Autism NZ Expands Early Identification Pathway, Backed By Let’s Play Evidence

Autism New Zealand today announces the expansion of its early identification and support pathway for pre-school aged autistic tamariki and tamariki showing signs of autism. Funded as one of the three demonstration initiatives by the Social Investment Agency the programme brings together training for whānau and educators, practical family coaching, and coordinated support through to school transition - all informed by new research into the MoSAIC autism early identification tool and Let’s Play whānau support programme. The research conducted by Canterbury University released in August was jointly funded by the Joyce Fisher Endowment Fund and Laura Fergusson Trust.

In addition to this research the new programme also draws from other Autism New Zealand Early Support programmes – Early Steps and Raupī to Raupō.

Early identification and timely support are crucial for the wellbeing of autistic tarmariki and their whānau, yet long waitlists and service gaps persist. This research offers powerful evidence that what Autism New Zealand is doing in early identification and support works for autistic tamariki, their whānau, and their early childhood educators. What’s needed now is to repeat this work on a broader scale.

From October 2025, in the Wellington region, Autism New Zealand will offer this new programme which will include:

• Early identification and diagnosis of autism from 12 months of age
• Family/whānau education and coaching
• Professional development for early childhood educators and local professionals
• Coordinated referrals, assessment, and individualised support and transition planning into school

The Social Investment Fund enables Autism New Zealand to test this integrated model at scale, evaluate outcomes, and refine the case and pathway for a broader rollout. The research has contributed practical, evidence-informed tools that shape the developing approach. The focus of the expansion will be on delivering accessible, family-centred supports across communities that truly make a difference to our autistic community.

Autism NZ Chief Executive Dane Dougan says: “This expansion marks a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring as many autistic tamariki and their whānau receive the support they need, when they need it. The evidence from the new research confirms what we’ve long believed — that early, coordinated, and whānau-centred support changes lives. We’re proud to lead this next step, working alongside our partners and communities to deliver a model that is not only effective but grounded in the lived experiences of those we serve. Our goal is to create a future where early identification and support are not the exception, but the norm.”

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