Empowering Autistic Youth: Embracing Takiwātanga During Matariki Celebrations

Auckland resident Tamara Grant, a young advocate for individuals with autism, is embracing the significance of Matariki as a time for reflection, celebration, and preparation. She sees it as a reminder that meaningful change is within reach for all, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

At 24, Grant is the founder of X-abilities, an organization dedicated to supporting those with autism. Drawing inspiration from X-Men, she envisioned a system that recognizes and supports the unique perspectives and capabilities of individuals with autism, allowing them to thrive in their own way and time.

Originally starting as a youth group at just 13 years old, Grant formalized X-abilities into a company at 17, driven by her personal experiences growing up with autism. She faced challenges in receiving educational support and was often misunderstood due to the limited understanding of the diagnosis.

Grant found solace in the Maori term for autism, Takiwātanga, meaning “in their own time and space”. Coined by Maori academic Dr. Anne McMaster in 2020, this term resonated with Grant as it highlighted the unique rhythm and pacing of individuals with autism, emphasizing the need for a system that accommodates their natural thinking.

With an estimated 96,000 New Zealanders on the autism spectrum, Grant recognizes the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding. Embracing the Maori cultural perspective on autism has helped her family see beyond the diagnosis and appreciate her for who she is.

In celebration of Matariki, X-abilities is hosting an event to delve into the concept of Takiwātanga, aligning with the spirit of the Maori New Year. Matariki marks a time for reflection, remembrance, and looking towards the future, values that resonate deeply with Grant’s mission to empower individuals with autism.

As the community gathers to honor Matariki and embrace Takiwātanga, Grant hopes to provide resources and tools for a better understanding of neurodiversity and autism. Through initiatives like this, she aims to pave the way for autistic individuals to thrive and find peace within themselves.