Episodes
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Parenting a neurodivergent child is wonderful, but it’s challenging. Often, it can feel like the only people who understand are other parents on the same road.
In this episode, Sonia talks to Francesca Rudkin, who had to navigate life with a daughter in crisis, before ADHD was identified.
We meet members of the ‘Dad’s Autism Support Group’ in Auckland who all have kids with high-needs on the autism spectrum. They say connecting with each other regularly, and sharing the highs - and the lows - has been invaluable.
And educational psychologist, Willow Sainsbury, talks about the experience for parents getting a diagnosis and support. The main theme of her research study was ‘the battle’.
Guests:
Francesca Rudkin
Peter, Mac, Noah and Gareth from the Dad’s Autism Support Group
Willow Sainsbury Research Study on Parent's ExperiencesInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast
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The rates of ADHD and dyslexia in prisons is staggering. But these same neurotypes are also more likely to be successful CEO’s and entrepreneurs. So where is the fork in the road? What leads someone down the wrong path?
Sonia Gray talks to Ricky Wakelin, a kind and gentle father-of-two. In the early 2000’s Ricky’s life had spiralled out of control. He was addicted to hard drugs and was eventually incarcerated for armed robbery.
Three years ago, an assessment confirmed that Ricky has ADHD. The diagnosis has helped him understand the reasons behind his lifelong struggle with things like emotional regulation and hypersensitivity.
Sonia also talks to forensic psychologist Anton Ashcroft, who explains why those with ADHD are often drawn to illicit substances. He talks about the value of connection, and why this - rather than tougher consequences - is so important for the rehabilitation of offenders.
Guests:
Ricky Wakelin
Anton Ashcroft - Forensic PsychologistResources:
ADHD NZ
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It’s very difficult to get by in society when you don’t use words to communicate. Non-speaking autistic people tend to be invisible, unless they are ‘causing a problem’.
Olympic rower Eric Murray is father to 12 year-old Zac, who is autistic and ADHD. He talks to Sonia Gray about the challenges, the joys and the desperate need for support and understanding.
Guests:
Eric Murray
Anna Middleton - Senior Behaviour Specialist - Explore Services
Resources: Autism NZ https://autismnz.org.nz
Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Many autistic people have spent their lives masking, but it’s an exhausting and inauthentic way to live. Now, as understanding around neurodivergence grows, many autistics are choosing to ‘unmask’ and embrace their differences.
Autistic comedian Abby Howells has found success as her authentic, ‘unmasked’ self on stage. The things she used to hate about herself are now working for her. And she wants to encourage other autistic people to lean into who they truly are.
Guests:
Abby Howells Instagram
Dr Sarah Watson Totally PsychedInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast
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In this episode Sonia Gray finds out how vital people with dyslexia are to the survival of the human race - they're the explorers, creative thinkers and problem solvers.
She talks to poet and playwright, Dominic Hoey, who has written award-winning books, despite his reading challenges.And dyslexic researcher and champion, Dr Ruth Gibbons, talks about the importance of movement for dyslexics.
GUESTS:
Dr Ruth Gibbons - Massey University Social Anthropology lecturer
Dominic Hoey - Writer Oliver and Amy WilliamsRESOURCES:
The Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
SPELD
Learn To Write GoodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dyslexia has long been thought of as that thing that makes it hard to read - and people are often made to feel dumb because of it.
But we're learning more and more that reading and writing isn't really an issue. In fact some dyslexics read brilliantly - before they even start school - it's just once they're in the classroom they're lost and left behind in a curriculum that doesn't work for them.In this episode Sonia Gray finds out about how schools are failing our dyslexic kids, and how the trauma of education is deep-rooted right into adulthood.
She speaks to Michael McWilliams who found school a nightmare, dropped out at 15, then turned his life around.
And dyslexic researcher and champion, Dr Ruth Gibbons, who talks about the amazing strengths of the dyslexic mind.
GUESTS:
Dr Ruth Gibbons - Massey University Social Anthropology lecturer
Michael McWilliams - 23-year-old entrepreuner Jane Kjersten - Michael's motherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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No Such Thing as Normal is taking a short break, but Season 2 will return from August 24th.
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WARNING: This episode does contain explicit language
Autism and ADHD were always thought of as mutually exclusive conditions, but in recent years it’s become possible to get a diagnosis of both.
Now, more and more people are recognising they have traits of both autism and ADHD, commonly known as ‘AuDHD’. But because of the opposing nature of these neurotypes, ‘AuDHD’ can feel like an internal ‘tug-of war’.
In this episode Sonia Gray speaks to Rich Rowley and Annabelle March, who describe their lived-experience as AuDHDers.
And Clinical Psychologist Sarah Watson, talks about the challenges, and strengths that come with these unique minds.
GUESTS:
Dr Sarah Watson, Clinical Psychologist, Totally Psyched Rich Rowley Annabelle MarchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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WARNING: This episode does contain explicit language
There’s been a sharp rise in the number of adults seeking ADHD assessments, and for many a diagnosis can be the answer to a lifetime of struggle.
Musician Anika Moa was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago. She tells Sonia Gray about the mental health battles she’s endured, and the positive changes a diagnosis has made to her life.
And ADHD coach, Alex Campbell says that ADHD is about much more than focus and attention. He explains how Executive Functions work and says the key factor is that ADHD brains are driven by interest, not importance.
Guests:
Anika Moa Alex Campbell, ADHD CoachResources:
VIA Character Strengths The six cluster of Executive Functions ADHD NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The whirr of an air conditioner; the feeling of socks on your feet; the sound of other people breathing: Sensory challenges are arbitrary, but they can cause acute distress. In this episode, host Sonia Gray talks to three guests who experience the world in BOLD
And Sensory Integration Specialist, Elen Nathan, unpacks what’s happening in the eight sensory systems, and how we can best support those who have sensory sensitivities. She also explains why chicken nuggets are the one food most kids can eat.
GUESTS:
Elen Nathan, Occupational Therapist, The Playful Place Amber-Rose Nikolas Bec AnnabelleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Season Two of the award-winning No Such Thing as Normal returns from July 6th across NZ Herald, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
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OCD is largely thought of as an aversion to germs and excessive hand washing, but it’s far more complicated than that. Obsessive thoughts can be around almost anything, and the compulsive behaviour that accompanies it can be debilitating for the individual and their whānau.
Up to 80 000 New Zealanders live with OCD but less than 10% have sought treatment.
In this final episode of the series, Sonia talks to 17-year-old Poppy, who gives a brave insight into her OCD. And we hear from some of the many people and groups who are driving change in the neurodiversity space.
Guests:
Poppy Armiger
Helena Armiger
Jock Matthews Rojolie Clinic
Professor David Coghill AADPA
Darrin Bull
Jo Charman Autism NZ
Tanya Blakey Autism NZ
Susan Haldane Mind Over Manner
Rich Rowley Brain Badge
Facebook: Kids Wired Differently
Instagram: nosuchthingasnormalpodcast
Resources OCD:
OCD NZ
Fixate Facebook Group
Other Resources:
ADHD NZ
Autism NZ
Dyslexia NZ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dyslexia is still thought of a problem with reading and writing but that’s just a small part of the picture; those who are dyslexic experience the world in a completely different way.
This episode looks at some of the lesser-known dyslexic characteristics, the best ways to support dyslexic learners and we look at how ‘shame’ is such a huge issue for those who learn differently.
Documentary: Unlocking Potential
Guests:
Kimberley Crossman
Dr Ruth Gibbons www.ruth-gibbons.com
Vanessa Victor Remarkable Minds
Helen Armiger
Ruby Armiger
Elliot Jones Unlocking Potential
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Neurodivergent people respond to the environment in unique ways. Occasionally, if their nervous systems are overwhelmed, the body responds by going into a meltdown.
Sensory overload, communication challenges and sensitivity to demands can all contribute to this temporary loss of control of behaviour. We’re often quick to judge the behaviour we’re seeing, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.
In this episode Sonia talks to a dad who has radically changed his parenting style to support his ADHD/Autistic children. And we hear from neurodivergent people about what causes a meltdown and what the experience feels like for them.
Guests:
Rob Newlove Parenting Unique Children
Sophie Newlove
Matt Frost
Nick Marsh
Lucy Charles Paediatric OT
Dani
Sharyn Gousmett Willow Corner
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Although we think of ADHD as being a mostly male condition, it is just as prevalent in females. However, the diagnosis rates tell a different story - females are less than half as likely to be identified as having this neurological condition. Women tend to be better at suppressing and internalising their emotions.
But things like Rejection Sensitivity Disorder, intolerance to boredom, poor executive function and time blindness are very real, and they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
In this episode, we look at ways we can work with the ADHD brain - rather than against it - by identifying the many strengths of ADHD. And Sonia chats to broadcaster Hayley Holt about her experience as a late-diagnosed ADHDer.
Guests:
Dr. Sarah Watson Totally PsychedHayley Holt
David Coghill AADPA
Rich Rowley Brain Badge
Alex CampbellResources: ADHD NZ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode we continue looking at whether our education system is meeting the needs of neurodivergent children. We ask: What are the supports and accommodations available? Do you need an official diagnosis of dyslexia to qualify for a reader/writer? And why are stand downs and exclusions so common for kids who are autistic or ADHD?
Facebook: Kids Wired Differently
Guests:
Rachel King and Theo
Pippa Biggs Include Me - Specialist Education Services
Tom Little Pukare Cards
Anna Coleman
Helen McDonald
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In Aotearoa, we pride ourselves on our inclusive education system. But is that really the experience for kids who are Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic or Gifted? Over two episodes we ask: Is our education system really meeting the needs of neurodivergent children, their families and the teachers that support them?
Sonia talks to students, parents and specialist teachers about their experiences in the education system, and what they think works best for children who learn differently.
Facebook: Kids Wired Differently
Guests:
Rich Rowley brainbadge.org
Maximiliano Pierret Massey University
Helen McDonald Include Me - Specialist Education Services
Sarah Hinchey [email protected]
Kimi Cotter
Sarah Hinchey is a PhD candidate at Canterbury University. She is doing a research study on reading comprehension and multisensory integration in autistic children. Sarah is currently recruiting participants aged 8-12 years, autistic and neurotypical, in the Canterbury region and Auckland.
The method involves a wireless EEG system that measures the electrical activity in the brain. EEG is a harmless and objective method which can provide crucial information on how these amazing brains process reading material. This will enable the development of a strengths-based reading support strategy specific for autistic learners.
If you are interested in taking part you can email Sarah at [email protected].
More information can be found at this FB page: UCSpeechLab
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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There is growing awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent profiles like ADHD, autism and dyslexia. But even with a diagnosis, accommodations and support, the world can be an unfriendly place for people whose brains are wired differently.
Sonia chats to her guests about the importance of belonging, what ‘bad behaviour’ is really telling us and asks, “does ‘normal’ really exist?”
Guests:
Jock Matthews Rojolie Clinic
Sue Haldane Mind Over Manner
Raewyn Heays ADHD NZ
Jane Yee
Joey
Kimi and Ihaka
Resources:
Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
NZ Centre for Gifted Education
Autism NZ
ADHD NZ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Getting a diagnosis is complicated, and not just because of the long waiting lists.
There is so much to consider: Do you want your child – or yourself - to have a label? How will friends and family members react? Is the diagnosis the right one?
The process is made more difficult because it’s not an exact science - there is no blood test or scan for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or any of the other diagnoses. In this episode, Sonia talks to experts who carry out assessments for the various conditions. And we hear from people who have gone through the diagnostic process - and come out the other side.
Guests:
Ngaire
Kartini Clarke
Rachel Barrow
Mike Hall
Lucy Charles paediatricOT
Dr Jamie Speeden Growing Pains
Anton Ashcroft divergenthinking.co.nz
Dr Jemila Chadwick Kidz Therapy
Resources:
Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
NZ Centre for Gifted Education
Autism NZ
ADHD NZ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trying to navigate the health and education systems is one of the biggest challenges for parents of neurodivergent kids. Where do you start? And where do you go next? We know that early intervention, particularly for Autism and Dyslexia, gives the best chance of a positive outcome. But getting the right support isn’t easy - particularly as parents often don’t know what they are looking for.
Sonia chats to her guests about the importance of early intervention, the need for a clear roadmap and how we can reduce the stigma that surrounds neurodiversity.
Facebook: Kids Wired Differently
Guests:
Ngaire and Waiaio
Victoria Girling-Butcher
Lucy Charles paediatricOT
Guy Pope-Mayell Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
Justine Munro Neurodiversity in Education
Resources:
Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
NZ Centre for Gifted Education
Autism NZ
ADHD NZ
4d.org.nz
Featured Song: Victoria Girling-Butcher The Giver and the Gift
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