No Such Thing as Normal The New Zealand Herald

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 
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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 Psyched  

Hayley Holt David Coghill AADPA Rich Rowley Brain Badge Alex Campbell  

Resources: ADHD NZ 
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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 sarah.hinchey@pg.canterbury.ac.nz 

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 sarah.hinchey@pg.canterbury.ac.nz. 

More information can be found at this FB page: UCSpeechLab 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.