Embracing Neurodiversity

Building an Aotearoa where all neurodivergent people can fully participate, belong and thrive.

Our neuroaffirming approach recognises and celebrates each person’s unique strengths and interests, supporting children, young people, adults, and their families to feel proud of who they are, advocate for themselves, and lead meaningful lives.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the concept that people experience and interact with the world differently. No single "right" way of thinking, learning, or behaving exists, and differences are not seen as deficits (Harvard Health).

Neurodivergence

Neurodivergent refers to having a brain that functions differently from the "neurotypical" brain. Neurodivergent individuals may have unique social preferences, ways of learning, communication methods, and ways of perceiving the world.


Our Misson

Our mission is to empower neurodivergent young people by giving them the tools they need to reach their potential.


Our Vision

Our vision is to build a future in which all neurodivergent people can fully participate, belong and thrive in Aotearoa.


Our Values

We celebrate every person as an individual.

We are evidence and strength-based in our practice.

We advocate for inclusion in schools and the community.

We prioritise self-advocacy.

We recognise the unique status of Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa and aim to embody the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi in all of our work.

At Acorn, we support individuals who are neurodivergent and are navigating autism, ADHD, FASD, sensory processing, dyspraxia, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, giftedness and communication differences.

Our Locations

📍Greenlane

 

300 Great South Road Greenlane, Auckland 1051 New Zealand

09 281 4857

Parking is available on-site. Close to motorways, train and bus lines.

📍North Shore

 

3 William Laurie Place Albany, Auckland, 0632 New Zealand

09 280 4303

Parking is available on-site. Close to motorways as well as bus lines.

Our Impact

  • Acorn listened to us. I felt “heard”. The thing that I loved about them most was their passion, their energy and above all their enthusiasm. They were excited to work with my son! He wasn’t a “problem” anymore, he was a person, with feelings, and they listened to him.

    Mother

  • Our boy has gone from making four sounds to asking us questions and playing with others at daycare. We owe everything to Acorn’s approach and dedication.

    Father

  • At Acorn we felt understood and valued for the first time. The therapists truly care about my son and enjoy being with him, even on his bad days. They make therapy fun so that he wants to learn. He loves going to Acorn and has learned so much. He has started speaking and has learned important personal safety skills. Overall, he is so much happier and we feel more confident that he is safe.

    Mother

  • Acorn Autism’s speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists have provided high quality, strengths-based therapy to many of the children on our plans. They also provide excellent training and consultation to professional staff, and carers working with the children. I greatly appreciate being able to access the specialists at Acorn Autism Charitable Trust and value our mutual passion for supporting vulnerable children.

    HCN Specialist

  • Our son has made such good progress! You should be proud of the service you provide. - your expertise and compassion shine through. I know our son will miss coming to his sessions. That itself is a testament to your exemplary service.

    Mother & Father

  • I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for the incredible experience my son had with Acorn. From the very first day, he formed a special bond with Ellie and has made remarkable progress in learning new words and sentences under her guidance. The exceptional bond they share is truly heartwarming. Ellie's expertise as a speech therapist is nothing short of amazing. Your unwavering support for parents with children with extra needs is truly commendable. The thoughtful planning of new activities for the children, like the memorable Christmas celebration with Santa, made each moment extra special. Witnessing my son's joy and comfort while playing with Santa was a beautiful memory that I will always cherish.

    Mother

Thank you to our generous cornerstone partner for enabling neurodivergent children to thrive.

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