Anxiety, depression, chronic stress and low self-esteem are common co-occurring conditions for many neurodivergent young people. But are these struggles caused by neurodivergence itself, or by trying to fit into environments that don’t work for them?

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Darryl-Lee Prince says not only is she seeing more school refusal and shutdown, but also more complex presentations. Among them, neurodivergent burnout. 

Professor Dave Coghill unpacks what the evidence says about SSRIs, therapy, non-stimulant ADHD medication and non-drug treatments.

This episode is about what helps. And why these young people are not broken, but in need of the right support, understanding and environments that recognise their strengths. 

In this episode
Neurodivergent burnout and masking
Anxiety, dysregulation and school refusal
When SSRIs can help
Why therapy needs to be tailored for those who are autistic, ADHD or AuDHD
Non-stimulant ADHD medication
The truth about the effects of sugar, food colouring, fish oils and brain training on ADHD symptoms
Is the information on TikTok trustworthy?

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

Anxiety, depression, chronic stress and low self-esteem are common co-occurring conditions for many neurodivergent young people. But are these struggles caused by neurodivergence itself, or by trying to fit into environments that don&rsquo;t work for them?
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Darryl-Lee Prince says not only is she seeing more school refusal and shutdown, but also more complex presentations. Among them, neurodivergent burnout.&nbsp;
Professor Dave Coghill unpacks what the evidence says about SSRIs, therapy, non-stimulant ADHD medication and non-drug treatments.
This episode is about what helps. And why these young people are not broken, but in need of the right support, understanding and environments that recognise their strengths.&nbsp;
In this episode
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Neurodivergent burnout and masking</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anxiety, dysregulation and school refusal</li>
<li aria-level="1">When SSRIs can help</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why therapy needs to be tailored for those who are autistic, ADHD or AuDHD</li>
<li aria-level="1">Non-stimulant ADHD medication</li>
<li aria-level="1">The truth about the effects of sugar, food colouring, fish oils and brain training on ADHD symptoms</li>
<li aria-level="1">Is the information on TikTok trustworthy?</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.