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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 - Specialist Education Services 

Tom Little Pukare Cards 

Anna Coleman 

Helen McDonald 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Aotearoa, we pride ourselves on our inclusive education system.  But is that really the experience for kids who are Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic or Gifted? Over two episodes we ask: Is our education system really meeting the needs of neurodivergent children, their families and the teachers that support them?  

Sonia talks to students, parents and specialist teachers about their experiences in the education system, and what they think works best for children who learn differently. 

Facebook:  Kids Wired Differently 

Guests: 

Rich Rowley  brainbadge.org 

Maximiliano Pierret Massey University 

Helen McDonald Include Me - Specialist Education Services 

Sarah Hinchey sarah.hinchey@pg.canterbury.ac.nz 

Kimi Cotter 

Sarah Hinchey is a PhD candidate at Canterbury University. She is doing a research study on reading comprehension and multisensory integration in autistic children. Sarah is currently recruiting participants aged 8-12 years, autistic and neurotypical, in the Canterbury region and Auckland. 

The method involves a wireless EEG system that measures the electrical activity in the brain. EEG is a harmless and objective method which can provide crucial information on how these amazing brains process reading material. This will enable the development of a strengths-based reading support strategy specific for autistic learners. 

If you are interested in taking part you can email Sarah at sarah.hinchey@pg.canterbury.ac.nz. 

More information can be found at this FB page: UCSpeechLab 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is growing awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent profiles like ADHD, autism and dyslexia. But even with a diagnosis, accommodations and support, the world can be an unfriendly place for people whose brains are wired differently. 

Sonia chats to her guests about the importance of belonging, what ‘bad behaviour’ is really telling us and asks, “does ‘normal’ really exist?” 

Guests: 

Jock Matthews Rojolie Clinic 

Sue Haldane Mind Over Manner 

Raewyn Heays ADHD NZ 

Jane Yee 

Joey 

Kimi and Ihaka 

Resources: 

Dyslexia Foundation of NZ 

NZ Centre for Gifted Education 

Autism NZ 

ADHD NZ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting a diagnosis is complicated, and not just because of the long waiting lists.  

There is so much to consider: Do you want your child – or yourself - to have a label? How will friends and family members react? Is the diagnosis the right one? 

The process is made more difficult because it’s not an exact science - there is no blood test or scan for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or any of the other diagnoses. In this episode, Sonia talks to experts who carry out assessments for the various conditions. And we hear from people who have gone through the diagnostic process - and come out the other side.  

Guests: 

Ngaire 

Kartini Clarke 

Rachel Barrow 

Mike Hall 

Lucy Charles paediatricOT 

Dr Jamie Speeden Growing Pains 

Anton Ashcroft divergenthinking.co.nz 

Dr Jemila Chadwick Kidz Therapy 

Resources: 

Dyslexia Foundation of NZ 

NZ Centre for Gifted Education 

Autism NZ 

ADHD NZ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.