Rebecca Chilton

Rebecca Chilton is an Outreach Coordinator for Autism New Zealand, supporting the organisation’s purpose to provide services, support, education, and information that empower autistic people, their family/whānau, caregivers, professionals, and anyone connected to the wider autistic community.  Passionate about increasing understanding and improving outcomes, Rebecca helps people feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate autism‑related and other pathways, along with their next steps. She brings a blend of professional knowledge and lived experience, enabling her to build genuine connections with individuals and communities while offering practical, strengths‑based guidance for anyone who wants to learn more in fostering environments where autistic people and their whānau feel heard, valued and understood.  Rebecca is part of Autism New Zealand’s nationwide Outreach team and is based in the Manawatū–Whanganui region, where she collaborates with a wide range of local services, organisations, and community groups to strengthen awareness and access to support.

 

Rebecca presents:

Saturday 12 September 1:30pm

UNDERSTANDING & SUPPORTING AUTISTIC CLIENTS THROUGH A NEURO-AFFIRMING LENS IN YOUR PRACTICE – 0.5 GenDO

This session offers a practical introduction to understanding and recognising how to effectively support autistic clients and their needs within your practice.  Beginning with a brief overview of what autism is, we will look at how autistic people and their experiences in different situations may be recognised and understood. The presentation will highlight key considerations as a starting point for creating safety and connection, appreciating sensory differences and needs, and tips for communicating with autistic people and those supporting them.  Attendees will gain simple, effective tools and strategies that help reduce stress, build trust, and support meaningful interactions for positive, neuro-affirming experiences and outcomes for autistic people of all ages that you are working with.

Learning outcomes:

1 Providing safety and connection in autistic people’s experiences

2 Sensory differences and needs to consider

3 Tips for adapting communication with autistic people