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: 

Kimberley Crossman

Dr Ruth Gibbons www.ruth-gibbons.com

Vanessa Victor Remarkable Minds

Helen Armiger

Ruby Armiger

Elliot Jones Unlocking Potential

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: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWTiDdjuFfQ">Unlocking Potential</a> 
Guests:  
Kimberley Crossman 
Dr Ruth Gibbons <a href="https://www.ruth-gibbons.com/">www.ruth-gibbons.com</a> 
Vanessa Victor <a href="https://remarkableminds.org/">Remarkable Minds</a> 
Helen Armiger 
Ruby Armiger 
Elliot Jones <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWTiDdjuFfQ">Unlocking Potential</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 9: Rethinking Dyslexia

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 gives a brave insight into her OCD. And we hear from some of the many people and groups who are driving change in the neurodiversity space. 

Guests: 

Poppy Armiger 

Helena Armiger 

Jock Matthews Rojolie Clinic

Professor David Coghill AADPA

Darrin Bull  

Jo Charman Autism NZ

Tanya Blakey Autism NZ

Susan Haldane Mind Over Manner

Rich Rowley Brain Badge



Facebook: Kids Wired Differently

Instagram: nosuchthingasnormalpodcast



Resources OCD:  

OCD NZ

Fixate Facebook Group



Other Resources: 

ADHD NZ

Autism NZ

Dyslexia NZ

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 gives a brave insight into her OCD. And we hear from some of the many people and groups who are driving change in the neurodiversity space. 
Guests: 
Poppy Armiger 
Helena Armiger 
Jock Matthews <a href="http://rojolie.co.nz/">Rojolie Clinic</a> 
Professor David Coghill <a href="http://aadpa.com.au/">AADPA</a> 
Darrin Bull  
Jo Charman <a href="https://autismnz.org.nz/">Autism NZ</a> 
Tanya Blakey <a href="https://autismnz.org.nz/">Autism NZ</a> 
Susan Haldane <a href="http://mindovermanner.co.nz/">Mind Over Manner</a> 
Rich Rowley <a href="http://brainbadge.org/">Brain Badge</a> 
 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/549538313598068">Kids Wired Differently</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nosuchthingasnormalpodcast/?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg%3D%3D">nosuchthingasnormalpodcast</a> 
 
Resources OCD:  
<a href="http://ocd.org.nz/">OCD NZ</a> 
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/533606270318161/">Fixate Facebook Group</a> 
 
Other Resources: 
<a href="http://adhd.org.nz/">ADHD NZ</a> 
<a href="https://autismnz.org.nz/">Autism NZ</a> 
<a href="https://www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz/">Dyslexia NZ</a>

Episode 10: A Broader Definition of Normal

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 who has radically changed his parenting style to support his ADHD/Autistic children.  And we hear from neurodivergent people about what causes a meltdown and what the experience feels like for them. 

Guests: 

Rob Newlove Parenting Unique Children

Sophie Newlove

Matt Frost

Nick Marsh

Lucy Charles Paediatric OT

Dani

Sharyn Gousmett  Willow Corner

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 who has radically changed his parenting style to support his ADHD/Autistic children.  And we hear from neurodivergent people about what causes a meltdown and what the experience feels like for them. 
Guests:  
Rob Newlove <a href="https://www.willowcorner.co.nz/parenting-unique-children">Parenting Unique Children</a> 
Sophie Newlove 
Matt Frost 
Nick Marsh 
Lucy Charles <a href="http://paediatricot.nz/">Paediatric OT</a> 
Dani 
Sharyn Gousmett  <a href="https://www.willowcorner.co.nz/">Willow Corner</a>

Episode 8: The Mechanics of a Meltdown

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 are very real, and they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.  

In this episode, we look at ways we can work with the ADHD brain - rather than against it - by identifying the many strengths of ADHD. And Sonia chats to broadcaster Hayley Holt about her experience as a late-diagnosed ADHDer.  

Guests: 
Dr. Sarah Watson Totally Psyched 

Hayley Holt 
David Coghill AADPA
Rich Rowley Brain Badge
Alex Campbell  

Resources: ADHD NZ

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 are very real, and they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.  
In this episode, we look at ways we can work with the ADHD brain - rather than against it - by identifying the many strengths of ADHD. And Sonia chats to broadcaster Hayley Holt about her experience as a late-diagnosed ADHDer.  
Guests: Dr. Sarah Watson <a href="https://www.psyched.org.nz/">Totally Psyched </a> 
Hayley Holt David Coghill <a href="https://aadpa.com.au/">AADPA</a> Rich Rowley <a href="https://www.brainbadge.org/">Brain Badge</a> Alex Campbell  
Resources: <a href="http://adhd.org.nz/">ADHD NZ</a>

Episode 9: Rethinking Dyslexia

In 1 playlist(s)

No Such Thing as Normal

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips