A service supporting Bay of Plenty families with children with autism and autistic traits has celebrated delivering its 50th programme.

Families who’ve attended the Incredible Years Autism and Language Delay Programme in the region say the skills they’ve developed have changed their lives for the better.

The programme is funded by the Ministry of Education and delivered by Health New Zealand’s Child Development Service in Tauranga.

It has run since 2016 and has supported up to 400 children through their parents and caregivers, with much of that success built on the dedication of facilitators, particularly Gill Duncan, who has led all 50 programmes.

Designed for parents and caregivers of children aged 2 to 6 years with autism or autistic traits, a formal diagnosis is not required to enrol.

Over 14 weekly sessions, parents meet in small groups with trained facilitators to learn practical strategies for everyday life.

Sessions include group discussions, collaborative problem-solving, role-playing, and opportunities for parents to share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Incredible Years Autism facilitator and programme leader for Bay of Plenty, Gill Duncan, said the focus is on helping parents better understand and communicate with their child, build social skills, and establish routines that work for their family’s circumstances.

“The result is happier households with fewer meltdowns and children who are better prepared for everyday life.”

Incredible Years Autism facilitator and programme leader for Bay of Plenty, Gill Duncan. Photo / Supplied

Nikki, who attended seven years ago, said the strategies they learned continued to make a difference today. “The programme helped us better understand how our child experiences the world.

“That changed the way we responded to difficult situations and made life at home much calmer.”

The programme has been delivered across New Zealand for many years.

Heather Stewart, team leader at Child Development Service in Tauranga, believes its success in the BOP is largely due to Duncan.

“Gill is the leader and glue. She is the main reason we consistently receive positive feedback from parents. She never wants to be the centre of attention, but the parents love her, and she is the star.”

The programme operates in more than 24 countries worldwide, and research shows improved parenting confidence and consistency, fewer challenging behaviours, and stronger family relationships.

Current attendees often highlight the value of connecting with other parents and gaining practical skills and confidence to navigate everyday challenges. One parent shared a particularly touching example:

“Last year, I couldn’t get Betty to sit through even five minutes of a magic show. Last week, she sat through the whole thing, enjoyed it and was really confident.

Incredible Years facilitators Rae Stott, and Gill Duncan, in middle, with staff from Te Waka Aorangi Child Wellness Centre. Photo / Supplied

“Before joining the programme, I felt like I was the only parent facing these challenges and my confidence was low.

“Now I feel much more capable. That confidence has helped Betty too.”

Facilitator Rae Stott said many families who complete the programme require little or no further support from services, such as occupational therapy or psychology.

“This suggests parents leave with increased confidence in managing challenges independently.”

The Child Development Service, Tauranga, now delivers up to eight programmes a year, including periodic programmes in Whakatāne.