Acorn Neurodiversity

Some journeys are better together (these two are living proof) ✨

Those who have been with Acorn for a bit will know our incredible Jo and Axie. We’re here to shine a spotlight on these two for crossing the finish line together. Acorn has two new fully Registered Psychologists! 🎓

Jo & Axie have walked every step of their internship side by side - through plenty of long days and late nights buried in reports - with a shared mission to make life better for neurodivergent kids and the people who love them.

After a well-earned break post internship, we’re proud to say the neurodiversity community here in Aotearoa is lucky to have not one, but two incredible new psychs who truly get it. If there’s one thing to say about Jo and Axie, it’s that they will always show up to every session with an abundance of patience, curiosity, and genuine care. We cannot wait to watch you both shine (together, obviously 👯).

Congratulations Jo & Axie - Acorn truly wouldn’t be the same without you! 🌱💛

Tālofa lava Acorn ‘āiga 🌺
🌴 This week is Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa (Samoan Language Week)

At Acorn, we know how much it matters to feel seen in the fullness of who you are. Your language. Your culture. Your wiring. All of it.

Gagana Sāmoa is the third most spoken language in Aotearoa. Language is not just words, and it’s not just communication - it embodies culture and wellbeing, it’s the sound of home, connection, and belonging. For many of our tamariki, communication is a journey. Some find their voice through words. Others through movement, pictures, music, or the quiet language of a trusted person by their side. Meaningful communication looks different for every person. But the need beneath it is always the same. Everyone wants to be heard, to be known, and to feel like they belong somewhere.

In our mission to make sure everyone - whatever their background, whatever their neurotype - has the chance to find their voice and be celebrated for it, we’re taking extra time this week to recognise our vibrant Samoan community across Aotearoa. Manuia le Vaiaso!

Aotearoa

💛 Acorn Neurodiversity has received grant funding from the Education Partnership and Innovation Trust (EPIT) - and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Without their belief in the idea, understanding of the need, and commitment to equity, we would not have been able to make our South Auckland Hub a reality.

To EPIT - thank you for believing in, and investing in, neurodivergent tamariki and rangatahi. Your support helps build a bigger brighter future for neurodivergent youth here in Aotearoa🌟

Exciting news to share 👇

Acorn Neurodiversity has been awarded funding from Māngere-Otahuhu Local Board to support our neurodiversity-affirming rangatahi development events in the community.

Grants like this one make it possible for us to keep turning up, keep growing, and keep supporting our neurodivergent community in the ways that matter most.

Thank you to Auckland Council and the Māngere-Otahuhu Local Board for believing in our mahi - it truly takes a village, and we're so thankful to have you onboard.

🌿 We're thrilled to announce that Acorn Neurodiversity has received funding support from the Manurewa Local Board!

This grant goes towards helping our outreach initiatives for the neurodivergent community across South Auckland, enabling us to do more of what we love - providing meaningful services, support, and advocacy.

Thank you to Auckland Council and the Manurewa Local Board for backing our kaupapa, your support means the world. 💪💛




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🎉 Big welcome to Kirsty, our newest SLT!

Kirsty is passionate about helping tamariki find their voice — literally! From AAC to literacy support, she brings a warm, strengths-based approach to working with tamariki and whānau.

With expertise in AAC, BSLA, and Communication Assistive Technology, Kirsty’s genuine love for building lasting communication skills shines through when partnering with whānau, using a strengths-based approach to help build real, meaningful communication skills for life.

When she’s not in the centre, Kirsty can often be found exploring beautiful Aotearoa with her whānau or cheering on her two teens at rugby or the BMX track. 🏉🚵‍♂️🌿
Kirsty, we’re so glad you’re here — welcome to the Acorn whānau! 💛

Finding a therapist that matches your values can be tricky. We get it; you want to make sure that your child is receiving support that affirms who they are and celebrates their unique personality.

🌟 With Acorn it doesn’t have to be hard, neuro-affirming practice lies at the heart of everything we do.

A psychologist can provide evidence-based interventions tailored to your teen’s specific needs. Therapy is often key to managing anxiety effectively and preventing it from becoming more debilitating over time. Reach out via our website to learn more:
Acornneurodiversity.co.nz/contact

Our Albany centre had a very special visitor last week…
Sometimes the best support (and best kind of office surprise) has four legs and a wagging tail 🐾 🐶

🌟 Meet Leo - a trained therapy pup and our new furry friend!
Big thanks to Leo and his human mum, Helen, for coming in and bringing so much joy to our tamariki, we’re already counting down the days to our next visit 😀

Thanks to the Potter Masonic Trust for their generous support.

🌟 With backing like this our South Auckland Hub can continue providing early intervention for neurodivergent and developmentally disabled tamariki and their whānau — making a real difference when it matters most.

🧡 Your support helps us further our mission: ensuring all neurodivergent minds in Aotearoa have the opportunity to participate, thrive, and belong.

Ko tātou tēnei 🌿 This is us.

At Acorn Neurodiversity, connection is truly at the core of everything we do, one of our 2026 goals for the Acorn whānau has been deepening our connections to te ao Māori.

Together, with the help of the incredible Hinekoia , we’ve been learning waiata ā-ringa (action songs) so we can mihi whakatau guests and welcome others into our space.

Each step in our learning journey is a beautiful reminder that growth is always more fun when you’re surrounded by good people. A little nervous energy is much easier to overcome when you’ve got laughter and lots of heart by your side.

We’re proud to be a team that shows up for each other, keeps growing, and embraces every opportunity to learn both inside and outside of our mahi.