No Such Thing as Normal

Anxiety, depression, chronic stress and low self-esteem are common co-occurring conditions for many neurodivergent young people. But are these struggles caused by neurodivergence itself, or by trying to fit into environments that don’t work for them? Child and adolescent psychiatrist Darryl-Lee Prince says not only is she seeing more school refusal and shutdown, but also more complex presentations. Among them, neurodivergent burnout.  Professor Dave Coghill unpacks what the evidence says about SSRIs, therapy, non-stimulant ADHD medication and non-drug treatments. This episode is about what helps. And why these young people are not broken, but in need of the right support, understanding and environments that recognise their strengths.  In this episode Neurodivergent burnout and masking Anxiety, dysregulation and school refusal When SSRIs can help Why therapy needs to be tailored for those who are autistic, ADHD or AuDHD Non-stimulant ADHD medication The truth about the effects of sugar, food colouring, fish oils and brain training on ADHD symptoms Is the information on TikTok trustworthy? No Such Thing as Normal is made with support from NZ ON AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you - or your child - is neurodivergent, it can often feel like the world doesn’t always take you seriously. The challenges might be huge, but they’re largely invisible, and often unpredictable.  So life can become a cycle of apologies and explanations. But advances in science are beginning to change this. In this episode we look at some of the important research happening here in Aotearoa. From brain imaging studies into ADHD, to genetic research revealing the biological pathways of autism. As these brain differences become measurable, the impact on individual lives is profound.   In this episode: What brain scans are revealing about ADHD and the role of movement Why those with ADHD struggle to hold two ideas in their mind at one time The emerging science behind the genetic basis of autism Why identifying specific genetic variants can be life-changing for families The ethical considerations of autism research, and why community involvement matters The importance of having a biological explanation for differences   Guests:   Dr Jessie Jacobsen and Dr Ruth Monk: Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland Dr Gil Newburn and Paul Condron:  Mātai Medical Research Institute   To support the work of the Centre for Brain Research click here    No Such Thing as Normal is made with the support of NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many women, perimenopause brings more than just hot flushes. The impact on their cognition and mood is so extreme it feels like the chair has been pulled out from under them.  Strategies that once held everything together stop working. Anxiety spikes, brain fog sets in, and confidence takes a hit. In this episode, Dr Rachael Sumner discusses why hormonal changes can hit ADHD brains harder  - not just in perimenopause, but throughout their lives.  And we look at why so many women are only discovering their ADHD in mid-life.  Research is still catching up, but this episode helps shed some light on a hidden struggle affecting thousands of women, and offers validation, understanding, and a way forward. In this episode: Why ADHD symptoms often worsen during perimenopause The role of estrogen in supporting dopamine and serotonin The link between ADHD and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)Why neurodivergent women may be more sensitive to hormonal shifts across the lifespan. Why so many women are diagnosed with ADHD in their 40s and 50s The collapse of coping strategies and ‘unmasking’  Separating ADHD symptoms from hormonal changes The mental health impact: including anxiety, burnout and emotional dysregulation Why research into women’s health is still lagging behind The power of connection, validation and being understood Guests Dr Rachael Sumner, Senior Research Fellow, University of Auckland Dr Jacqui Johnson, ADHD Coach Partnering with ADHD Fiona Winfield, ADHD Coach Fiona Winfield And a special thanks to the women from the workshop - When ADHD meets Menopause.  For more information on upcoming workshops go to A Hot Mess  No Such Thing as Normal is made with the support of NZ On AirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.