Empowering Families | Thriving Whānau | Awhi

A community for parents of intellectually disabled, neurodivergent and medically fragile tamariki.

Advocacy and Rights

Transition to Adulthood

Social & Recreational Activities

Family Dynamics

Daily Living Skills

Health and Wellness

Funding and Support

Diagnosis & Early Intervention

Education & Learning

Featured

Top tips for living with a PDA child

Awhi Ngā Mātua

How do I know if my child has PDA?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

How long does it take to recover from your child’s illness?

Education & Learning

Helping a child with ADHD to thrive at school

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Education & Learning

My child is starting school but isn't toilet trained - what should I do?

Self-Care for parents of children with FASD

Diagnosis & Early Intervention

What health services are available to help my child thrive?

Funding and Support

What's an IEP and how do I do one?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Help! My child won’t eat

What is hyperfocus (or hyperfixation)?

Funding and Support

How do I get ORS funding for my child?

Health and Wellness

What to do when you or your child can't sleep

Health and Wellness

How to support your neurodivergent child at Christmas

Daily Living Skills

How can I teach my teen about good hygiene?

Transition to Adulthood

Going through puberty: what's appropriate for an intimate care plan?

How do I know if my child has PDA?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Family Dynamics

Strengthening bonds between disabled and non-disabled siblings

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Autistic children are more likely to be bullied - Here’s how to help

Health and Wellness

How autism can impact sleep

Funding and Support

How do you get a teacher aide?

My child is anxious – do they need professional help?

What is a meltdown?

Health and Wellness

How do I “toilet train” my child?

Transition to Adulthood

My teenager wants a boyfriend/girlfriend, but I think they might get hurt - what can I do?

Helping your teen develop a positive body image

Education & Learning

How can I help my PDA child thrive at school?

Are you traumatised by your child’s illness?

Health and Wellness

Could your child have a sleep disorder?

Transition to Adulthood

How can I support my teenager to explore their sexuality?

Health and Wellness

What to do about faecal incontinence

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Education & Learning

Five tips to advocate for your neurodivergent child at school

Awhi Ngā Mātua

How can I prevent my anxiety hurting my child?

How do I help my disabled child with their anger?

Health and Wellness

How to help children with Down Syndrome use the toilet

Funding and Support

How to apply for the Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Grant

Nicolina Newcombe

Education & Learning

Is my disabled child getting an inclusive education?

Diagnosis & Early Intervention

What is available to help my child with their learning challenges?

Autism and toileting - 10 things to know

Health and Wellness

Eating challenges for neurodivergent children

Health and Wellness

How can I help my child manage their periods?

Education & Learning

How do I help my FASD child at school?

What is stimming?

Transition to Adulthood

Alternatives to Welfare Guardianship

Nicolina Newcombe

The real impact of funding changes to respite care

December 15, 2024

How have Whaikaha's changes impacted you?

January 31, 2025

Education & Learning

How do you home school a neurodivergent child?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Health and Wellness

A Guide to good and bad touching for disabled children

Diagnosis & Early Intervention

How can I help my pre-schooler at home?

How can I help my child with their anxiety?

Helping a child who has lost their parent

Transition to Adulthood

Helping disabled teens to navigate puberty

Daily Living Skills

Is my child more than a ‘fussy eater’?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Diagnosis & Early Intervention

Education & Learning

Inclusive Education - What is it?

Top tips for living with a PDA child

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and toileting

Daily Living Skills

How do I keep my disabled child safe online?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Funding and Support

How to find a support worker

Awhi Ngā Mātua

What's a special interest for autistics?

Emily named Kiwibank Local Hero Medallist

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Education & Learning

Help! A school won't enrol my disabled child - what can I do?

Tell us your feedback

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Daily Living Skills

What does your child need for toilet training?

Health and Wellness

How do I stop my child wetting the bed?

What to do if your child is being bullied

Health and Wellness

What to do when you or your child can't sleep

Tell us your feedback

Awhi Ngā Mātua

Recently reviewed

How can I help my child with their anxiety?

Autism and toileting - 10 things to know

Top tips for living with a PDA child

Awhi Ngā Mātua

What is hyperfocus (or hyperfixation)?

How do I know if my child has PDA?

Awhi Ngā Mātua

What is stimming?

Funding and Support

How do I get ORS funding for my child?

Funding and Support

How do you get a teacher aide?

Autistic children are more likely to be bullied - Here’s how to help