special educational needs have affected their parents' ability to get PR. Does anyone else know more about this? Once you are here, I think you will find the support in schools is generally good. (I say this as a speech and language therapist working for the Minestry of Education). My son has special educational needs (and some medical ones to) and it didn't seem to affect us getting PR. I had a job offer which was paying quite well and on speaking to the immigration people they stated that each case is taken on it's own merits and quite often comes down to a calculation on how much you put in versus how much you take out ! We arrived just prior to the medical criteria changing however and I think a lot of this change was to "tighten up" on special needs cases. Regarding support we are finding it OK; there appears to be a severe shortage within the medical field for physios, OTs and paediatric staff and often long waitlists due to this. Special ed services in schools are similar to the UK but again there is a real shortage of SL therapists and from our experience the budget for SEN assistance is very short (more so than the UK - from a "user" level)

[auskiwi]

I teach in an Auckland school and have a diagnosed Aspergers child in my class (he is a joy to teach!). As far as support goes, he gets teacher aid support for one hour, two days a week - other than that he is fully functioning in the mainstream classroom. Our school is highly multicultural (this little boy is indian) and many of our special needs students have immigrated to NZ from other places, so it would appear that immigration processes are not strictly restrictive. Hope this helps!

Amy.

[lockstock]

Asperger Kids (and grown-ups) need a little more help in understanding our world. They are fantastic. AS is for life but its effects/noticeability are lessened by teaching them how to deal the world the way other non-aspie people do. In fact, there are more people out there with AS than we think and they are leading successful lives with jobs, businesses and families.
Joanne G...my job is teaching tolerance about AS in schools as well as helping AS kids cope with mainstream schooling. I can't see any reason whatsoever why it should have any effect on visa appplications.

[NoelMC]

Our youngest has Aspergers, we are off to school this week to sit around the table with all the assorted experts to discuss his progress.
If I'm honest I would thank the school and the Senco for their help and ask the others what they actually do for a living.
I think it is to stall, pontificate, etc so he will then be old enough to leave school before they can actually do anything to help him.
But maybe I'm just an old cynic.....................

[speckythecky]

I agree that the process can be painfully slow, but we had a good ed psych, although to be honest she hasn't really done much, other than give advice to us and the school.

[pinkpiggy]

Just thought I'd give you an update on Joe and his Aspergers and school.

He has now been in a NZ school for 6 weeks and is coping really well. We had a meeting this week with his teacher who said he has settled in well, joins in with everything, even when he finds it difficult and is an absolute joy to teach. She has picked up on some traits and this was the reason for the meeting to make sure she was dealing with them correctly and also to know what other things to look out for. We will have another meeting next term to discuss his progress. It was all very encouraging.

He has also been referred to a Paediatrician here but is waiting for an appointment. This will take between 3-6 months although we have friends who were wating for an appointment and they have just received one for 2 months time. So hopefully our appointment won't be too far away.

I also found this book extremely helpful - "A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome & High-Functioning Autism", written by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson and James McPartland. Just reading the first few pages it was like - woah - this is so Joe!

Hope this post helps others who may be coming over to NZ with children with Aspergers.

[Sam B]

Glad things are going well for Joe at school Paula.

[lockstock]

Absolutely delighted for you all. It sounds like you have found a great school. They are so lucky to have the privilege of having Joe as a pupil. Keep us informed of their progress please! And Joe, enjoy your new life in New Zealand:clap

[Greg SA]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the advise. We have done our medicals now and submitted our Visa applications.
The Doc did note my sons condition, and marked the significant finds block on the medical form. Now I guess we just have to wait it out.

Cheers for now

[pinkpiggy]

Good luck. Hope all goes well.

[lockstock]

Good luck and very best wishes:clap

[Greg SA]

Hi all,
Just to keep you posted, I phoned the NZ High commission and the lady handling our case is off sick and will be back on Monday. However it sounds like my sons medicals will have to be "refered". :(
Does anybody know what does this mean for us:confused:

Cheers

[Greg SA]

Hi,
They requested all OT, Speech & school reports. This was sent to Wellington, and reviewed by the education board. They have accepted my son.
We are just waiting for the medical board to accept his pills, Risperdal which he takes to get a good nights sleep.
One step closer!!
Cheers

[Greg SA]

Hi All

We have been accepted. They have issued our Visas without any waivers required. My Asperger child will be able to attend a mainstream school and get the support that he requires if he needs it.:clap

So we are off to Auckland.:exit

See ya soon
Greg

[Jo Jo]

Congratulations!

[Silverwing86]

Brilliant new Greg, congratulations !! Have some of these to celebrate: :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana

Silver

[rjloftus]

Congratulations Greg - I bet you are relieved that it has all worked out so smoothly!

Sue

[pinkpiggy]

Greg, only just back online after 2 months and found this. Congratulations. NZ is lucky to have you and your family.

[Steadybears]

Congrats Greg - what a relief - and all the best in NZ

Jayne

[lockstock]

That's brilliant news. I'm so pleased for you all. Good luck and enjoy. I would be interested to hear about how things go in school in the future if you wouldn't mind pm'ing me from time to time.

[andreamatt]

Hello everyone

To take over Greg SA's thread (apologies) my OH and I now strongly believe that our son William, 9, has aspergers. We've been in Wellington for over 2 months now and I feel so guilty that I've put so much of his obvious stress / anxieties down to moving from the UK to a new country. He's been in school for 6 weeks, is liking the maths, library, fantastic play equipment (is really growing in confidence) but has a hard time in the playground and I can see that he is v. lonely. Martha 6 is v. popular in her class - somehow this makes it all the harder.

So glad to know that there are other families out the who've been through / are going through this. Would love to 'chat' with other people about aspergers - anyone passing through Wellington please let me know.

Goold old ENZ forum - just when I think I've 'outgrown' it I find it supportive all over again.

Best wishes to all,

Andrea

[speckythecky]

Andrea,

this was one of our concerns with Jamie. He is bright and has a great memory but has difficultly settling into work and also making friends, unlike his brother, who had loads of friends in UK. Jamie says he is OK playing on his own but as parents it can be upsetting, especially as his brother gets all te party invites.

tomorrow they both start school so we will see how they cope and what the teachers have to say after a few weeks.

[pinkpiggy]

Our son Joe can be a bit of a loner in the playground. However one of the best things you can do for children with aspergers is get them involved in activities. We had a word with Joe's teacher as we found he was often alone and she had quiet words with a couple of his classmates who now ask Joe if he'd like to join in with them if they see him alone.

The problem for Joe (and other children with aspergers) is that if left alone they quite often revert to a fantasy world or day dreaming which can often lead other children to think they are 'weird'. They're unlikely to go and ask to join in with another group but if asked they will more than likely join in but because of their anxieties they struggle to make that first move.

Andrea - have replied to your PM.

[leanne edwards]

Hi Andrea

We will be moving to Wellington if we get our PR, my partner has a job offer in Wellington zoo.
I have the same worries you have been talking about, the stess of moving on him, starting a new school etc etc.

I have been in touch with aspergers cloud9 which has support groups and advice for parents.
I would like to keep in touch as if or when our PR comes through it would be nice to meet up, as my son is 10 years old and maybe they might get on! and you will have some good advice.

You can also e mail me if you like on [removed]

Take care Leanne
:roll

[pinkpiggy]

Leanne

Just want to say good luck with your application but perhaps it's not a good idea to put your email address up for the world to see. Not that I think anyone on the forum would abuse the anti-spam laws but as I say you've put it up for the world to see and there are some pretty dodgy characters out there.

It might be an idea to have the forum administrator remove it - you could put your email address in a PM to Andrea.

[leanne edwards]

Leanne

Just want to say good luck with your application but perhaps it's not a good idea to put your email address up for the world to see. Not that I think anyone on the forum would abuse the anti-spam laws but as I say you've put it up for the world to see and there are some pretty dodgy characters out there.

It might be an idea to have the forum administrator remove it - you could put your email address in a PM to Andrea.


Cheers

Really didn't think!

How do I ask them to take it off, do I just send a thread to the forum administrator?

Oh and thanks again.

Like to think that everyone is nice.

Leanne

[andreamatt]

Hi Leanne

Will PM you.

We love Wellington zoo!! and Wellington is a fantastic city with lots of lovely things to do.

Andrea Matt William and Martha

[speckythecky]

Our son Joe can be a bit of a loner in the playground. However one of the best things you can do for children with aspergers is get them involved in activities. We had a word with Joe's teacher as we found he was often alone and she had quiet words with a couple of his classmates who now ask Joe if he'd like to join in with them if they see him alone.

The problem for Joe (and other children with aspergers) is that if left alone they quite often revert to a fantasy world or day dreaming which can often lead other children to think they are 'weird'. They're unlikely to go and ask to join in with another group but if asked they will more than likely join in but because of their anxieties they struggle to make that first move.



Didn't realise this but it sums Jamie up so well, However he enjoys his time in 'Jamie Land' and it is important to get the balance right between spending time alone and gettign out of his comfort zone by being with others. I am spending time at the school tomorrow, doing an environmental clean up so hope to speak to his teacher to see how he is coping.

[andreamatt]

Yup, just like my boy too.

Since telling William's teacher and principal that we suspect he has AS and / or something else his school life has improved: a couple of buddies at lunchtime and grown-ups looking out for him. Parents' evening last night was really positive. Hope Jamie has had good first week at school.

Andrea

[speckythecky]

Enjoyed it all but very tired this morning, I had towake them both up at 8 oclock.

Jamie had one incident on Wednesday (they had a relief teacher and even though it was only his second day it upset his routine), he was sent to the head who arranged a quiet area in the library for him to settle down. He is now well known by the librarian and spends most lunch hours in there

[britzy]

I have read this with interest as we are in the process of gathering information about nz.we have a child with autism and learning needs at a special school but have discovered this could hinder our visa application due to cost, we have people interested in employing us as we are both nurses but are unsure how to commence the process ,how long our daughters medicals will take ,whether she will be declined etc .we are reluctant to part with our money as it is an expensive process if we will get declined due to our daughters condition .

[flatshoes]

if you run into too much bullying (which Aspergers kids sometimes find harder to cope with or react extra-badly to), there is always the homeschool option or the Correspondence School, if it is still going (I think there was some problem with it, being downsized or something).

[speckythecky]

Both boys have settled in well and Jamie has made friends with a couple of boys. However on Tuesday night he voiced his concerns over staying in NZ and was obviously home sick. When asked what he was missing his answer was everything, from the tiniest insect to the biggest mountain.
He seems to have been better since and we are trying to have a couple of weeks of from house hunting to do something more for the boys at weekends. Having said that I think he misses his own room and furniture, so the sooner we get our own place the better.

[lockstock]

Coping with change is a huge difficulty for Aspies - it sounds like Jamie's doing well though if he can voice his thoughts like that. It'll take time though. (I can't imagine how I'll cope with all the changes!) Hope it all goes well.

[sapphire002]

Coping with change is a huge difficulty for Aspies - it sounds like Jamie's doing well though if he can voice his thoughts like that. It'll take time though. (I can't imagine how I'll cope with all the changes!) Hope it all goes well.

Hi Lockstock

Its encouraging to hear everybodys comments about this subject.

This is close to our heart as well, due to the fact that we have a 10 year old who has Autism (ADHD & Dyspraxia).

We are in the process of applying for PR, due to the fact that OH has a job offer with Telecom NZ.

Our son Louis is in a mainstream school, coping well so far with being 10, we have just found out that after fighting for over three years here for a statement, the education authority has now granted this for him.
This was prepared so that when he moves to secondary school, we could choose where he went and at least give him a head start in a school that could cater for his needs,

As stated earlier by a member, if you came off the street and saw Louis you would not know that he was different in any way.

He is a high functioning autistic child who is his own person and very talkative with his own point of view about life.

but he does not mix well socially and finds it difficult to interact with children his own age.

He his happy in "Louis World"

Weather we can convince IMNZ that he would cope on his own is a different matter, but we hope he could.

At a recent Expo in Manchester, we were told by IMNZ that if Louis needed ORRS funding then forget it, But we are sure he would not fall into that catagory, there are so many levels to autism that to tar Louis with the "your autistic, your not coming in here" brush, is wrong.

We just have to convince them otherwise.

Hopefully as we have a consultant on board and being paid for by my OH's NZ employer should help.

But any help from forum members would be of great value to us in preparing ourselves for the hopeful move to NZ.

Regards

Michelle & Richard

[migratory birds]

If kids with Asperger's have a hard time fitting in socially...how well do they get along together (2 bright, creative thinkers with Asperger's attempting to do something together)?

[lockstock]

It depends on the level of disorder. My guys at school got on great - often talking happily in parallel conversations and often as great friends because they realise that they have found a kindred spirit. We had a huge parent support group which organised outings etc for AS kids and their siblings. It was brilliant. Remember, it's mostly just a different way of viewing the world.

We're just preparing to get the flight on Wednesday so I'll catch up with this on the other side

[sapphire002]

It depends on the level of disorder. My guys at school got on great - often talking happily in parallel conversations and often as great friends because they realise that they have found a kindred spirit. We had a huge parent support group which organised outings etc for AS kids and their siblings. It was brilliant. Remember, it's mostly just a different way of viewing the world.

We're just preparing to get the flight on Wednesday so I'll catch up with this on the other side

Good Luck :clap

Michelle & Richard

[migratory birds]

...Remember, it's mostly just a different way of viewing the world.


I'd love to hear more about your observations regarding these differences in how 'Aspies' view the world...

[Hackswell]

Well... my first post! =drum roll=

I, too, have put in my EOI, and been selected. Just waiting for the ITA. We put on that we have a "Very high functioning" boy with autism (currently 5 yo). I guess I'll just cross my fingers and pray!

[JandM]

Welcome, Hackswell.:cheers The very best of luck with everything.

[Brian]

I'm an adult with Asperger's so I know a bit about the subject :) As mentioned, Autism is a spectrum disorder with a wide range of symptoms and severity. Some have great difficulty dealing with even the most basic aspects of life, others like me have learned to cope socially and found a career to match our talents.

When I was in school they didn't diagnose HFA/Asperger's - you were either normal, or a problem child, or dumped into the special needs class and forgotten. It's great that there is more understanding now, but don't worry that the permanent developmental disorder label means your child won't ever be able to cope. It just means they have a different set of difficulties than "normal" children.

As for getting your residency, it seems to be a matter of documenting how much ongoing assistance the child would need from the government. Many need little or none, so it SHOULDN'T be a problem.

Good luck with the transition, feel free to PM me if you have any questions about what might be going through your child's head.

[lockstock]

Welcome Hackswell. Hope all goes well. Now we're here there seems to be a lot more information/knowledge about AS than back in the UK. Even if people don't know a great deal there appears to be a willingness to find out more- something which wasn't always apparent where I was before. Good luck

[Jackie316]

I am new to this forum and have found the info very interesting and informative. We have an 8 year old autistic son who is functioning well on grade 1 level (he should be grade 3). My hubby will shortly fly over to look for employment in the IT industry. We will then apply for Work Visa and hope they accept our autistic son. He is in a special school as the area in which we live does not have a decent public school and we can't afford private. His special school works on the National Curriculum and is mainly for physically disabled children but also has an autistic unit. He has received intensive occupational and speech therapy over the years but has progressed to a point where he has no need for these therapies anymore. The only challenge is that he is about 15 months behind his age group. How big a problem will this be?? I'm not sure if he will need an aid - he is coping well on the National Curriculum at the moment without one but the class units are fairly small.

[JandM]

Hello, Jackie, and welcome to the forum.:) Sorry I don't have any answers, but I'm sure others will be along soon.

[pinkpiggy]

Many of you know that our son Joe has AS, previously documented on this thread and others. He's been attending sessions with an Occupational Therapist, mainly in regard to his handwriting as he has poor fine motor skills.

Anyway, the OT approached us this week about a trial she is running which is aimed at improving social skills for children with AS. We went along and it was fantastic.

There were 3 boys (ages 11-14) who have AS and they are taught the basics around interracting with themselves and other people. It started with them learning how to greet strangers correctly. Introducing themselves, listening, answering with the other person's name and asking how they are? and maintaining eye contact. All the things a person without AS would do automatically. Once they were comfortable with each other, another OT (whom they hadn't previously met) came into the room and they had to greet her in the correct way.

The boys were in a room with 2 OT's and a speech language therapist (we were able to observe via a one way mirror).

They then held conversations where they had to ask questions, make comments/statements etc. and at certain points in the conversation they were asked to freeze their facial expressions. They were then asked to 'decipher' the expressions, i.e. do they look bored, interested, confused etc.

Lastly they had conversations, on topics of choice, and include everything they had just learned. It was great. It was almost like they had been given 'rules' on how to interract and so they could.

Lots of classic AS traits came through in the conversations, i.e. wanting to know indepth details (one of the boys asked where the visiting OT came from and then promptly asked her for the population of that place :laugh) but overall it was very good. They talked about the US presidential election race - their choice, (in great detail I might add :yes) and were able to have quite a heated debate about it - particularly apt as one of the OT's is American.

The trial is running for another 3-4 weeks and Joe has some homework to do but hopefully it will improve his social skills to the point where he is able to interract better with his peers and form some lasting friendships.

I'll let you know how we get on.

[lockstock]

Sounds great Paula. It's amazing how some of us take for granted how we learn these things - yet others have to be taught. I used a similar programme back in the UK with my AS guys. I really do miss them. Glad Joe enjoyed it too.

[JandM]

Sounds really good. The best of luck to Joe and the others.

[Hackswell]

Many of you know that our son Joe has AS, previously documented on this thread and others. He's been attending sessions with an Occupational Therapist, mainly in regard to his handwriting as he has poor fine motor skills.

Anyway, the OT approached us this week about a trial she is running which is aimed at improving social skills for children with AS. We went along and it was fantastic.

[[SNIP]]

I'll let you know how we get on.

That's great! Just what kids on ASD need! What school does your son go to? How do I find a job in Hamilton while stuck in Ohio? ;) Congrats on finding a great school and therapists!

-Richard

[mgbridges]

Wow Paula that sounds fantastic, hope the rest of the 'course' goes well.

Anneliese

[mgbridges]

Our son Joe can be a bit of a loner in the playground.

The problem for Joe (and other children with aspergers) is that if left alone they quite often revert to a fantasy world or day dreaming which can often lead other children to think they are 'weird'. They're unlikely to go and ask to join in with another group but if asked they will more than likely join in but because of their anxieties they struggle to make that first move.



Hmmm.... I'm beginning to wonder about our Joe as he is very happy to be left on his own and when we have friends over for play dates they normally end up playing side by side rather than interacting. Also he has often told me that he plays on his own at school and his friends say he talks funny.

Hmmm.... will see how things progress in terms of his RTLB referral and the exercises etc. we've been shown how to do with him. but I've read this thread with interest.

Anneliese

[pinkpiggy]

Hmmm.... I'm beginning to wonder about our Joe as he is very happy to be left on his own and when we have friends over for play dates they normally end up playing side by side rather than interacting. Also he has often told me that he plays on his own at school and his friends say he talks funny.


Anneliese,

That's often what happens with our son but he is getting better. Partly because he is aware that he is different and partly because the people he is surrounded by have a better understanding of Joe and can overlook his quirkiness/lack of social skills. He is able to identify for himself times when he is talking too much, too fast or simply rambling. He came shopping with me one evening and he talked non-stop in the car. After about 10 minutes he just looked and asked "mum am I talking too much". :laugh

Here's hoping you get the right sort of help for your son. If you ever feel like a chat just PM me and I'll send you our contact number.

[madmax]

Hi Just been for medical with my son who has asperger's and I was told to expect an educational psychologists report to be requested. Did you get residency with your son's diagnosis and can you offer any advice? Thanks