ABOUT US
Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust is a Bay of Plenty–based organisation in Tauranga dedicated to supporting families with neurodivergent children. The trust exists to be a lifeline for parents who are often overwhelmed, isolated, and struggling to navigate the complex health and education systems required to access diagnosis, funding, and support for their children.
Many of the families we support face significant barriers, including long wait times for assessments and services, limited funding, and restrictive eligibility criteria. A growing concern is that many “high-functioning” or Level 1 neurodivergent children are considered too able to qualify for support, yet too disabled to successfully cope within mainstream schooling, society, and everyday life. These are the children who fall between the cracks—missing out on early intervention, therapy, and appropriate support. Without this, they are at increased risk of poor life outcomes, including disengagement from education and, in some cases, eventual involvement with the corrections system. With the right support, care, and access to appropriate therapies and, where needed, medication, these children have every potential to thrive and become capable, contributing adults.
Spectrum Connections does not replace or compete with existing services. Instead, we provide support while families wait—offering guidance, advocacy, and practical assistance to help them understand and navigate complex systems related to autism and ADHD. We also support families who are unable to access services at all, ensuring they are not left to manage alone.
The charity provides a range of peer-led support options, including both online and in-person groups held on weekdays and weekends, creating accessible spaces for families to share experiences and build community. A standout initiative is Mum’s Day Off, a full respite day combining peer support with a restorative wellness retreat experience.
Spectrum Connections also delivers affordable parent education sessions featuring local specialists such as occupational therapists and psychologists, equipping families with knowledge and tools to better support their children. In addition, the trust organises sensory-friendly family outings during school holidays and inclusive events each term, ensuring all families can participate in safe and welcoming environments.
Beyond events and group support, the team provides one-on-one emotional support, guidance, and practical information, helping families navigate systems that are often difficult to access and understand. The organisation also works collaboratively with community groups and not-for-profits to build greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity across the region.
Many of the families we support face significant barriers, including long wait times for assessments and services, limited funding, and restrictive eligibility criteria. A growing concern is that many “high-functioning” or Level 1 neurodivergent children are considered too able to qualify for support, yet too disabled to successfully cope within mainstream schooling, society, and everyday life. These are the children who fall between the cracks—missing out on early intervention, therapy, and appropriate support. Without this, they are at increased risk of poor life outcomes, including disengagement from education and, in some cases, eventual involvement with the corrections system. With the right support, care, and access to appropriate therapies and, where needed, medication, these children have every potential to thrive and become capable, contributing adults.
Spectrum Connections does not replace or compete with existing services. Instead, we provide support while families wait—offering guidance, advocacy, and practical assistance to help them understand and navigate complex systems related to autism and ADHD. We also support families who are unable to access services at all, ensuring they are not left to manage alone.
The charity provides a range of peer-led support options, including both online and in-person groups held on weekdays and weekends, creating accessible spaces for families to share experiences and build community. A standout initiative is Mum’s Day Off, a full respite day combining peer support with a restorative wellness retreat experience.
Spectrum Connections also delivers affordable parent education sessions featuring local specialists such as occupational therapists and psychologists, equipping families with knowledge and tools to better support their children. In addition, the trust organises sensory-friendly family outings during school holidays and inclusive events each term, ensuring all families can participate in safe and welcoming environments.
Beyond events and group support, the team provides one-on-one emotional support, guidance, and practical information, helping families navigate systems that are often difficult to access and understand. The organisation also works collaboratively with community groups and not-for-profits to build greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity across the region.
