Leslie Schwass tells here about her 35 year old son’s battle to overcome the effects of autism.” Matthew came in at 5.5 lbs, five weeks early. At three months he reacted to the immunisation injection, and then failed to develop at normal milestone pace. He was diagnosed with a host of problems, but chiefly brain […]
Best Christmas Gift
March 23, 2024
The best Christmas gift I ever got was both early and late. My first born child came into this world on December 16th, nine days before Christmas. He was supposed to be a Thanksgiving baby however, so when my wife went into labour three weeks late he had to be delivered by an emergency Caesarean […]
Autistic, Whole and Loved
March 22, 2024
A peom written by Emma Cox Autism. Diagnosed at 4 Or “Asperger’s Syndrome” as it was called back then Growing up, struggling with shame There’s no way I could have a label like THAT!? I thought “Unable to build proper relationships “Fixated” “Obsessed” “Unempathetic” “Intense” “No imagination” But I love people! But I […]
Ask Why Is This Happening
March 21, 2024
He’s a danger to the others,” they said. “He’s aggressive.” “He should be removed from the group.” “He has rages.” The topic under discussion was the little boy with Down Syndrome. “He’s a danger to the others,” they said. “He’s aggressive.” “He should be removed from the group.” “He has rages.” This did not tie […]
Book Review: A Place Where I Belong
March 19, 2024
By Manuele Teofilo If you’re looking for an informative and insightful book on neurodiversity, then A Place Where I Belong by Staci McLean is for you. She is an author, a speaker and the mother of a neurodivergent child. McLean is also the founder and director of The Neurocollective NZ, creating places where we ALL […]
The Sunday Morning Struggle
March 14, 2024
Written by Staci McLean, Director of ‘The Neurocollective NZ’ Is going to church on Sunday worth the effort? For many families getting to and through a church service on a Sunday morning is a marathon effort. As the mother of a child who is neurodivergent, the Sunday morning struggle was real and at times the […]
Live Like a Yellow Rose
March 14, 2024
I’m Emma, I’m 23 years old and I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome when I was a preschooler. A lot of people wish that they could have got a diagnosis that early, but for me, it was a huge shame factor. I never felt like I fitted into any of the stereotypes of what an […]
A Note From The Director: a reflection on National Camp & looking towards the future
November 28, 2023
Recently, I have been thinking about the significance of this season we are in as an organisation. We have an amazing opportunity to honour the rich history of Elevate and prepare for the next forty plus years. Celebrating forty years of Elevate National Camp at Totara Springs Christian Centre highlighted this again to me. Our […]
Di’s Video
November 28, 2023
We are delighted to let you know that the video of Di Willis’ story is now online! It was great to work with Joy Inc. again to produce this high-quality short film titled, ‘Founders Story: Elevate’. Throughout the process people have been touched by Di’s story. It is clear to see the significance of […]
Elevate Literally Saved Me
November 28, 2023
I attended the 40th Elevate Christian Disability Trust National Camp. Since 40 years is such a significant milestone, I thought now would be a great time to share with everyone the impact this organisation has had on my life. I was first introduced to Christianity at 7 years old. My neighbours at the time took me […]