SPECTRUM CONNECTIONS

Neurodiversity Support for Tauranga Families

Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust is here to provide peer support for Tauranga whanau/families who have a child or teen that has Autism, or ADHD.

We are dedicated to supporting, educating and connecting families in the Tauranga region who have children with Autism or ADHD, through monthly peer support meetings, workshops, days of respite for mums (Mums day off) and family fun days. Check out our events page to see what we have on.

Join our newsletter and follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with information on our upcoming meetings.

Fees & Membership

Supporting families of neurodivergent children and young people
At Spectrum Connections, we believe every family deserves access to support. Through the generosity of our funders and community, we can subsidise many of our services, making them more affordable and accessible.

💜 Annual Family Membership
$40 per family, per year
Become part of a supportive community and enjoy discounted pricing on selected services, training, and events.

🤝 Individual One-to-One Peer Support
Standard Session Fee: $100 per hour per person
Our income-based subsidy helps ensure support remains affordable for families.
Sessions are available in person or online by appointment.

💻 Webinars & Online Training
Online training for families who have little ability or time to get out but can afford an hour online in the comfort of their own homes
$15 fee
$10 for members

🎓 Parent Education & Training Events
Practical workshops delivered by experienced professionals covering autism, ADHD, wellbeing, education, sensory needs, emotional regulation, and family support.
$60 fee
$40 for members

🌿 Mum's Day Off
Our signature wellbeing retreat, for parents and caregivers, offering peer support, connection, and time to recharge.
$50 fee
$35 for members

Need Support?
We never want cost to be a barrier to receiving support. If you're experiencing financial hardship, please get in touch, we'll do our best to help.

Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.spectrumconnections.co.nz
Helping families connect, learn, advocate, and thrive.

Current Updates

Upcoming events

Please be sure to email us if you would like to attend any of our upcoming events so we can book a spot for you. We are also happy for you to email us if you have any questions or would like to talk.
email [email protected]

OUR MEETINGS

Spectrum Connections meets for peer support.

When: as advertised
Time: 10:30am-12pm
Where: TBC

Everyone Welcome! Please email us if you need more information on our coffee groups, family events, and workshops. Bookings are essential for all our events so we can ensure you are catered for. Check out our newsletters and Facebook page for more information or feel free to email us.
[email protected]

Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust

Spectrum Connections become a charitable trust in August 2024. We'd like to thank all of those who helped us achieve this.
This means we can now apply for funding to help fund our events and support groups as well as receive donations. If you'd like to donate to us our bank account number is
02-0727-0289458-000.
Put your name or organisation name in the particulars field and the word donation in the reference field.
Let us know via email on
[email protected]

BECOME A MEMBER!

Western Bay Community Awards Winners 2026

Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust is honoured to have received the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the TECT Western Bay Community Awards 2026. This recognition reflects not only the work of our organisation, but also the strength of the wider community and the growing awareness of the need for meaningful support for neurodiverse families.

We remain committed to supporting families through inclusive events, educational workshops, and advocacy, creating safe, welcoming spaces alongside practical, real-world assistance. We will continue to explore innovative and accessible ways to deliver peer support, including expanding our online offerings to better meet the diverse needs of our community.

Collaborations

Diverse City
Families can now get personal support and coaching from seasoned professionals with lived experience. Denise and MJ have joined up to bring you Diverse City, a coaching and education service to help individuals, schools and corporates. If you need neurodiversity awareness in your school or business or if you'd like personal support and advocacy, give MJ and Denise call. For more information go to www.diversecity.co.nz

What our clients say about us:
"Your support has been nothing short of extraordinary for my son and me. The guidance and wisdom you've shared have been truly invaluable, and your depth of knowledge has made all the difference. You've been a guiding light in a time when we needed it most, and we are deeply grateful."

Island of Misfits
Kia Ora! My name is Emma! I am autistic and ADHD and am part of the team with Spectrum Connections. My relationship with Spectrum Connections is very special, because I came in contact with this group back in 2020 when it was called Asperger's Connections. Connecting with the families and seeing a need for the ND teens and young adults in our community led me to start my own group: Island of Misfits Community!
Island of Misfits Community’s mission is to create safe spaces for meaningful conversations about life, faith, worldviews, where neurodivergent or marginalised teens and young adults can find belonging, identity and hope.
We have multiple groups in Tauranga that meet in someone’s house, sharing a potluck meal together and having a discussion time. Currently we have two: one in Maungatapu and one in Bethlehem.
Our vision is to be an oasis of belonging and hope for teens and young adults who have felt different, where they can flourish holistically (spiritually, mentally/emotionally, socially and physically), discover their worth and identity, and connect into the wider community.
While the spaces in our regular groups are limited, we endeavor to be a supportive and safe place for young people in the community who feel different, by running neurodivergent led workshops “By Misfits For Misfits” and going along to events in the community together.
Email me at [email protected] to receive our newsletter to stay updated on events or when new groups will start.
Check out our Neurodivergent stories booklet here: https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IoM-Neurodivergent-Voices-Booklet-2024.pdf
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083696558199
Instagram: islandofmisfits.tauranga