Listening to Families

This episode was recorded in November 2023.Visit our Website here: listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Supporting a child with ADHD at school can feel overwhelming, but understanding the right strategies and resources can make all the difference. In this episode, we bring together experts in education and mental health to answer real questions from families. They discuss how parents can advocate for their child, build strong communication with schools, and develop effective support plans like IEPs. Whether your navigating school challenges for the first time or looking for new strategies, this episode is packed with practical advice to help children with ADHD thrive in the classroom.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in May 2023.Visit our Website here: listeningtofamilies.co.nzADHD is often misunderstood, leaving many parents with more questions than answers. In this episode, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Matt Eggleston explains ADHD in simple terms, covering common concerns, medication options, and how ADHD can present differently in each child. Whether you're new to an ADHD diagnosis or looking for expert insights, this episode offers clear and reassuring guidance for families. This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in December 2022Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Toby, a secondary school student, shares some of the things he’s been wondering about with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Eggleston. Alongside fellow student Alydia and Learning Support Specialist Sarah Parder, they chat about brain overstimulation, sensory differences, getting distracted, curiosity, creativity, and why some people get support while others don’t.

This episode was recorded in July 2023Visit our Website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Alydia and her mother, Tracey, speak with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Eggleston. They ask key questions on behalf of young people and families—exploring why ADHD is often missed in girls, how it can present differently, and the supports available. Some topics include medication, co-occurring mental health conditions, and the impact of hormones.

This episode was recorded in November 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Shelley, a parent, speaks with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Eggleston about ADHD medication. They discuss the main types, how they work, and what families can expect, including side effects, the so-called “zombie effect,” interest in other remedies, reduced appetite, and growth concerns.

This episode was recorded in June 2024Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Sharlene, a parent of four neurodivergent children, talks with Social Worker Hania Wagenvoort and Educational Psychologist Jan Hassan from Christchurch Methodist Mission. They unpack the ADHD Parent Education Programme—what it covers, who it’s for, and how it helps parents understand ADHD, strengthen relationships, and build confidence in supporting their child.

This episode was recorded in November 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Year 9 Adviser and Learning Support Specialist Sarah Parder speaks with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matt Eggleston. They cover what ADHD signs can look like in the classroom, how to start conversations with whânau, ways to support executive function challenges, and strategies for helping with emotion regulation. They also explore why inattentive ADHD can be harder to spot—especially in girls.

This episode was recorded in July 2024.Visit our Website here: ⁠listeningtofamilies.co.nz⁠Sean McPherson, Consultant Haematologist, and Louise Sue, Clinical Nurse Specialist and AYA Key Worker, offer clinical insight into cancer in adolescents and young adults. Young people Nic, Toihi, and Mia share their lived experiences offering powerful perspectives on friendship, identity, and resilience during serious illness.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in July 2024.Visit our Website here: ⁠listeningtofamilies.co.nz⁠In this episode, Sharlene speaks with Emily Templeton, Public Health Nurse, and Aimee Mackey, Allergy & Eczema Clinical Nurse Specialist, both from Health NZ. They discuss how to recognise allergic reactions, use EpiPens, understand anaphylaxis, and manage safety at school. This is a practical guide for families navigating allergies day to day.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in May 2024.Visit our Website here: ⁠listeningtofamilies.co.nz⁠Teen anxiety can be challenging for both young people and their families. In this episode, Child and Adolescent Psychologists Fiona Prest and Jessica Caldwell discuss how anxiety presents in teenagers, the impact of social media, and key warning signs parents should watch for. They also provide strategies for supporting teens while promoting resilience, helping parents navigate conversations about self-harm, and knowing when professional help may be needed.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in September 2022.Visit our Website here: ⁠listeningtofamilies.co.nz⁠Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when does it become a concern? In this episode, Child and Adolescent Psychologist Fiona Prest and Clinical Team Leader Deb Bradshaw break down what childhood anxiety looks like, how to talk to your child about their worries, and when to seek additional support. Whether your child is experiencing occasional worries or more persistent anxiety, this episode offers helpful insights and practical strategies for parents.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This Episode was recorded in September 2022Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Gray and his father Lawrence share their experiences of living with anxiety in a Q&A with Clinical Psychologists Fiona Prest and Dr. Amy Edwards from Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Service. Together they explore what has helped Gray, including pacing expectations, mindfulness, self-compassion, and ways to support a healthier mindset.

This episode was recorded in August 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/James, a father, and Sue, his son’s grandmother, talk with Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service. They share their whânau’s journey—starting with seeking a diagnosis—and discuss engaging with organisations like Autism NZ, using the Hâpai Access Card, and the role Lifelinks played in accessing supports. They also reflect on navigating mainstream schooling, accessing ORS (Ongoing Resourcing Scheme) funding, and transitioning to a specialist school.

This episode was recorded in September 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Laura and her mother, Gabbi, are joined by Alison Schroeder, Speech and Language Therapist from Socially Speaking. They reflect on Laura’s journey from her initial diagnosis through to adulthood—covering putting supports in place, school life, managing sensory challenges, volunteering, and time management.

This episode was recorded in April 2023.Visit our Website here: ⁠listeningtofamilies.co.nz⁠Catherine Swan, Developmental Paediatrician, and Sharyn Gousmett, Educational Psychologist, share insights for families about the public and private pathways of getting a diagnosis. Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator, and Kim, parent join the conversation. Together they explore timelines, roles of different professionals, and what support looks like before and after diagnosis.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in June 2023.Visit our Website here: ⁠listeningtofamilies.co.nz⁠Michelle Skelton, Supervising Behaviour Specialist, and Sally Clayton, Autism Program Manager at Explore, explain how to access their services. They cover self-referral options, behavioural support, rural access, and how Explore works with schools. Former Autism Coordinator Helen Wagstaff and parent Kim also share reflections on their experiences.This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.

This episode was recorded in March 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Kim, a parent of autistic children, talks with Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service, about the different paths to diagnosis for each of her children. They explore how the autism journey can look different even within the same whânau, discuss the benefits of getting a diagnosis—or what some call a “label,” and share tips on helpful sources of support.

This episode was recorded in June 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Kim, a parent of autistic children, and Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service, are joined by Pene Maddock and Stacey Willis from Lifelinks. They explain how Needs Assessment and Service Coordination works in Canterbury, including supports like Carer Support, respite, and Individualised Funding, and how plans are tailored to each whânau’s needs. As of March 2024, some disability support services in New Zealand have changed. For the most up-to-date information, visit disabilitysupport.govt.nz.

This episode was recorded in June 2023Visit our website here: https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/Kim, a parent of autistic children, and Helen Wagstaff, former Autism Coordinator at the Child Development Service, speak with Tracy Rohan, former Principal Adviser Learning Support Canterbury, and Rachel Vink, Chief Advisor - Learning Support National, both from the Ministry of Education. They answer common family questions about accessing learning support in schools—covering Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS), teacher aide support, and school transitions—and clarify that a formal diagnosis isn’t always required.

This episode was recorded in August 2024.Visit our Website here: listeningtofamilies.co.nzShelley, a parent, talks with Laura Hay, Community Mental Health Nurse; Tisha Bradley, Clinical Manager and MH Nurse; and Maria Rusbridge, Pūkenga Atawhai. They explain what the CAF Access Team does, how to prepare for referrals, and what support is available, whether or not a child meets criteria for ongoing care.Disclaimer:This podcast shares personal stories and professional perspectives. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or educational advice. Some episodes include sensitive topics—listener discretion is advised. Please seek help from a qualified professional if needed.