Take It From Us with Kent Johns
Take It From Us is the voice of lived experience. In this podcast, you'll hear real people share honest stories about mental health, addiction, trauma and recovery - straight from their own journeys.
They'll tell you what actually worked, what didn't, and what they wish they'd known sooner.
Host Kent Johns is a former broadcaster-turned-health-coach who believes everyone has a story to tell if people take the time to really listen.
So settle in, you're going to hear some stories. Take it from us - and from them.
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If you need support, click here for helpful links, phone numbers and resources:
https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/
Take It From Us with Kent Johns
Chris Reidy & Di Langdon: Raising a child with FASD in New Zealand
Chris Reidy and Di Langdon have spent 20 years advocating for their son with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - a journey that started with multiple diagnoses and school refusals before finally getting the umbrella diagnosis of FASD at age 15. Their son's struggles with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and social difficulties led to isolation, bullying, and eventually self-harm and addiction.
The FASD diagnosis was relief and revelation - suddenly everything made sense. They learned "brain-first parenting," shifting from behavioural approaches to understanding their son's unique neurobiology. But in New Zealand, FASD isn't recognised as a disability, meaning no funding or support despite it being a lifelong condition. Chris and Di have had to find training overseas, fight schools for accommodations, and navigate health systems where professionals lack FASD knowledge. Their message: listen to families living with FASD, recognise it as a disability, and provide the support these children need to reach their potential.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text here!
If you need support, here are helpful links, phone numbers and resources: https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/
