Who We Are

From why we began to who we are today, meet the people and purpose behind our work

Where we started

Spectroom Charitable Trust was born in response to a need that was deeply personal. When the founders began navigating life with a newly diagnosed autistic child, they quickly encountered the same barriers many families in Aotearoa face: long wait times, limited support, and environments that weren’t designed with neurodivergent children in mind.

In 2022, that led to the creation of Spectroom Play Zone, a purpose-built, sensory-friendly space where autistic children and those with sensory differences could feel safe, included, and free to be themselves. What started as a grassroots initiative quickly became a vital hub for families in the community.

The overwhelming demand and positive impact inspired the formal establishment of Spectroom Charitable Trust. Our goal is to expand this work, offering exclusive programs, family support, and advocacy to create a more accessible and understanding world for all children.

Photo by Emily Chalk, via Fiona Terry’s Woman’s Day Article “Autism advocates Maria and Mac’s rewarding journey”

Why we Exist

In Aotearoa, approximately 1 in 40 children and adolescents are identified as autistic. However, due to the lack of a national autism register, the true number may be much higher, especially among underdiagnosed communities such as Māori or Pasifika.

Spectroom Charitable Trust exists to bridge these gaps by creating safe, inclusive spaces for autistic children and children with other disabilities. Our flagship project, Spectroom Play Zone, is New Zealand’s first indoor play space for children with disabilities, designed to support sensory regulation, exploration, and social connection.