No Such Thing as Normal

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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected]. 

More information can be found at this FB page: UCSpeechLab 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is growing awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent profiles like ADHD, autism and dyslexia. But even with a diagnosis, accommodations and support, the world can be an unfriendly place for people whose brains are wired differently. 

Sonia chats to her guests about the importance of belonging, what ‘bad behaviour’ is really telling us and asks, “does ‘normal’ really exist?” 

Guests: 

Jock Matthews Rojolie Clinic 

Sue Haldane Mind Over Manner 

Raewyn Heays ADHD NZ 

Jane Yee 

Joey 

Kimi and Ihaka 

Resources: 

Dyslexia Foundation of NZ 

NZ Centre for Gifted Education 

Autism NZ 

ADHD NZ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting a diagnosis is complicated, and not just because of the long waiting lists.  

There is so much to consider: Do you want your child – or yourself - to have a label? How will friends and family members react? Is the diagnosis the right one? 

The process is made more difficult because it’s not an exact science - there is no blood test or scan for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or any of the other diagnoses. In this episode, Sonia talks to experts who carry out assessments for the various conditions. And we hear from people who have gone through the diagnostic process - and come out the other side.  

Guests: 

Ngaire 

Kartini Clarke 

Rachel Barrow 

Mike Hall 

Lucy Charles paediatricOT 

Dr Jamie Speeden Growing Pains 

Anton Ashcroft divergenthinking.co.nz 

Dr Jemila Chadwick Kidz Therapy 

Resources: 

Dyslexia Foundation of NZ 

NZ Centre for Gifted Education 

Autism NZ 

ADHD NZ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trying to navigate the health and education systems is one of the biggest challenges for parents of neurodivergent kids. Where do you start? And where do you go next? We know that early intervention, particularly for Autism and Dyslexia, gives the best chance of a positive outcome. But getting the right support isn’t easy - particularly as parents often don’t know what they are looking for. 

Sonia chats to her guests about the importance of early intervention, the need for a clear roadmap and how we can reduce the stigma that surrounds neurodiversity. 

Facebook: Kids Wired Differently 

Guests: 

Ngaire and Waiaio 

Victoria Girling-Butcher  

Lucy Charles paediatricOT 

Guy Pope-Mayell Dyslexia Foundation of NZ 

Justine Munro Neurodiversity in Education 

Resources: 

Dyslexia Foundation of NZ 

NZ Centre for Gifted Education 

Autism NZ 

ADHD NZ 

4d.org.nz 

Featured Song: Victoria Girling-Butcher The Giver and the Gift 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are 8 billion brains in the world...and they are 8 billion unique brains. We’re all different. So why are neurodivergent conditions (like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia) referred to as disorders? Are they really disorders? Or just different variations of normal?  

Sonia chats to her guests about the value of neurodiversity, the strengths of unique brains and the challenge of trying to fit into a society that just isn’t built for you.  

Guests: 

Dani 

Rich Rowley brainbadge.org 

Anton Ashcroft divergenthinking.co.nz 

Alex Campbell adhdalex.com 

Lucy Charles paediatricot.nz 

Scott Robertson (courtesy of Unlocking Potential a documentary by Elliot Jones). 

Facebook: Kids Wired Differently 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No Such Thing as Normal launches June 10th. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.