(Cook Islands) "Growing number of younger children" seeking ASD support; more "awareness"
Sept 11, 2026, Cook Islands News: Autism Cook Islands expands youth programmes to meet growing demand
Autism Cook Islands (ACI) has launched a new weekly programme for children aged three to eight, driven by a growing number of younger children coming through its doors.
The Six Bricks programme is being held at the Autism Hub, with seven new families attending.
ACI transition co-ordinator Sue Crump will be facilitating the programme, supported by volunteers Craig Murray, Logan Melvin and Mellissa Brown.
The first session introduced the children and families to the Six Bricks programme and the Autism Hub, with ACI’s programme manager Kat Jensen saying the first sessions were about helping the children become comfortable in the new environment. . . .
She also shared that ACI had noticed a significant number of younger children coming through over the past 12 months.
Jensen said one reason was that parents were receiving diagnoses earlier than before. She also said there was less stigma around children with autism, which she linked to awareness campaigns by ACI.
“So, the community is now more accepting of children with autism,” Jensen said. . . .
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