By NZME
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.
The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.
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 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
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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 Psyched
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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
RESOURCES:
The Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
SPELD
Learn To Write Good
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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
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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:
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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:
Resources:
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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:
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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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The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.