Discover more about Jesus Club and how you could start a Jesus Club at your church at jesusclub.org.au.

To find out more about our upcoming webinar and to book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

Dave'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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

To find out more about our upcoming webinar, Neurodiversity in the Family of God, and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Article by Kate: Parents of Neurodivergent Children Need Support To

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 Normal

Dave'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.net

Citations:

To read the article by Mary Doherty: Doherty, M. (2025). My autistic meltdown: The impact of autistic sensory needs. The Lancet, 405(10487), 1332–1333.

Attwood, T. (2022, February 19). Ask Dr Tony – February 2022 [Video]. YouTube. Autism Hangout.

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (n.d.). Managing an autistic meltdown. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/managing-an-autistic-meltdown-by-prof-tony-attwood-and-dr-michelle-garnett/

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023, July 17). Autism for parents and carers [Video]. Attwood and Garnett Events

Gaventa, W. C. (2018). Disability and spirituality: Recovering wholeness. Baylor University Press.

Grant, R. J., Barboa, L., Luck, J., & Obrey, E. (2021). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and organizations (1st ed.). Routledge.

Hallowell, E. (2022, April 15). Anger management for children with ADHD. ADDitude Magazine.

Hallowell, E. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2021). ADHD 2.0: New science and essential strategies for thriving with distraction—from childhood through adulthood (1st ed.). Ballantine Books

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.

Knight, J., & Steward, R. (2020, April 23). Meltdowns and shutdowns [Podcast episode]. In 1800 seconds on autism. BBC.

Larkey, S. (n.d.). Making it a success: Teaching and behaviour support strategies for students with an autism spectrum disorder [Online course]. Sue Larkey eLearning. https://elearning.suelarkey.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sue-Larkey-Online-Course-Handouts.pdf

O’Nions, E., Happé, F., Evers, K., Boonen, H., & Noens, I. (2018). How do parents manage irritability, challenging behaviour, non-compliance and anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders? A meta-synthesis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(4), 1272–1286.

Pearson, A., & Rose, K. (2021). A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: Understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 52–60.

Phung, J., Penner, M., Pirlot, C., & Welch, C. (2021). What I wish you knew: Insights on burnout, inertia, meltdown, and shutdown from autistic youth. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 741421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741421

Reframing Autism. (n.d.). All about autistic meltdowns: A guide for allies. Retrieved September 2024, from https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-meltdowns-a-guide-for-allies

Rudy, L. J. (2024). How autistic meltdowns differ from ordinary temper tantrums. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-autistic-meltdown-260154

Soden, P. A., Bhat, A., Anderson, A. K., & Friston, K. (2025). The meltdown pathway: A multidisciplinary account of autistic meltdowns. Psychological Review, 132(5), 1209–1240. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000543

Webster, 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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-stories

https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/social-stories

https://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=en

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 Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

Dave'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.net

Citations

Deci, 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.2022.104301

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

They explore how families can navigate the overwhelming and unpredictable nature of the holiday season, discussing personal traditions and the various ways they celebrate. They emphasize the significance of intentionality in creating a joyful Christmas atmosphere, while also recognising that not everyone experiences the holidays in the same way.

The Advent devotions written by Janice Whittingham can be found here.

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

Dave'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.net

Citations

Attwood, 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-life

Baiden, 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), 1

Dundon, 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 Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

Dave'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.net

See also Kate’s articles on sensory kits here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-kits

https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/the-invisible-sensory-kit

 For a free download of the Invisible Sensory Kit, visit our Resource Page here - https://www.faithfulgod.net/show/neurodivergence-family-and-faith/p/resources/

A note on EARPLUGS from Kate: Earplugs can come in a range of strengths:

Flare Calmer Kids have soft earplugs that flatten soundwaves somewhat and block just 10dB of sound. This can reduce buzzing in the ears without blocking sounds they want to hear. 

Loops earplugs have a range of strengths, they come with several sizes to adjust to fit the ears, these are also useful for sleeping in. 

Curvd have a range of strengths and also come with multiple sizes. Extra Small heads must be purchased separately, unfortunately. These are also designed for sleep. 

Quies wax plugs can be shaped to fit the ear, which takes some practice, but ends up giving the highest dB rating, though they need replacing often. These are better for older kids who can adjust them themselves.

We’ve found that many cheaper brands hurt delicate ears fairly quickly, so these are the brands we prefer. (We’re not sponsored by any.)

For the study Dr Katy Unwin: Unwin refers to: Unwin, K., & van Ommen, A. L. (2024). Autistic and Non-Autistic Experience of the Sensory Aspects of the Church Service. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 52(4), 410-425. https://doi.org/10.1177/00916471241266810

Citations

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023). Autistic girls and women [Webcast]. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com

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-life

Baiden, K. M. P., Williams, Z. J., Schuck, R. K., Dwyer, P., & Wang, M. (2025). The social validity of behavioral interventions: Seeking input from autistic adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(4), 1172–1186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06297-3 There is a lot of research into this, but this paper is great because it consults autistic adults on the matter.

Citkowska-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/105378

Grant, R. J., Barboa, L., Luck, J., & Obrey, E. (n.d.). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and communities.

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.2393

Webster, 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.

Wolfberg, P., & Buron, K. D. (Eds.). (2024). Learners on the autism spectrum: Preparing educators and related practitioners (3rd ed., pp. 82–84). Routledge.

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 here

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

Dave'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.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

The discussion focuses on the sensory barriers that often hinder autistic individuals from engaging in church activities, highlighting the significant findings from Katy's recent research on this topic. She emphasizes that understanding these challenges is essential for fostering an inclusive community where all members can thrive. The trio delves into practical solutions, such as helping neurodivergent people to have some level of control, creating sensory roadmaps and encouraging flexibility within church settings to meet diverse needs. They tackle the complexity of accommodating differing sensory preferences, ultimately advocating for a church environment that welcomes everyone.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Dr. Katy Unwin discusses both the sensory barriers and sensory enjoyment that autistic individuals may experience when engaging with church, emphasizing the positive impacts of awareness and accommodation.
• The conversation highlights the importance of control over sensory environments for autistic people, as it can significantly enhance their engagement and sense of community.
• Katy’s findings suggest that both autistic and neurotypical individuals appreciate certain sensory aspects of church services, indicating a shared enjoyment that can be leveraged to create inclusive environments.
• The podcast encourages parents to advocate for their neurodivergent children in church settings, offering practical strategies to communicate sensory needs to church leaders effectively.
• Throughout their discussion, the importance of creating sensory roadmaps for church services is emphasized, allowing families to prepare for the sensory experiences they may encounter.
• Finally, the speakers stress the need for churches to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance, enabling all members to participate without feeling overwhelmed or excluded.

Links referenced in this episode:

• autismchurch.com

Visit our website here

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 here

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net

To continue thinking about meltdowns, see Kate's 3-part series of articles here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/neurodivergent-meltdowns-part-1

Citations

Andrews, 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-life

Citkowska-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/105378

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, 2038–2057. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2358

Tottenham, 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 Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Takeaways:

• The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding sensory processing differences to help neurodivergent children manage their environments effectively.
• Kate and Dave highlighted how attention differences can manifest in both rejuvenating and draining ways for neurodivergent individuals, impacting their daily experiences.
• They stressed the significance of predictability in routines for neurodivergent children, as it provides comfort and reduces anxiety about unexpected events.
• The speakers shared insights into the social experiences of neurodivergent children, particularly how they may appear fine outwardly while struggling internally during social interactions.

Visit our website here

To financially support this podcast, donate at our GoFundMe page here.

To read helpful articles from Kate, head to her Substack page, An Extraordinary Normal

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net

Citations:

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023, July 17). Exploring friendship in high school [Video]. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com

Kunchulia, M., Tatishvili, T., Parkosadze, K., Lomidze, N., & Thomaschke, R. (2020). Children with autism spectrum disorder show increased sensitivity to time-based predictability. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 66(3), 214–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2018.1564447

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. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2019.0079

Wolfberg, P., & Buron, K. D. (Eds.). (2024). Learners on the autism spectrum : preparing educators and related practitioners (Third edition.). Routledge.

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net

Find the chart/table we mentioned in the podcast here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-sensitivities-in-our-neurodivergent

For more information on sensory processing differences, see Kate's article here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-sensitivities-in-our-neurodivergent

To keep thinking about resilience and adapted homes, read Kate's article here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/creating-an-adapted-home

Citations:

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-life

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023). Autistic girls and women [Webcast event]. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com

Accessed August 2023: attwoodandgarnettevents.com

Beardon, 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.2021.101583

Citkowska-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/105378

Grant, 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.2412

Webster, 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 Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Takeaways:

• In this episode, they discuss the concept of energy management for neurodivergent children, emphasizing how understanding energy input and output can improve their daily life.
• They introduce the spoon theory as a metaphor for measuring energy levels, explaining that everyone has a different number of spoons to spend each day based on various factors.
• Kate and Dave highlight the importance of recognizing what activities drain energy and which ones replenish it, fostering a better understanding among parents and children.
• They encourage parents to have conversations with their children about their energy levels, helping them identify what costs spoons and what can help refill them effectively.
• The episode stresses that neurodivergent individuals may experience energy depletion differently than neurotypical individuals, making it crucial to tailor support to each child's unique needs.
• Finally, they suggest practical strategies for replenishing energy, such as physical activities and sensory experiences, to help children manage their energy better throughout the day.

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 Normal

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net

The idea of energy accounting was pioneered by Maya Toudal and Professor Tony Attwood. It's a valuable concept that delves deeper than the Spoon Theory. In this video, Prof. Attwood dives into a detailed method of keeping track of energy. Look up on Youtube ‘Ask Dr Tony – February 2022’ (from 27 minutes for energy accounting).

For the perspectives of two adults on the usefulness of Spoon Theory, see Podcast 1800 Seconds on Autism, Episode “Turn Down the Studio Lights”, BBC, November 2018.

Exhaustion for neurodivergent people: L Hull, W Mandy, MC Lai, S Baron-Cohen, C Allison, P Smith and KV Petrides, ‘Development and validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)’, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2019, 49(3):819–833, doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6.

Energy and energy expenditure: 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, doi: 10.1089/aut.2019.0079

For understanding the realities of the energy bank for many neurodivergent people, see: T Attwood and M Garnett, ‘Exploring Friendship in High School’ [video], Attwood and Garnett Events, Attwood and Garnett Events website, 17 July 2023, accessed 22 June 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

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 Normal

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net

The 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 Webinar

To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

Hosts Kate Morris and Dave Whittingham draw on their backgrounds in theology, education, and ministry, as well as the experiences of their families. Both are parents of neurodivergent kids; Dave is neurodivergent himself, and Kate has completed further study in neurodivergence. Together, they bring both understanding and expertise as they explore topics like managing energy, navigating sensory differences, and finding joy and belonging in church and family life.

Whether you’re doing the dishes, chasing the kids, or catching a quiet moment, this podcast offers comfort, encouragement, and guidance to help your family thrive for God’s glory.