At least 20% of New Zealanders are believed to be neurodivergent, but there is very little awareness, understanding and support for people with conditions such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia.
Sonia Gray has a neurodivergent daughter and is an ADHDer herself. In this 10-part series she’ll talk to dozens of experts and people with a lived-experience of neurodiversity to better understand how we can support and celebrate those whose brains are wired differently.
No Such Thing as Normal is brought to you by NZ Herald and Team Uniform, with support from NZ on Air. New episodes are available every Saturday.
In the past decade, neurodivergence has become far more visible in Aotearoa. But awareness is not the whole story - the real question is whether neurodivergent people and their whānau feel truly seen and understood.
There will always be gaps in services, funding and support. But not every change depends on a budget. Some begin with how we see neurodivergent people, how we listen to them, and whether we are willing to make room for who they really are.
This episode opens with a family getting ready for school. On the surface, it looks smooth. But for many neurodivergent families, the hardest parts are hidden - what the world sees is often only a fraction of what parents are managing.
We also hear from Raiha Tahuri, whose non-speaking autistic son Tomokia has taken his whānau on “a journey of self-reflection”, and opened their eyes to new ways of understanding communication, belonging and difference.
Autism researcher Dr Jessica Tupou joins the conversation to discuss how Te Ao Māori, mātauranga Māori and collective wellbeing could help shape a more inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming Aotearoa.
The challenges facing neurodivergent families are real, and the need for better support is undeniable. But if we focus solely on where the gaps are we risk missing what neurodivergent people have to teach us. This episode asks whether Aotearoa New Zealand is ready to build a society that recognises both the support they need and the gifts they bring.
In this episode:
The hidden reality behind a child who “looks fine” at school
The emotional and financial cost for parents in New Zealand when the system does not fit their child
Why meaningful change doesn’t always depend on funding
The unexpected gifts of listening to, and embracing, neurodivergence
The importance of Te Ao Māori perspectives in the way we understand difference
Why support needs to be culturally grounded
The advantages of being a small, interconnected country
What true neuro-inclusion could look like in Aotearoa
No Such Thing as Normal is made with support for NZ On Air
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8 May 2026
34. Mental health, medication and neurodivergent burnout
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 Air
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1 May 2026
33. What can science tell us about neurodivergent brains?
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 (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/fmhs/research/our-research-centres/fmhs-university-research-centres/cbr/support-cbr/donate.html)
No Such Thing as Normal is made with the support of NZ On Air
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
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