35. Neurodiversity in Aotearoa: How are we doing?

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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