No Such Thing as Normal

Neurodivergent young people are more likely to question their gender identity, and it can be a confusing and confronting time. Not just for the individual, but also for their loved ones. The support and validation of families is vital, but many feel unprepared; struggling to even navigate things like the role of pronouns.  This episode gives some insight into the unique way a number of autistic and ADHD young people experience identity - including gender identity. Through deeply personal stories and expert insight, we look at how families can best support young people as they navigate this complex space, and how they can reframe it as a natural period of exploration. At the heart of this conversation is mental health. The statistics for those at this intersection are confronting, but responsibility for better outcomes extends beyond immediate families; it rests with society as a whole. Greater awareness of lived experience can help reduce stigma - and with it, much of the suffering. As can recognising the immense courage it takes to live authentically, especially when that identity sits outside societal norms. In this episode: Adolescence: a time of identity formation for all young people. The mental health risks and what can significantly reduce them The role of interoception in identity The reality for parents: Uncertainty, and the fear of ‘getting it wrong’. The impact of stigma, and what it feels like to navigate the world as non-binary or trans and neurodivergent Practical advice for parents: how to support without rushing or shutting things down Why authenticity isn’t a choice No Such Thing as Normal is made with support from NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do so many neurodivergent people struggle in the workplace; even when they are highly capable? In this episode, Sonia speaks to workplace strategist Rich Rowley about why modern workplaces value one narrow style of thinking, and how that can leave ADHD, autistic and dyslexic employees exhausted, ashamed and underperforming. Rich argues neurodivergent people are not simply workers who need accommodations and support; they’re an untapped valuable resource for organisations. Neurodivergent minds often excel at complex problem-solving, and workplace culture can either unlock or suppress that potential. Rich says that when organisations get this right, every metric improves - including the bottom line. Because true neuroinclusion benefits everyone. Guest: Rich Rowley  For more on Brainbadge go to ​​https://neurofusion.co.nz/ In this episode: Why ADHD, autistic and dyslexic employees often struggle in traditional workplaces The hidden toll of masking, burnout and “fitting in” at work Why neurodivergent people may excel at solving complex problems How businesses may be overlooking their most valuable thinkers The Values–Decisions Gap Why psychological safety is the foundation of true neuroinclusion How better workplace design can benefit all employees No Such Thing as Normal is made with support from NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isabella* is just 22, but she’d been living with severe contamination OCD for eight years. It had taken over her life - touching people, objects, even parts of her own home, felt dangerous. Every interaction came with a cost: hours of cleaning, sanitising and rituals. In this episode we follow Isabella’s story. From a life ruled by OCD to her experience with a revolutionary therapy: the Bergen 4 day Treatment (B4DT).   Over 100 thousand New Zealanders are estimated to suffer from OCD and access to treatment is difficult.  Thanks to the charity Open Closed Doors the B4DT had it’s first New Zealand trial in January of this year.  And the results were phenomenal.   Guests: Isabella* Dr Bjarne Hansen Dr Marthinus Bekker Emma Chapman Mihi Gillies   To find out more, or to support the charity go to Open Closed Doors.    Resources: Open Closed Doors. Fixate - FB group In this episode: Isabella’s story: what OCD feels like from the inside The hidden cost of OCD: intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the exhausting mental load Why OCD is so often misunderstood, and why logic alone doesn’t work The impact on families, relationships, and daily life The gold-standard treatment: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and its limitations The first New Zealand trial of the Bergen 4-day Treatment (B4DT) - an intensive four-day therapy Insights from co-founder Bjarne Hansen on anxiety, intention, and “cracking the code” Willingness:  the key predictor of recovery A strengths-based reframe of OCD: these traits are not weaknesses. “Don’t feed the cat”. Learning to respond differently to intrusive thoughts What recovery looks like in real life. Honest reflections on early recovery, the highs, the doubts, and what comes next Practical insights for parents and families: supporting without reinforcing OCD No Such Thing as Normal is made with support from NZ On Air  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADHD is being talked about more than ever.  But for many, life still feels harder than it should. Even with a diagnosis there can be a lingering sense of “Why is life still so difficult?” In this episode, Sonia speaks with ADHD coach Alex Campbell, to find out what we’re missing. Alex says ADHD brains are motivated by interest, not importance. But the world expects the opposite, and that’s the where issues arise. People often develop hidden systems to try to meet life’s demands - hypervigilance, hyper-independence and a harsh inner-critic.  But these come at a cost.  Their are high rates of burnout and exhaustion for those with ADHD. This conversation explores a different way forward: understanding how your brain works, and learning how to work with it, rather than constantly pushing against it. In this episode: How interest acts as the fuel for focus and executive function Why simple tasks can feel disproportionately hard to start How the brain creates stimulation when things feel boring Negative interest: why anxiety and urgency often become the default fuel The hidden coping systems (hypervigilance, masking, hyper-independence) The role of the inner critic The long-term cost: exhaustion, stress and burnout Internal vs external hyperactivity. ADHD and emotional intensity Spiky strengths: brilliant in some areas, challenged in others Practical ways to begin working with your ADHD brain, rather than against it The value of connection Identifying strengths, and using them to get activated Guest: Alex Campbell ADHD CoachAlex’s book ADHD… Now What? Is available here. Resources: VIA Character StrengthsADHD NZ No Such Thing as Normal is made with the support of NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sonia Gray speaks with 12-year-old Benjamin, whose extraordinary creativity sits alongside the challenges of dyslexia. His mother, Gretchen, reflects on the hidden effort behind his learning, and what changed when his strengths were recognised and understood. Dyslexia advocate Dean Bragonier returns, making the case that strengths-based education is not just better for individuals, but for society. He argues that when we fail to recognise neurodivergent strengths, we fail to realise that potential, along with the innovation and creativity that come with it. The Hyphen Project in Auckland offers a different model of learning for gifted and neurodivergent teenagers who have struggled in mainstream education. For 17-year-old Travis, who has ADHD, that shift has been life-changing. A talented digital artist, Travis couldn’t find his place in the traditional school system. He arrived at Hyphen in a mental health crisis — and found an environment that worked with his brain, not against it. In this episode: Strengths-based education in practice at The Hyphen Project ADHD, dyslexia and “spiky” learning profiles Why many neurodivergent students disengage from school The link between anxiety, mental health and learning The role of belonging in re-engaging young people How motivation changes when learning is built around strengths Real-world pathways for creative and neurodivergent thinkers The “opportunity cost” of overlooked potential This is a continuation of the previous episode, Strengths-based education: Unlocking the gifts, which explores how identifying strengths early can transform a child’s experience of learning.   Guests:  Dean Bragonier Noticeability Benjamin Gretchen Holly Gooch The Hyphen Project Travis   Resources: Dyslexia Foundation NZ    No Such Thing as Normal is made with the support of NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.