New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline - Ministry of Health

Part 7: Mäori perspectives
Part 7
professionals and laypersons. In attendance
were representatives from health services,
Ministry of Education, Special Education, Child,
Youth, and Family, kaupapa Mäori services,
ASD support networks, and members from
other interested groups including the lay public.
It is important to note that given the procedures
undertaken to develop the key themes, the
context in which the information was generated,
and the Mäori frame of reference to which this
chapter refers, the methodological approach
that is most closely aligned with this process is
exploratory research. To maintain the integrity
of participants’ subjective views about ASD and
limit the potential for interpretative biases, a
descriptive analysis identifying the main issues
raised was undertaken. The feedback from the
hui was collated under the key themes and
then organised into main categories matching
those themes. A descriptive summation of the
information is presented.
The following information is organised under
eight major themes. Specific questions are posed
under each of the key themes. Each of these
themes and accompanying questions is briefly
described and a summary of the responses
provided.
Factors influencing the representation of
Mäori with ASD
1. There appear to be low numbers of Mäori
receiving ASD-related advice, information,
and treatment. What factors contribute to
this under-representation?
The responses to this question can be grouped
under seven main categories. These include the
following:
• geographic isolation (access difficulties and
isolation)
• insufficient knowledge and awareness of
ASD
• lack of culturally appropriate professionals,
services, and contexts
• funding and resource constraints
• lack of information available for whänau
• reluctance to seek treatment, or a delay in
treatment seeking
• uniqueness of ASD.
Attendees to the hui identified geographic,
economic, cultural, information and individual
factors as to why it has been speculated that
Mäori children and young people appear to be
under-represented with ASD.
Assessment and diagnosis
2. What would be helpful and supportive
during assessment and diagnosis?
Participants provided an extensive range of
responses to this question. These are grouped
under five main categories including:
• access to specialist services
• awareness and early intervention
• cultural education of professionals
• information
• whänau involvement and cultural processes.
Responses to this question were largely focused
on cultural factors such as professionals
being educated in a Mäori world view, Mäori
frameworks of health such as Te Whare Tapa
Whä, and the inclusion of Mäori processes during
assessment and diagnosis procedures. Whänau
involvement and empowerment were also
emphasised. Participants voiced the view that
assessment should be undertaken in a friendly
and appropriate environment and should
proceed at a pace suitable to the whänau. It was
suggested that the availability of a coordinator
to support the whänau through the assessment
process may improve current performance.
Reliable information being made available about
expectations, treatment options, and availability
of appropriate services was also mentioned.
The need for explanations to be provided by
professionals using plain language was noted,
as was a need for the relationship between
professionals and whänau to be based on trust
and confidentiality.
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New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline