Neurodivergence, Family and Faith

This episode explores the role of special interests in the lives of many neurodivergent people and why they can be so much more than hobbies. From deep comfort and regulation to connection, and joy, Dave and Kate look at how passionate interests can shape wellbeing in everyday life. They also unpack a common misunderstanding: special interests are often judged by how “useful” they seem to other pe...

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 Links Neurodiversity In The Family Of God Webinar - https://...

Joel Moroney, a neurodivergent Christian man with over 20 years of ministry experience, shares his unique perspective on faith and neurodiversity. Joel is currently working for Jesus Club, which is a Christian group for adults with intellectual disabilities. He is also an advocate for Christian neurodivergent people. In this wide ranging discussion, we discuss the value of diagnosis, strategies fo...

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...

How do we help a socially anxious person discover Jesus when they can't come to church? How do we know when neurodivergence has become an unhelpful identity issue? Are there neurodivergent people in the Bible? In this episode, Kate and Dave discuss questions that have been asked of them, and explore how God's perspective helps us answer some tough issues. To find out more about the webinar and boo...

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 op...

What is a meltdown and what can we do when someone we love experiences them? It is important to understand what is happening for the person so those around them can show appropriate love and grace. In the next episode, we will explore what to do after a meltdown and how to find helpful ways forward. Article by Kate: Parents of Neurodivergent Children Need Support To To financially support this pod...

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 e...

How can marriages flourish when there is a mix of neurotypes in the couple? In this episode, Mairi Girgis, a couples counsellor with years of experience in this area, joins Kate and Dave to discuss some of the complexities of marriage and parenting within neurodivergent families. With her extensive background in counseling and research into neurodivergence in the Christian community, Mairi sheds l...

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...

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our saviour Jesus and the true joy that comes from knowing him. Yet the way we celebrate can be hard for our children, with the busyness, decorations, special events, and unfamiliar food. Kate and Dave dive into this special time of year, highlighting the importance of keeping Jesus at the centre while balancing traditions with the unique needs of each...

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 outs...

In today's episode. Kate and Dave discuss how to support children in navigating overwhelming environments, focusing on strategies to help them regain a sense of control. They consider the importance of training children for the future by involving them in the planning and discussion. They also consider a number of ways to use the senses to help mitigate triggers and regulate when the environment i...

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 th...

Dr. Katy Unwin joins Kate Morris and Dave Whittingham to explore vital strategies for supporting families with neurodivergent members within the context of church. 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...

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...

Kate and Dave dive into the complexities of life that can be both stressful and rejuvenating, focusing particularly on the experiences of neurodivergent children. They discuss how the love of God drives us to work hard on understanding and caring for our children. They highlight the importance of understanding attention differences, social experiences, and the need for predictability in daily rout...

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 childre...

Kate Morris and Dave Whittingham delve into the concept of the energy bank in this enlightening episode, exploring what fuels children's energy and what depletes it. They introduce the spoon theory, a metaphor illustrating how individuals have varying amounts of energy represented by spoons, which can be spent throughout the day on various activities. Kate shares insights about this system from he...

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 alo...

Neurodivergence, Family and Faith is a podcast for Christian parents raising neurodivergent kids, and for the churches and friends who walk alongside them. Each episode offers practical tools, grounded in research and shaped by the wisdom of the Bible. Hosts Kate Morris and Dave Whittingham draw on their backgrounds in theology, education, and ministry, as well as the experiences of their families...