No Such Thing as Normal

Aug 11 2023 21

No Such Thing as Normal Podcast artwork

At least 20% of New Zealanders are believed to be neurodivergent, but there is very little awareness, understanding and support for people with conditions such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia. Sonia Gray has a neurodivergent daughter and is an ADHDer herself. In this 10-part series she’ll talk to dozens of experts and people with a lived-experience of neurodiversity to better understand how we can support and celebrate those whose brains are wired differently. No Such Thing as Normal is brought to you by NZ Herald and Team Uniform, with support from NZ on Air and launches June 10th. New episodes are available every Saturday.

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Episode 10: A Broader Definition of Normal

Aug 11 2023 38 mins

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

Episode 9: Rethinking Dyslexia

Aug 04 2023 35 mins

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 different

Episode 8: The Mechanics of a Meltdown

Jul 28 2023 30 mins

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 ti

Episode 7: How ADHD hides in women and girls

Jul 21 2023 33 mins

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 bore

Episode 6: Education (Part 2)

Jul 14 2023 32 mins

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: R

Episode 5: Education (Part 1)

Jul 07 2023 24 mins

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 experi

Episode 4: Beyond the Diagnosis

Jun 30 2023 24 mins

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’ reall

Episode 3: Diagnosis.... Or Discovery?

Jun 23 2023 27 mins

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

Episode 2: Navigating the System

Jun 16 2023 28 mins

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

Episode 1: Different not Disordered

Jun 09 2023 27 mins

There are 8 billion brains in the world...and they are 8 billion unique brains. We’re all different. So why are neurodivergent conditions (like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia) referred to as disorders? Are they really disorders? Or just different variations of normal? Sonia chats to her guests about the value of neurodiversity, the strengths of unique brains and the challe