No Such Thing as Normal

A diagnosis of ADHD, autism or dyslexia is merely an indication that your brain works in a different - and exciting - way. So why are the rates of co-occurring anxiety and depression so high for neurodivergent people? In this episode, Sonia talks to 16-year-old Emily Martin, who has ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia. Emily suffered from intense anxiety and low self-esteem throughout her primary school years. Therapist Jane Kjersten explains the specific type of trauma that can come from feeling ‘lesser than’, and suggests ways to heal from the emotional pain. Guests: Emily and Jo MartinJane Kjersten Jane Kjersten Therapist Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The parents of kids with neurodifferences face multiple challenges. But while navigating a broken system is exhausting, the constant scrutiny of your parenting can be worse. In this episode, Sonia talks to TVNZ’s 1News at 6 presenter, Melissa Stokes and Newstalk ZB Host, Francesca Rudkin about advocating for their children. And researcher Willow Sainsbury, explains why the go-to suggestion of ‘parenting courses’ can be so distressing for parents. Guests:Melissa StokesFrancesca RudkinWillow Sainsbury Research Study on Parent's ExperiencesInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast Resources:Online Every Day with ADHD Parenting Evening CourseProgrammes Archive - Autism NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 NZInstagram - No Such Thing as Normal PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 InstagramDr Sarah Watson Totally Psyched Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.