Naia’s Neurodivergence - Supporting him in his own time and space Takiwātanga

Please help our friends support their 5-year-old son and his neurodivergence.

They are not the kind of people to ask for help…..but I know it will really make a difference and they have agreed.

Naia started school this year, and things have rapidly gone downhill for him and his whānau (exacerbated by the cyclone affecting the Muriwai community in February).

Naia is showing behavioural and emotional signs indicative of pronounced struggles with understanding himself and the world around him. Although his recent ADHD diagnosis accurately accounts for many of his challenges - further exploration is recommended to assess for co-occurring conditions including autism and sensory processing difficulties.

Naia has been on the waiting list for a publicly funded assessment for at least 2 months, but as we know the wait times are long with no guarantees.

In Naia’s situation, the more whānau know about how to advocate for him NOW the better.

Funds raised will go directly to helping Naia and his whānau, gain access to the specialist services (inc. Te Ao Māori and Western) that he needs urgently - putting them in the best position to support him. The early years are the foundations for our future!

As family and friends of Naia, we will continue to fight for him in the public system and seek other funding avenues.

Aroha nui