520 days ago

Auditory Processing Disorder

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

This week’s speaker was Natalie Bryan, whose son Jackson suffers from Auditory Processing Disorder, or APD. Natalie is a multi-tasker who runs a tiling business with her husband, is a life coach, has two children, and recently has become an author and illustrator.

Jackson’s condition was first noticed when he was traumatised at a particularly noisy family day out. Essentially, APD means that sounds received by the ears are scrambled in the brain and lose much of their meaning. It varies in its effect and severity. Symptoms include tiredness and poor memory retention, and can lead to loss of self-confidence and behavioural problems. Up to 6% of children may be suffering from APD.

There is no cure for APD, but the brain can be trained to lessen its effects.

APD sufferers need support, and supporters need networks. Natalie decided to write, illustrate and publish a book (“JC the Bumble Bee”) in 2022 to describe Jackson’s journey. It lists resources available to the parents of APD sufferers.

Natalie played an audio simulation of what APD feels like, which was disturbing.

Natalie is an accomplished speaker and asked the club to help publicise and spread her new book to those who may need it.

She was kind enough to share her presentation which you can find here. JC_bumble_Bee_Presentation.pdf

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.1% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.1% Complete
  • 20.2% Small fireworks displays in each community
    20.2% Complete
  • 7.8% Keep it as is
    7.8% Complete
  • 32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    32.7% Complete
  • 10.8% Anything but fireworks
    10.8% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1724 votes
17 hours ago

Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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5 hours ago

Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Day

Olivia from Volunteer Wellington

We had a wonderful morning celebrating Te Whanganui-a-Tara volunteer managers at our International Volunteer Managers Day breakfast event.

It was inspiring to bring together local change-makers to discuss this year's theme: 'what's our future normal?' We shared reflections and aspirations for how we can play a role in shaping a stronger and brighter future for the voluntary sector.

Thank you so much to our generous sponsors Lighthouse Cinema, t leaf T, The Candle Shop, Wonderland Chocolate, Zealandia and Oat Cafe.

Amazing catering provided by Blue Carrot