Mere Kirihimete from Awhi Ngā Mātua
And news and views for our community...
Kia ora Awhi hapori (community),
As we head into the holidays we thought we would share our final newsletter of the year. It has been a difficult and distressing year for many parents and carers of disabled, neurodivergent, and medically fragile children.
Despite verbal attacks from politicians and cruel cuts to funding and support, our community has acted with dignity and mana. Despite many parents struggling themselves, we have seen those same parents reach out to other carers and offer support and kindness.
In your hundreds you have protested, written to MPs, supported fellow parents, and provided assistance to struggling groups who lost funding.
Nobody can take away the integrity our community shows time and time again.
We are so proud of the way parents and carers of disabled, neurodivergent, and medically fragile children have conducted themselves in 2024.
In 2025, we will continue to fight with you and for you.
We believe in the power of this community.
Mere Kirihimete ngā mihi o te tau hou. Arohanui, the Awhi team.
Need to talk over the holidays? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor. Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
News for our community below:
News and views
How to support your neurodivergent child at Christmas via
Tips for a happy neuroinclusive Christmas via
One heck of a year, wrapped (accessibly) 💝 via
Having a neurodivergent and accessible Christmas via
How to survive festive gatherings as an Autistic adult via
Disability: My struggle to plan an accessible Christmas party
Proposal to change the regulatory and funding restrictions for stimulant treatments for ADHD
How to make a submission against the Treaty Principles Bill
Lockout of disability workers before Christmas unacceptable
Hitting the festivals this summer? Here’s what you need to know - Like non-disabled festival-goers, the most important thing is to have a good time with the people you are there with.
How to make the most out of your health appointment
Christmas time and kids who don't eat
Great roundup!
Thanks so much for the link. I actually re-posted an updated version of How To Survive Festive Gatherings As An Autistic Adult on my new platform: https://www.emmelinesletters.com/how-to-survive-festive-gatherings-as-an-autistic-adult/
I don’t post to substack anymore so if anyone wants to hear more from me the above website is the best place to subscribe