ACTion in Caregiving

This Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - based programme supports caregivers to find ways of accepting challenging thoughts and feelings, and to take action to live in a way that is consistent with what matters most to them.

Poipoia te kākano, kia puawai

Nurture the seed, and it will blossom

ACTion in Caregiving

ACTion in Caregiving is designed to support the mental health of caregivers of autistic children. It is based on a type of psychological therapy called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This programme aims to support caregivers to find ways of responding effectively to challenging thoughts and feelings so they can take action to be the caregiver/person they want to be.

ACTion in Caregiving is part of the wider Waiora Tamariki research programme and cost-free nationwide clinical service. Waiora Tamariki is designed to promote the health and wellbeing of autistic children and their whānau by offering support options for child sleep, eating/feeding, and toilet training difficulties, as well as caregiver mental health. 

Based out of the  Pukemanu Centre at the University of Canterbury, the team have many years of experience in the assessment and treatment of such difficulties, meaning our families benefit from the latest evidence-based approaches.

To make a referral or to self-refer, go to our referrals pag

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Kiwi Families

Modules

Our Team

The Waiora Tamariki Programme is delivered by a team of researchers, clinicians, and post-graduate students at the University of Canterbury. 

Laurie McLay

University of Canterbury
Programme Director

Lisa Marie Emerson

University of Canterbury

Jolene Hunter

University of Canterbury

Jenna van Deurs

University of Canterbury

Hannah Waddington

Victoria University of Wellington

Aaron Hapuku

University of Canterbury

Get In Touch

You can get in touch with the Waiora Tamariki team via the form below.

If you’d like to make a referral, please use our referral form.