Autism Spectrum Disorder Services — South Canterbury
An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects social and communication skills, sometimes with learning disabilities. Everyone with an ASD has difficulty in making sense of the world. The term autism spectrum disorder describes the whole range of severity and types of disorder people may have. There is an ASD Services coordinator based at Timaru Hospital.
Contact us
To contact the Autism Spectrum Disorder Services coordinator at Timaru Hospital:
- phone: 027 836 2972 (mobile)
- email: asd@scdhb.health.nz
Mailing address:
ASD Services coordinator
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury
Private Bag 911
Timaru 7910
Where to find us
You can find the Autism Spectrum Disorder Services coordinator at:
Gardens Block
Timaru Hospital Campus
Queen Street
Timaru
Home visit appointments can also be made.
Hospital map — Timaru Hospital
Services we provide
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Services coordinator:
- receives referrals (with parental consent) for tamariki (children) diagnosed with ASD
- provides whānau (family) with information about ASD and the support available
- refers the child to the appropriate support agencies
- coordinates services for the child and their whānau
- provides families with a services plan
- attends reviews and inter-agency meetings relating to the child, if required
- provides professionals with information about services for tamariki with ASD
- reports to the Ministry of Health on any gaps in the services.
Referral information
You can access our services by requesting a referral from:
- your paediatrician
- your general practitioner or practice nurse
- other healthcare providers
- government and community agencies.
Your child must have a confirmed ASD diagnosis and be aged 0 to 19 years. The service is available for up to 2 years following the diagnosis.