No Such Thing as Normal

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 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

• Michael McWilliams - 23-year-old entrepreuner
• Jane Kjersten - Michael's mother

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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:  

• 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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