FAMILY RESOURCES

When to seek help: A checklist

This checklist may help you to identify difficulties that your child might be having, and when to seek help. Feel free to take it along to any professional appointment

Below there are resources with general information, as well as other services (that may be funded or subsidised)

General Info:

GENERAL MEALTIME STRATEGIES

These are some general suggestions that might be a good starting point

kids health

A range of brief articles on childhood conditions - specific for NZ families, written by health professionals

HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE - inspiration for lunch boxes and meals!

Here’s some lunch box ideas, but the site has plenty more recipes for all meals

Raising a Healthy Happy Eater - provides guidance for feeding babies through to school-aged children, including how to support your child to develop oral-motor skills. (Available at Auckland libraries, can be requested for free )

Info for neurodiverse tamariki:

WAIORA TAMARIKI

This platform is now freely available to families with modules focused on eating, sleep and toileting. These modules were designed for parents of neurodiverse children/tamariki, but the information can be a helpful starting point for other children as well.

ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE IN AUTISM TREATMENT

Contains information for parents on all interventions for autism, and advises which are based on evidence and are likely to be effective.

Info for tamariki who are tube-fed:

Kids Health Tube Feeding Section

Family/whānau videos, information about tube care, strategies for eating skills & behaviour

feeding tube awareness foundation

Information for families and professionals on tube feeding

EXPERIENCES OF FAMILIES WITH TUBE FEEDING - NZ REPORT

Results of family responses to a detailed survey conducted by Sarah Vane, that highlights how families experience tube feeding for their child.

clinical network for paediatric tube feeding

This network provides New Zealand based information and guidelines for health professionals and families

Tube Feeding Facebook Support group

Many families find it helpful to connect with other parents experiencing a similar journey

Other Services in Aotearoa:

activeating clinic - massey university

The ACTIVEating clinic is based at Massey University in Albany. Children (aged 4-12) are supported in groups to explore and try new foods. Application forms are at the above link and should be completed well in advance.

WAIORA TAMARIKI

Waiora Tamariki is not a specific service but offers parent-directed modules in the areas of eating, toileting and sleep. These can be a useful starting point, particularly for neurodiverse tamariki.

acorn neurodiversity

Acorn provide services to neurodiverse tamariki across the Auckland area. In some cases services can be partially or fully funded.