A children’s story podcast that highlights the traits young people may see in those with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia has launched in the UK.
Poppy and Zander in Zen Forest sees Poppy the Polar Bear and Zander the Gander being best friends and living unconventionally in a forest environment despite their animal types.
Written by award winning author Jimmy Docherty, produced by Omega-3 and 6 supplement brand Equazen, and aimed at four to seven-year-olds, Poppy and Zander take on five adventures in the series alongside guest animal friends including Big Andy the Stag, Lottie the Otter and Franco Squirelli.
EXPLORE
Instead of Zen Forest being a dark and scary place where animals creep around in the darkness, this forest is the opposite.
It is a large friendly forest where all children hear is laughter and is home to some more unusual animals and partnerships, including a polar bear and a goose exploring life together and navigating challenging adventures.
A spokesperson for Equazen who produced the series said: “The Poppy and Zander podcasts and downloadable books aim to challenge the norm for children at a young age to grow an understanding that friends may be different to you or other children may live or learn in a different way to you – and, most importantly, that people being different enhances the world we live in.
“This is to reflect neurodiverse children and families, with neurodiversity covering all those diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.”
EDUCATION
“Around one in five people in the UK has a neurodiverse condition, with many now diagnosed in childhood thanks to increased awareness amongst parents, schools and healthcare professionals of symptoms,” adds Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation.
“Therefore, it is so important that we teach children about neurodiversity at a young age to encourage an inclusive environment. Storytelling through podcasts and books such as Poppy and Zander in Zen Forest is a great way to teach children these important life lessons in a fun way.”
Equazen is a specially formulated range of Omega-3 with 6 supplements with products for all life stages. Its precise blend of Omega-3 DHA and EPA with Omega-6 GLA has been clinical proven to support brain health and development.
One study showed an improvement in children’s reading scores whilst taking Equazen supplementation, specifically in phonological decoding time and visual analysis time and children with attention problems particularly showed treatment benefits.
For more information on the five-part series or to listen now for free here. The storybooks are also available to download on the website.