The Ministry of Education sets up qualifying guidelines for early childhood and school-age special education services. The Autistic Association of New Zealand provides parent education, expert evaluation services, educational and vocational advocacy, and other direct services. Recent news reports indicate that limited local resources and a move to push for full inclusion under the Special Education 2000 program has eliminated many special education resources that were once available in New Zealand's schools. Autistic spectrum children are said to be highly represented in the large group that is now being denied ORS funding. School placements include a few special schools, attached special education units within regular schools, and a range of inclusion options in mainstream settings.
Some students are in residential settings.
Lifespan services for autistic spectrum individuals in New Zealand have been getting a closer look since the death of an autistic girl in 1997. At the same time, most school systems are struggling with budget restrictions. How these conflicting forces will affect educational service offerings for children with PDD-NOS and atypical PDD remains to be seen.