No Such Thing as Normal

No Such Thing as Normal

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.

Episodes

November 1, 2024 31 mins

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 t...

Mark as Played

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 primar...

Mark as Played
October 18, 2024 30 mins

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 thes...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

 

Parenting a neurodivergent child is wonderful, but it’s challenging.  Often, it can feel like the only people who understand are other parents on the same road.

In this episode, Sonia talks to Francesca Rudkin, who had to navigate life with a daughter in crisis, before ADHD was identified.

We meet members of the ‘Dad’s Autism Support Group’ in Auckland who all have kids with high-needs on th...

Mark as Played
September 27, 2024 36 mins

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 incarce...

Mark as Played

It’s very difficult to get by in society when you don’t use words to communicate.  Non-speaking autistic people tend to be invisible, unless they are ‘causing a problem’. 

Olympic rower Eric Murray is father to 12 year-old Zac, who is autistic and ADHD.  He talks to Sonia Gray about the challenges, the joys and the desperate need for support and understanding.

Guests: 
Eric Murray
Anna ...

Mark as Played
September 6, 2024 35 mins

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 peop...

Mark as Played

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 Ru...

Mark as Played

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 fi...

  • Mark as Played
    August 1, 2024 1 min

    No Such Thing as Normal is taking a short break, but Season 2 will return from August 24th. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mark as Played

    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 ...

    Mark as Played

    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...

    Mark as Played

    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.  ...

    Mark as Played
    July 3, 2024 1 min

    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. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mark as Played

    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 ...

    Mark as Played
    August 4, 2023 35 mins

    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:  

    Kimberl...

    Mark as Played

    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...

    Mark as Played

    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 ar...

    Mark as Played
    July 14, 2023 32 mins

    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 - Spec...

    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

      2. 24/7 News: The Latest

      Today’s Latest News In 4 Minutes. Updated Hourly.

      3. The Joe Rogan Experience

      The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

      4. Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.

      5. Crime Junkie

      If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc.