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 [email protected]  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 [email protected].  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.

Trying to navigate the health and education systems is one of the biggest challenges for parents of neurodivergent kids. Where do you start? And where do you go next? We know that early intervention, particularly for Autism and Dyslexia, gives the best chance of a positive outcome. But getting the right support isn’t easy - particularly as parents often don’t know what they are looking for.  Sonia chats to her guests about the importance of early intervention, the need for a clear roadmap and how we can reduce the stigma that surrounds neurodiversity.  Facebook: Kids Wired Differently  Guests:  Ngaire and Waiaio  Victoria Girling-Butcher   Lucy Charles paediatricOT  Guy Pope-Mayell Dyslexia Foundation of NZ  Justine Munro Neurodiversity in Education    Resources:  Dyslexia Foundation of NZ  NZ Centre for Gifted Education  Autism NZ  ADHD NZ  4d.org.nz    Featured Song: Victoria Girling-Butcher The Giver and the Gift See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are 8 billion brains in the world...and they are 8 billion unique brains. We’re all different. So why are neurodivergent conditions (like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia) referred to as disorders? Are they really disorders? Or just different variations of normal?   Sonia chats to her guests about the value of neurodiversity, the strengths of unique brains and the challenge of trying to fit into a society that just isn’t built for you.   Guests:  Dani  Rich Rowley brainbadge.org  Anton Ashcroft divergenthinking.co.nz  Alex Campbell adhdalex.com  Lucy Charles paediatricot.nz  Scott Robertson (courtesy of Unlocking Potential a documentary by Elliot Jones).  Facebook: Kids Wired Differently See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.