Needs Assessment and Support

FASD isn't considered a disability in our country, unlike in some other countries. To be considered for support services, you need to have an intellectual disability (an IQ of less than 70), which most people with FASD don’t have. 

You may already have received some help in school, but if not, check the services below. We hope that understanding and support for people with FASD will increase—that’s what we keep pushing for!

Government-funded support

Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)

Students with ORS funding can stay at school until the end of the year they turn 21. In addition, in their final year of school, students with ORS funding may be able to access the transition services below to help them plan for life after school: 

  • Transition planning services – schools may refer students to these services. 

  • Transition from school providers – these providers can help students plan for life after school. Students can contact their local provider to check if they have a funded spot available. 

  • Ministry of Social Development (MSD) – the MSD funds transition services for ‘high’ and ‘very high’ ORS-verified students. The MSD pays the money directly to transition service providers. 

Organising a Needs Assessment

All government-funded support requires a needs assessment (usually medical specialists run some tests and say whether you need help with daily tasks or not). 

To set up any support, you will need to make an appointment for an assessment with a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) person.

Before you begin, click here to check if you’re eligible. If you are, follow the steps below.

1. Find the Needs Assessment provider for your area – click here for a list.

2. Ask to meet with an Assessor (anyone can refer, including the disabled person themselves or their family member, a trusted friend or a health professional). 

3. Once a Needs Assessment is completed and approved, your NASC service provider will have a discussion with you about support options available to you (service coordination) in your location. 

Community Support Services

Disability Support Services

This link is for people who meet the criteria for a disability (IQ under 70) in Aotearoa New Zealand. The process and services are the same as above – you will still require a Needs Assessment. Click here to find out more.

Kaupapa Māori Needs Assessment & Co-ordination (NASC)       

The Kaupapa Māori Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) is a free community service for adults aged between 18 to 65 years who live with mental illness. The NASC offers access to a wide range of community-based resilience, recovery and support-focused services.

They work with individuals and their whānau to assess their needs, and plan and coordinate appropriate services. The assessment identifies individual strengths, supports and activities that are likely to lead to resilience and recovery outcomes for the individual and their whānau. Even if they do not make the original referral, your family GP will be informed and involved as the primary medical caregiver.

For people with mental health, alcohol or other drug issues

Most people should consult their doctor first. Your doctor may refer you to your local District Health Board (DHB) mental health and addiction service, which can assess your need for specialist treatment and support services. 

Click here to learn more about Mental Health Services around the motu / country.


Further resources

IHC – Leaving school 

The IHC say that transition planning for young people with disabilities should begin around age 14 and become more specific and focused as the young person moves towards leaving school.

Click here to go to the  IHC’s great page on planning for transitions after school. 

New Zealand Disability Support Network  

The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) is a member network of disability support services and providers nationwide.
Click here to go to their website.

Workbridge 

Workbridge collaborates with employers who embrace disability and focus on discussing your skills rather than the impairments you live with. Click here to go to the Workbridge website.

Mainstream Employment Programme 

Mainstream is a Work and Income programme which provides subsidies, training, and more to help people with significant disabilities get work.
Click here to find out more about  Mainstream on the Work and Income website.

Permanent Caregiver Support Service (PCSS)

A national service that offers advice, social work support, financial help, and more. Permanent caregivers (with family court orders for custody or guardianship) can request assistance until the child they care for turns 18. 

Click here for more info about PCSS.

Taking a break from caring (respite)

Carers need time to refresh and do something for themselves to continue to support someone with FASD. 
Click here to see if you can take a break which the Ministry of Health might pay for.

Employment New Zealand – support and info for employers

Provides information to employers about support for the value of employing neurodiverse or disabled people to find and keep jobs.

Click here for more info for employers.