No Such Thing as Normal

By: NZME
  • Summary

  • 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.

    Sonia Gray has a neurodivergent daughter and is an ADHDer herself. In this 10-part series she’ll talk to dozens of experts and people with a lived-experience of neurodiversity to better understand how we can support and celebrate those whose brains are wired differently.

    No Such Thing as Normal is brought to you by NZ Herald and Team Uniform, with support from NZ on Air and launches June 10th. New episodes are available every Saturday.

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Episodes
  • Episode 23: The mystery of Tourette’s syndrome
    Nov 1 2024

    We all know what Tourette’s is - or we think we do. But this is a condition that is largely misunderstood and routinely misrepresented. Only around 10% of those with Tourette’s syndrome have the ‘swearing tic’ - coprolalia. But the other vocal and motor tics can be just as debilitating.

    In this episode, Sonia speaks to Tiktok sensation, Leighton Clarke - aka Uncle Tics. He now embraces his Tourette’s and encourages others to do the same.

    We also hear from Fyfe, a bubbly and creative 10-year-old. Her mother Amanda describes Fyfe’s journey - from the occasional tic, to a diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome.

    And clinical psychologist, Hilary Mack, talks about the connection between Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADHD.

    Guests:
    Leighton Clarke (Uncle Tics) Tiktok
    Fyfe and Amanda
    Hilary Mack Hilary Mack Psychology

    Resources: Tourette’s Association of NZ

    Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    31 mins
  • Episode 22: The Spiral of Shame
    Oct 25 2024

    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 Martin
    Jane Kjersten Jane Kjersten Therapist

    Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    29 mins
  • Episode 21: What is Dyspraxia?
    Oct 18 2024

    Dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder) is more than just a difficulty tying shoelaces or riding a bike. It impacts almost every aspect of life, and the effort to carry out basic tasks can be exhausting.

    Sonia talks to Bayley Garnham, a 24 year old Personal Trainer, who has dyspraxia and dysgraphia. Dyspraxic kids often give up on sports early, but Bayley wants to change that. He believes these kids need a different approach to learning sports.

    And Sensory Integration Practitioner, Elen Nathan, explains what dyspraxia/DCD is - and what’s going on inside the minds of those with this ‘hidden’ condition.

    Guests:
    Bayley Garnham bayley garnham – personal trainer
    Elen Nathan The Playful Place

    Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast

    Resources: Dyspraxia NZ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    31 mins

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Thank You Sonya!

As a mother of a newly discovered neural atypical… this podcast has been an absolute blessing. Everything I have read up on so far has been American or UK based… it’s so refreshing to hear something relevant to NZ. I’m up to series 3 and I will be eagerly awaiting every episode. Thank you so much!.. keep on doing what you are doing x

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