Foundation Info
WELCOME & OVERVIEW

What We Are All About
We are a support oganisation that works on both the national and regional level in New Zealand to help out children and teenagers who have Asperger's Syndrome. We also aim to assist those who help people with Asperger's Syndrome such as the person's family and carers, teachers and professionals. An important first step in helping children and teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome is increasing the awareness of the syndrome in New Zealand as well as around the world. We therefore have many programs and activites which aim to lift the profile of Asperger's Syndrome in the community.


How We Came To Be
Raymond Thompson is the Chairman of the Cloud 9 group of companies which produces family orientated television shows distributed to over 125 countries around the world. Both Raymond Thompson and his son have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Raymond felt that New Zealand needed more readily available information and support for children and teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome. He also believed that he could be a positive successful role model for others. In October 2000 the Cloud 9 Children's Foundation was established as a non-profit charitable trust.


What We Have On Offer
The Foundation operates on three different levels. We have a National Co-ordinator who provides support and information to people from around New Zealand. At this national level the Foundation aims to raise awareness and understanding of those with Asperger's Syndrome and provide an easy first point of call for those needing support.

The Foundation has its office in Wellington and as a natural extension of this, provides programmes to the Wellington region. The Co-ordinator helps to get these off the ground but relies on volunteers to manage them on a day to day basis. They are run as a need is identified and resources permit. We are always wanting to hear from people who are able to help out with running a program.

The third level that the Foundation operates on is a regional one. The Foundation has developed many successful programmes in the Wellington region and is keen for other regions to make the most of them too. Unfortunately, as resources are limited, the Foundation is unable to provide these programmes directly and depends on other local non-profit organisations to organise, fund and run them. However, the Foundation is always willing to share its expertise and programme structures with other groups.

Below is a list of sample activities and programs at each of the levels. Please remember that these all run as time and resources pemit.


National Level
* Support by phone and email
* Informative and interactive website
* Quarterly newsletter
* Information leaflets on various aspects of Asperger's Syndrome
* Online bookstore
* Getting books on Asperger's Syndrome into libraries
Wellington and Regional Level
* An "open door" office for people to drop in and get support (Wellington only)
* Resource library
* Coffee morning support meetings
* Information evenings
* Holiday programmes
* Social outings
* Teen club
* Social skills groups
* Gym fun programmes


How You Can Find Out More
It is free to join the Foundation and to receive the quarterly newsletter. For more information or to join up please click the link to your left entitled "Contact or Join Us". We are happy to help you with any enquiry you may have.