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 March

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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 Coach

Resources:

• VIA Character Strengths
• The six cluster of Executive Functions
• ADHD NZ

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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 
• Annabelle 

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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 

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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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