Neurodivergence, Family and Faith

Hospitality can feel complicated in families with neurodivergent members, especially when routines, sensory needs, exhaustion, or unexpected changes make “normal” hosting difficult. This conversation explores how Christian hospitality can still be meaningful, flexible, and life-giving without copying what works for someone else.Relevant LinksNeurodiversity In The Family Of God Webinar - https://faithfulgod.net/webinar

How do you cope with being limited? In this episode, Dave and Kate explore the idea that perhaps being limited is not as bleak as it seems, but instead, it's woven into God's good design for our lives. This discussion stems from a chapter written by Kate in Parenting in God's Family, Volume 2, which can be ordered here.To find out more about our upcoming webinar, Neurodiversity in the Family of God, and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinarTo financially support this podcast, please donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalDave's Bible story podcasts are called Stories of a Faithful God and Stories of a Faithful God for Kids and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netMentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

When the breathing slows and things settle down, what happens next? Kate and Dave delve into the critical aftermath of a meltdown, emphasizing the importance of recovery and communication with loved ones. They explore how to recognize the signs that indicate a person is transitioning out of a meltdown and the significance of being supportive during this vulnerable time. They stress the need for open conversations with children about their feelings and the events leading up to the meltdown, fostering a sense of teamwork and understanding. They return to the theme of God's faithfulness, remembering that God is with us in every moment.To financially support this podcast, please donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalDave's Bible story podcasts are called Stories of a Faithful God and Stories of a Faithful God for Kids and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netMentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Dr. Kim Hoa Rogers joins the show to dive into the complexities of supporting the medical needs of neurodivergent children. With her unique perspective as both a medical practitioner and a parent of neurodivergent kids, she shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the often-challenging experience of medical appointments. The conversation centers on practical strategies parents can employ to ease their children's anxiety before and during doctor visits, emphasizing the importance of preparation and communication. Dr. Rogers also shares how the gospel impacts their family and the way she parents.The links Kim refers to in can be found here:https://www.rch.org.au/be-positive/Jazz_and_Rocco/A_child_s_guide_to_hospital/https://www.starlight.org.au/about-us/our-stories/guide-to-visiting-the-doctor/https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-patients-and-visitors/Social-storieshttps://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/social-storieshttps://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years?language=enTo financially support this podcast, please donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalDave's Bible story podcasts are called Stories of a Faithful God and Stories of a Faithful God for Kids and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netMentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

When our neurodivergent kids find comfort in everything staying the same, how do we help them navigate the inevitable big changes in life? In this episode, Kate and Dave discuss the challenges of facing major moments like moving house, changing school or church, or even leaving a country. They talk through practical tips for how to help kids through each stage of the change, as well as how to keep the God who never changes central to all we do. Join our growing community for this first episode of season 2.To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalDave's Bible story podcasts are called Stories of a Faithful God and Stories of a Faithful God for Kids and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netCitationsDeci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.Lerner, M. D., Gurba, A. N., & Gassner, D. L. (2023). A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(9), 503–504.Niemiec, C. P., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). Autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the classroom: Applying self-determination theory to educational practice. Theory and Research in Education, 7(2), 133–144.Nuske, H. J., McGhee Hassrick, E., Bronstein, B., Hauptman, L., Aponte, C., Levato, L., Stahmer, A., D. S., Mundy, P., Kasari, C., & Smith, T. (2019). Broken bridges—New school transitions for students with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review on difficulties and strategies for success. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 23(2), 306–325.Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1986). Towards a comprehensive model of change. In W. R. Miller & N. Heather (Eds.), Treating addictive behaviours: Processes of change. Plenum Press.Quill, K. A., & Stansberry Brusnahan, L. L. (2017). Do-watch-listen-say: Social and communication intervention for autism spectrum disorder (2nd ed.). Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. FPG Child Development Institute.Wehmeyer, M. L. (2020). The importance of self-determination to the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusion, 8(2), 89–98.Webster, A., Bruck, S., & Saggers, B. (2022). Supporting self-determination of autistic students in transitions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 128, Article 104301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104301Mentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Should we adapt our homes for our neurodivergent children, or does that just make them unable to cope with life outside the home? Dave and Kate delve into this crucial topic, arguing that such adaptations can actually enhance resilience rather than weaken it. They explore the delicate balance parents must strike between reducing triggers at home and preparing children for the realities of the outside world. With insights from research, they emphasize that an adapted environment can significantly lower anxiety levels, allowing children to develop emotional awareness and coping skills.To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalDave's Bible story podcasts are called Stories of a Faithful God and Stories of a Faithful God for Kids and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netCitationsAttwood, T. (n.d.). The impact of anxiety on daily life. Attwood & Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/autism-the-impact-of-anxiety-on-daily-lifeBaiden, K. M., Williams, Z. J., Schuck, R. K., et al. (2025). The social validity of behavioral interventions: Seeking input from autistic adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55, 1172– 1186. Chellappa, S. L., & Aeschbach, D. (2022). Sleep and anxiety: From mechanisms to interventions. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 61, 101583. Fountain, C., Winter, A. S., Cheslack-Postava, K., & Bearman, P. S. (2023). Developmental Trajectories of Autism. Pediatrics (Evanston), 152(3), 1Dundon, R. (2024). A therapist’s guide to neurodiversity affirming practice with children and young people. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.Grant, R. J., et al. (2021). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and organizations. Taylor & Francis Group.Hull, L., Mandy, W., Lai, M. C., Baron-Cohen, S., Allison, C., Smith, P., & Petrides, K. V. (2019). Development and validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 819–833. Mouton-Odum, S., & Golomb, R. G. (2021). Helping your child with sensory regulation: Skills to manage the emotional and behavioral components of your child’s sensory processing challenges. New Harbinger Publications.Raymaker, D. M., Teo, A. R., Steckler, N. A., Lentz, B., Scharer, M., Delos Santos, A., & Nicolaidis, C. (2020). “Having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew”: Defining autistic burnout. Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), 1–12. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.Vasa, R. A., Keefer, A., McDonald, R. G., Hunsche, M. C., & Kerns, C. M. (2020). A scoping review of anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 13(11), 2038–2057. Wehmeyer, M. L., Bersani, H., & Gagne, R. (2000). Riding the third wave: Self-determination and self- advocacy in the 21st century. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 15, 106–115. Wehmeyer, M. L., & Smith, T. E. C. (2012). Promoting self-determination and social inclusion: A review of research-based practices. In D. Zager, M. Wehmeyer, & R. L. Simpson (Eds.), Educating students with autism spectrum disorders (pp. 246–261). Routledge.Mentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Have you ever found church hard? Kate and Dave delve into the vital topic of how churches can more effectively love and support families with additional needs. They explore practical strategies that can create an inclusive environment, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion within church communities. Both Kate and Dave highlight the necessity of flexibility and listening, rather than imposing rigid expectations on families. They share poignant stories that illustrate the impact of love and community support, underscoring that everyone should feel like they belong. This episode serves as a heartfelt call to action for churches to embrace diversity and foster a welcoming atmosphere for all families, ensuring that love remains at the core of their mission.Takeaways: Kate and Dave emphasize the importance of churches being aware of, and responsive to, the unique needs of families with additional needs, particularly neurodivergent individuals. They discuss how churches often unintentionally cater to typical experiences, which can alienate those who do not fit that mold. The speakers share personal stories illustrating the impact of showing love and understanding in church settings, which can make a significant difference for families. Dave reflects on the balance between maintaining church traditions and being flexible enough to accommodate diverse needs within the congregation. Both speakers advocate for ongoing conversations about supporting individuals with additional needs, stressing that love and understanding should be at the core of church interactions. Visit our website hereTo financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalDave's Bible story podcasts are called Stories of a Faithful God and Stories of a Faithful God for Kids and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netMentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Kate and Dave dive into the complexities surrounding anxiety in neurodivergent children, particularly focusing on the role of the amygdala in their emotional responses. They discuss how neurodivergent people may experience heightened anxiety due to their brain interpreting everyday stimuli as threats, triggering a fight, flight, or freeze response. Kate and Dave offer insights into how parents and carers can support children by collaboratively reducing or mitigating triggers and incorporating strategies to regulate through the stress response.Ultimately, they highlight the importance of compassion and understanding as parents equip their neurodivergent children with strategies to face the world with confidence.Takeaways:· Neurodivergent children often experience heightened anxiety due to their unique brain processing, impacting their daily lives. · The amygdala plays a key role in interpreting stimuli, more often naming stimuli as threats in many neurodivergent people. · Ongoing exposure to triggers can raise baseline anxiety levels in neurodivergent people, making it vital for parents and carers to understand their experiences.· Reducing and mitigating triggers can reduce the frequency of the threat response.· Developing strategies for emotional regulation is vital for helping neurodivergent children navigate daily challenges and reduce anxiety. Visit our website hereTo financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalThis podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netTo continue thinking about meltdowns, see Kate's 3-part series of articles here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/neurodivergent-meltdowns-part-1CitationsAndrews, D. S., Aksman, L., Kerns, C. M., Lee, J. K., Winder-Patel, B. M., Harvey, D. J., Waizbard-Bartov, E., Heath, B., Solomon, M., Rogers, S. J., Altmann, A., Nordahl, C. W., & Amaral, D. G. (2022). Association of Amygdala Development With Different Forms of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biological Psychiatry (1969), 91(11), 977–987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.016 - This study shows that in autism, differences in amygdala development are linked to higher anxiety.Attwood, T. (n.d.). The impact of anxiety on daily life. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/autism-the-impact-of-anxiety-on-daily-lifeCitkowska-Kisielewska, A., Rutkowski, K., Sobański, J. A., Dembińska, E., & Mielimąka, M. (2019). Anxiety symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Psychiatria Polska, 53(4), 845–864. https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/105378Vasa, R. A., Keefer, A., McDonald, R. G., Hunsche, M. C., & Kerns, C. M. (2020). A scoping review of anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 13, 2038–2057. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2358Tottenham, N., Hertzig, M. E., Gillespie-Lynch, K., Gilhooly, T., Millner, A. J., & Casey, B. J. (2014). Elevated amygdala response to faces and gaze aversion in autism spectrum disorder. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 9(1), Article nst050. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nst050 – This study found that autistic participants often had heightened amygdala responses to faces, especially neutral ones, and tended to avoid eye contact as a way of managing that over-arousal.Mentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Today’s discussion revolves around the intricate world of sensory processing differences, an essential topic for families with neurodivergent children. Kate and Dave dive into how sensory experiences can significantly affect children's ability to enjoy outings, such as trips to the zoo or playgrounds, often leading to unexpected meltdowns. They emphasize the importance of understanding how children process sensory information differently, which can help parents provide better support and foster loving environments. The conversation highlights practical strategies for parents to identify and accommodate their children's sensory needs, ultimately promoting resilience and well-being. By exploring these differences, they aim to empower families to navigate the complexities of sensory experiences with curiosity and creativity.Takeaways: Understanding sensory processing differences is crucial for supporting neurodivergent children effectively. Parents often misinterpret sensory overload as misbehavior, leading to confusion and frustration. Sensory experiences are unique to each child, highlighting the need for personalized approaches and adaptations. Creating a supportive home environment helps children recharge, preparing them for the outside world. Being curious and collaborative with children about their sensory experiences can lead to better communication and understanding. Parents should observe their children's reactions to various sensory inputs to identify both draining and energizing stimuli.Visit our website at https://www.faithfulgod.net/show/neurodivergence-family-and-faith/To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalThis podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netFind the chart/table we mentioned in the podcast here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-sensitivities-in-our-neurodivergentFor more information on sensory processing differences, see Kate's article here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-sensitivities-in-our-neurodivergentTo keep thinking about resilience and adapted homes, read Kate's article here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/creating-an-adapted-homeCitations:Attwood, T. (n.d.). The impact of anxiety on daily life. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/autism-the-impact-of-anxiety-on-daily-lifeAttwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023). Autistic girls and women [Webcast event]. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.comAccessed August 2023: attwoodandgarnettevents.comBeardon, L. (2023). Demystifying autism and overstimulation [Video]. BBC. https://youtu.be/-1aTVfKstrs (This video is a helpful look at depleting and replenishing stimuli.)Chellappa, S. L., & Aeschbach, D. (2022). Sleep and anxiety: From mechanisms to interventions. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 61, 101583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101583Citkowska-A, K., Rutkowski, K., Sobański, J. A., Dembińska, E., & Mielimąka, M. (2019). Anxiety symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Psychiatria Polska, 53(4), 845–864. https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/105378Grant, R. J., et al. (2021). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and organizations (pp. 104–107). Taylor & Francis Group.Vasa, R. A., Keefer, A., McDonald, R. G., Hunsche, M. C., & Kerns, C. M. (2020). A scoping review of anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 13(11), 2038–2057. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2412Webster, A. A., Saggers, B., & Carrington, S. (2021). Inclusive teaching for students on the autism spectrum. In S. Carrington, B. Saggers, K. Harper-Hill, & M. Whelan (Eds.), Supporting students on the autism spectrum in inclusive schools: A practical guide to implementing evidence-based approaches (pp. 47–57). Routledge. (To assess any given environment, the Webster framework can be a useful guideline but should be adapted according to categories that are impactful for the individual neurodivergent child.)Mentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Today, we’re diving into wonderful world of God’s comfort for parents of neurodivergent kids. We’ve all felt that overwhelming mix of joy and challenge that comes with raising children who see the world a bit differently, and we’re here to explore how faith plays a huge role in that journey. Kate and Dave will share their insights on how God knows and loves our kids and us, meaning we're never alone as we navigate this path.Takeaways: In our first episode, we explore how God's comfort can guide parents of neurodivergent kids, offering reassurance and support. We discuss the importance of community and how neurodivergence can enrich our understanding of God's creation, enjoying the benefits of differences. Kate and Dave share their personal journeys as parents of neurodivergent children, emphasizing the need for practical tips and biblical perspectives in navigating challenges. The episode highlights Psalm 139 to remind us that God knows our children intimately, which brings comfort in our parenting journey. We also look at 1 Corinthians 12 to discover that difference is at the core of how Christ is building his church. We dive into the significance of language in discussing neurodivergence, acknowledging that terms evolve and it's crucial to show grace as we speak and listen. Next week, we’ll tackle ‘Spoon Theory’ and how understanding energy management is vital for supporting neurodivergent children and maintaining our own well-being.Visit our website at https://www.faithfulgod.net/show/neurodivergence-family-and-faith/To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary NormalThis podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.netThe Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.Mentioned in this episode:Neurodiversity and the Family of God WebinarTo find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar