Personalised Support for Caregivers of
Neurodivergent Loved Ones
Welcome to Neurodiversity & Autism Support in New Zealand!
We are so glad you have found us.
Located in Wellington New Zealand, we are a place of empathy, understanding, and support for families and caregivers on unique journeys of caring and supporting neurodiverse loved ones.
At AutSupport NZ we empower families with tailored support, strengthening connections and fostering networks, especially for caregivers and neurodivergent youth. Find heartfelt guidance and understanding in a nurturing environment.
Here at AutSupport NZ, we have a lived experience of the challenges that can come with supporting autistic and neurodivergent family members. From the rollercoaster of emotions and daily practical hurdles to the sensory sensitivities, changes in family dynamics and the lack of time for self-care for ourselves as carers – we understand. And we care.
Personalised coaching, mentoring & support for neurodivergent individuals and their family members
Iain's mission is to provide a safe space for parents and carers to navigate the autism journey by guiding and coaching families and individuals through daily challenges with support and empathy.
He also works directly with neurodivergent clients.
His goal is to transform lives by fostering a sense of strength, resilience and wellbeing within individuals and across our community.
A holistic approach to coaching & mentoring
Since 2024, Iain has provided online coaching and mentoring services from Wellington, New Zealand.
AutSupport's flagship programmes - AutCoach and AutMentor - are rooted in empathy and understanding and offer tailored guidance that resonates with those seeking support. Iain's focus is on sharing strategies for daily life that truly connect with individuals and caregivers alike.
AutCoach
Our signature service, AutCoach, is a one-on-one coaching experience for caregivers. We aim to provide a non-clinical service, helping caregivers and neurodivergent individuals navigate day-to-day challenges with guidance and understanding.
AutMentor
Engaging with neurodivergent youth through AutMentor, we promote connection via gaming sessions. I blend fun and learning to build strong relationships and understanding.
Tailored support
Every individual we work with receives solutions crafted to their unique needs. By focusing on personal stories and backgrounds, we can build practical strategies that truly make a difference in everyday life.
Guidance approach
Our approach is grounded in listening and collaboration. We aim to help families find resilience and navigate life confidently and comfortably.
Building connections
By concentrating on shared interests, we strive to create meaningful connections and positive experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Practical strategies
provided
We offer tested strategies tailored to those we work with, ensuring advice is not only shared but lived, giving families an invaluable resource.
AutSupport Services
AutCoach
Personalised, donation-based 1:1 coaching service. Using a flexible “pay-what-you-can” model, it offers tailored support to help families build resilience, navigate daily challenges, and enhance wellbeing.
Sessions are led by Iain who works with each family to create personalised strategies for growth in a supportive, nurturing environment. Start with a free Discovery Call to explore your needs and goals.
AutMentor
AutMentor is a mentoring programme for neurodivergent youth aged 7+, using gaming as a tool for skill development and social connection. Led by Iain, it offers a safe, inclusive space where participants can build friendships, develop life skills, and gain confidence through tailored gaming sessions.
Using a range of games across different platforms, AutMentor fosters cooperative play and personal growth, helping young people thrive both online and offline.
Iain Girvan
Guidance & Transformation Coach
As a certified coach with a background in psychology and the father of an autistic child, I started AutSupport NZ to fill a support gap I encountered when dealing with my son's diagnosis. Through personalised one-on-one coaching, I provide a nurturing environment based on growth, resilience, and wellbeing. My aim is to equip caregivers with the strength and confidence to tackle their unique journeys. Reach out to me, and let's work together to help your family thrive!
Calling all PDA Father Figures!
Iain leads a focused Facebook group designed to help fathers of children and young people with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism.
This online space enables AutSupport’s mission by allowing dads to get advice, share resources, and connect with others in similar situations. Iain’s active role in various fathers' support groups highlights his commitment to improving peer support and advocacy in the autism community.
Testimonials
"Massive thanks to Iain for providing a way for our ND children to connect online. My son has formed a great friendship with a boy from NZ through Iain's PDA Gamer initiative. They play online together almost every day and it has been incredible seeing them forming a genuine, safe connection through gaming.
This online friendship has opened up a conversation about travelling to NZ (as my son wants to visit his new friend) which is incredible, as we haven't been able to travel in many years due to anxiety about leaving the house. Thank you Iain, I am so grateful for the opportunity you have provided us with to connect with other families who 'get it'."
Amy, Australia
“Iain and I met through an online PDA Autism support group. He has been a major catalyst in helping me find support and helping my son meet others with PDA across the globe. This has been achieved for us primarily through gaming. He created a wonderful group of PDAers who play together. This has helped my son’s confidence grow rapidly. My son now knows quite a few PDAers and they are all awesome, just like him.
Iain games alongside them and helps maintain a positive atmosphere. He engages with each child and makes them feel important and heard. He has reached out to me whenever there has been a concern about my child. I feel like my web of support is much stronger now and is still growing. I will always be so grateful to Iain for the impact he has made in our lives."
Lisa, USA
“I had a few coaching sessions with Iain. What I found really useful was the time he took to really understand the situation from my perspective. Iain has a calming persona and so that helped me to calm my mind and focus on the situation. Iain then, through open questioning, enabled me identify the underlying challenge I was facing. With that clarity, I was able to see the situation from another perspective and find solutions for moving forward and approach the issue with confidence."
Mark, NZ
How to Connect with Iain
Autism Support NZ (AutSupport NZ) is located in Wellington, New Zealand.
Iain work with families worldwide, so don't let time zones stop you from connecting.
Contact us here and we will do our best to manage time differences.
