Video Link 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxuSPZu7HuI

Steven’s Story (Maray Alexander’s Family)

1. What were the early signs that Steven was developing differently after his illness at age 2?
2. How did Steven’s behaviors change over time, and what were some of the safety concerns his family experienced?
3. How did the mental health system respond to Steven’s crisis, and why was the family told “we don’t do autism”?
4. What were the ethical and emotional challenges Steven’s parents faced when he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act?
5. After moving to supported living, what strategies helped Steven reduce his anxiety and begin to thrive again?

Wendy & Elliot

1. What does Wendy mean when she says “New Zealand has gone backward” in terms of autism services?
2. How does Wendy prepare for Elliot’s visits, and what does that say about the planning required for families of older autistic children?
3. What warning does Wendy give about the current state of family crisis support?

Kim & Her Sons (Jacob, Jackson, and Jaram)

1. What day-to-day strategies does Kim use to manage sensory needs and meltdowns for her sons?
2. How does the family structure its home environment to prevent conflict or overstimulation?
3. What are Kim’s long-term fears, and how does the PATH planning process help her prepare for the future?
4. How does Kim’s role as a solo parent of three autistic children impact her own personal goals and mental health?

Katie & Sue Robertson

1. How did Katie transition into supported independent living, and what supports made it successful?
2. What does Sue say about how parents can "get their life back" after years of full-time caregiving?

The Scruff Family (Liam, Sophie, Harry, Connor, and Rachel)

1. How does Rachel describe autism as both a strength and a challenge within her family?
2. What individualized supports helped Sophie and Harry succeed socially and academically?
3. How does Liam describe the difficulties of interpreting emotions and navigating relationships?
4. How does Rachel balance the needs of her three autistic children while ensuring Connor doesn’t feel excluded?

Hunter & His Mom

1. How did Hunter and his mom adapt their lives to run an Airbnb and creative studio despite his social and visual limitations?
2. What does Hunter’s story tell us about independence, employment anxiety, and the role of a supportive caregiver as a young autistic adult transitions to adulthood?