1026 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: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.9% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.9% Complete
  • 57.4% No, I enjoy it
    57.4% Complete
  • 1.7% Other - I'll share below
    1.7% Complete
1208 votes
2 days ago

Don't overthink this riddle...

The Neighboury Riddler

I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these 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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3 days ago

We're taking the bus!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.

Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.

It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.

It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.

With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?

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