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 Instagram
Dr Sarah Watson Totally Psyched

Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast

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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abbyhowellsplease/">Instagram</a> Dr Sarah Watson <a href="https://www.psyched.org.nz">Totally Psyched</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nosuchthingasnormalpodcast?igsh=MWRkMGppNm1hY292dg%3D%3D">Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast</a>

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.

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.

No Such Thing as Normal

Episode 16: Autism - Removing the Mask

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/42fabee0-069e-4d06-a1a0-b1e30035adf2/transcript

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

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) <a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/lOY6CVAGgpuv1ELxUGfEHEhpca?domain=tiktok.com">Tiktok</a> Fyfe and Amanda Hilary Mack <a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/41W1CWLJkOFkvQg5UxhKHo5Srg?domain=hilarymack.com">Hilary Mack Psychology</a>
Resources: <a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/6ZbxCXLKmxFJ3gyXUDixHWdcDs?domain=tourettes.org.nz">Tourette’s Association of NZ</a>
<a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/pWvQCYWLopi8PvJLtVsAHxctn6?domain=instagram.com">Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast</a>

Episode 23: The mystery of Tourette’s syndrome

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/fe3784c0-a0f8-4993-a778-b21b00df8b0d/transcript

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

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 <a href="http://janekjersten.co.nz">Jane Kjersten Therapist</a> 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nosuchthingasnormalpodcast?igsh=MWRkMGppNm1hY292dg%3D%3D">Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast</a>

Episode 22: The Spiral of Shame

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/608234cf-dfc4-4a8b-b053-b2140048deaf/transcript

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

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 <a href="https://bayleygarnham.co.nz/">bayley garnham – personal trainer</a> Elen Nathan <a href="https://theplayfulplace.co.nz/">The Playful Place</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nosuchthingasnormalpodcast?igsh=MWRkMGppNm1hY292dg%3D%3D">Instagram - No Such Thing as Normal Podcast</a>
Resources:  <a href="https://dyspraxia.org.nz/">Dyspraxia NZ</a>

Episode 21: What is Dyspraxia?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/950fe625-8e08-4023-bcd5-b20d0059fbad/transcript

Episode 16: Autism - Removing the Mask

In 1 playlist(s)

No Such Thing as Normal

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips