No Such Thing as Normal

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 Air
See 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 Air
See 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 Air
See 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 Air
See 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.