No Such Thing as Normal

The New Zealand Herald
  • 5.0 (102)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
No Such Thing as Normal

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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode 20: The Shaming and Blaming of Parents

    The parents of kids with neurodifferences face multiple challenges. But while navigating a broken system is exhausting, the constant scrutiny of your parenting can be worse. In this episode, Sonia talks to TVNZ’s 1News at 6 presenter, Melissa Stokes and Newstalk ZB Host, Francesca Rudkin about advocating for their children. And researcher Willow Sainsbury, explains why the go-to suggestion of ‘parenting courses’ can be so distressing for parents. Guests:Melissa StokesFrancesca RudkinWillow Sainsbury Research Study on Parent's ExperiencesInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min

  2. 4 OCT

    Episode 19: A PhD in Parenting - raising a neurodivergent child

    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 RudkinPeter, Mac, Noah and Gareth from the Dad’s Autism Support GroupWillow Sainsbury Research Study on Parent's Experiences Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  3. 27 SEPT

    Episode 18: The Fork In The Road

    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 Psychologist Resources: ADHD NZInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  4. 13 SEPT

    Episode 17: Autism - inside the non-speaking world

    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 MurrayAnna Middleton - Senior Behaviour Specialist - Explore ServicesResources: Autism NZ https://autismnz.org.nzInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  5. 6 SEPT

    Episode 16: Autism - Removing the Mask

    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 InstagramDr Sarah Watson Totally Psyched Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min

  6. 30 AUG

    Episode 15: Dyslexia - A 'specialisation', not a disorder

    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 Williams RESOURCES:The Dyslexia Foundation of NZSPELDLearn To Write Good See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  7. 23 AUG

    Episode 14: Dyslexia - Are we getting it all wrong?

    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 mother See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  8. 1 AUG

    Season 2 Update

    No Such Thing as Normal is taking a short break, but Season 2 will return from August 24th.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 min
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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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