No Such Thing as Normal

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.

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.

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.

The parents of kids with neurodifferences face multiple challenges. But while navigating a broken system is exhausting, the constant scrutiny of your parenting can be worse.

In this episode, Sonia talks to TVNZ’s 1News at 6 presenter, Melissa Stokes and Newstalk ZB Host, Francesca Rudkin about advocating for their children.

And researcher Willow Sainsbury, explains why the go-to suggestion of ‘parenting courses’ can be so distressing for parents.

Parenting a neurodivergent child is wonderful, but it’s challenging.  Often, it can feel like the only people who understand are other parents on the same road.

In this episode, Sonia talks to Francesca Rudkin, who had to navigate life with a daughter in crisis, before ADHD was identified.

We meet members of the ‘Dad’s Autism Support Group’ in Auckland who all have kids with high-needs on the autism spectrum. They say connecting with each other regularly, and sharing the highs - and the lows - has been invaluable.

And educational psychologist, Willow Sainsbury, talks about the experience for parents getting a diagnosis and support.  The main theme of her research study was ‘the battle’.