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Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline

The Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: He Waka Huia Takiwātanga Rau (the Guideline) describes the best way to support and work with autistic people throughout their lives.

This third edition was published in 2022. 

About this Guideline

The Guideline brings together the best research, professional expertise, and lived experience. It includes more than 300 evidence-based recommendations from autistic people and whānau, clinicians, educators and researchers. 

The Guideline covers:

  • assessment and diagnosis
  • support for autistic people and their whānau
  • education and learning
  • mental health and wellbeing
  • community participation
  • professional development
  • Māori perspectives
  • Pacific perspectives. 

Download the Guideline

Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: Third Edition (DOCX 8.9MB)

Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: Third Edition (PDF 4.2MB)

Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: Summary (DOCX 5.9MB)

Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: Summary (PDF 1.3MB) 

Who the Guideline is for

The Guideline is for autistic people (tāngata whaitakiwātanga) and whānau, health and disability professionals, educators, employers, policy advisers, and community organisations.

It promotes approaches that are supported by evidence and discourages those that are ineffective or harmful. The Guideline also reflects a strengths-based view of autism, recognising autistic people as valued members of our communities. 

Working with Māori and Pacific People

When working with autistic people/tangata whaitakiwātanga who identify as Māori or Pacific people, it is helpful to: 

  • appoint a kaiarahi or another appropriate guide
  • provide information in culturally appropriate formats
  • build workforce understanding of Māori and Pacific cultural values and world views and apply this in practice. 

A living Guideline

The Guideline is the world's first autism living guideline. This means it is regularly reviewed and revised.  

Based on the latest research a topic is updated each year. An expert advisory group also develops recommendations for best practice. Each update is published as a supplementary paper. 

INSIGHT Research is contracted to independently deliver the living guideline programme on behalf of Whaikaha. 

Insight Research external URL

Supplementary papers

Each supplementary paper has a review of the latest research and recommendations from an expert advisory group.