Te Tau Tītoki: A framework for supporting people on the autism spectrum

This framework has been created through a co-design process to support organisations and individuals to provide services that meet the expectations of autistic people and whānau.

Purpose of the framework

Te Tau Tītoki maps out the competencies required by professionals supporting autistic people within Disability Support Services funded by the Ministry of Health.

It is a response to gaps in knowledge and training that have been identified and evidenced across the sector, as well as providing an approach to addressing these gaps which is consistent with recommendations from the NZ Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline.

The goals of the framework are to:

• support employers to ensure staff are using practice that is reflective of a quality education in autism
• provide a pathway for ongoing professional development
• assist support providers to incorporate best practice in autism service delivery.

Who is Te Tau Tītoki for?

Te Tau Tītoki can be used in any environment which supports the wellbeing of autistic people or their whānau.

However, the framework sits most appropriately with employers and those in professional roles who directly support autistic people or are involved in service planning and design.