Neurodivergent young people are more likely to question their gender identity, and it can be a confusing and confronting time. Not just for the individual, but also for their loved ones.

The support and validation of families is vital, but many feel unprepared; struggling to even navigate things like the role of pronouns. 

This episode gives some insight into the unique way a number of autistic and ADHD young people experience identity - including gender identity. Through deeply personal stories and expert insight, we look at how families can best support young people as they navigate this complex space, and how they can reframe it as a natural period of exploration.

At the heart of this conversation is mental health. The statistics for those at this intersection are confronting, but responsibility for better outcomes extends beyond immediate families; it rests with society as a whole.

Greater awareness of lived experience can help reduce stigma - and with it, much of the suffering. As can recognising the immense courage it takes to live authentically, especially when that identity sits outside societal norms.

In this episode:
Adolescence: a time of identity formation for all young people.
The mental health risks and what can significantly reduce them
The role of interoception in identity
The reality for parents: Uncertainty, and the fear of ‘getting it wrong’.
The impact of stigma, and what it feels like to navigate the world as non-binary or trans and neurodivergent
Practical advice for parents: how to support without rushing or shutting things down
Why authenticity isn’t a choice

No Such Thing as Normal is made with support from NZ On Air

Neurodivergent young people are more likely to question their gender identity, and it can be a confusing and confronting time. Not just for the individual, but also for their loved ones.
The support and validation of families is vital, but many feel unprepared; struggling to even navigate things like the role of pronouns.&nbsp;
This episode gives some insight into the unique way a number of autistic and ADHD young people experience identity - including gender identity. Through deeply personal stories and expert insight, we look at how families can best support young people as they navigate this complex space, and how they can reframe it as a natural period of exploration.
At the heart of this conversation is mental health. The statistics for those at this intersection are confronting, but responsibility for better outcomes extends beyond immediate families; it rests with society as a whole.
Greater awareness of lived experience can help reduce stigma - and with it, much of the suffering. As can recognising the immense courage it takes to live authentically, especially when that identity sits outside societal norms.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Adolescence: a time of identity formation for all young people.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The mental health risks and what can significantly reduce them</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of interoception in identity</li>
<li aria-level="1">The reality for parents: Uncertainty, and the fear of &lsquo;getting it wrong&rsquo;.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The impact of stigma, and what it feels like to navigate the world as non-binary or trans and neurodivergent</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical advice for parents: how to support without rushing or shutting things down</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why authenticity isn&rsquo;t a choice</li>
</ul>
No Such Thing as Normal is made with support from NZ On Air

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. New episodes are available every Saturday.

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&rsquo;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. New episodes are available every Saturday.

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. New episodes every Saturday.

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&rsquo;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. New episodes every Saturday.