Autism NZ is an organisation in New Zealand that supports people with Autism Spectrum disorders including Asperger's Syndrome, their families, caregivers and professionals that work with them. There are branches throughout NZ that work at a local level to provide services which include information and advocacy.
The Bay of Plenty Branch in particular, has been a real support to myself and my family in which 3 people, including myself, are diagnosed as being on the spectrum. They have helped through things such as advocating on our behalf when we are dealing with Social Welfare and teachers for example, to just being there to listen when I need to vent my frustrations about how people percieve me. I also use the forums for teenagers and young people on the Autism NZ website and it allows me to meet people from other places who are going through what I am going through. I don't think I would be the same person without their support.
