Neurodivergent Faith

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking and grace-filled conversation, Josh speaks with theologian Léon Van Ommen about his book Autism and Worship. Together we explore what autistic ways of being offer the spiritual community, the value of embodiment, and the possibility of a Church where all can truly belong. We talk about: – dismantling the “tyranny of the normal” in worship spaces – autisti...

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the places that are meant to be sanctuary feel like war zones instead—especially for neurodivergent people navigating unspoken expectations, sensory overload, and shifting social norms. In this honest solo episode, Josh shares the story of a recent autistic shutdown: the days of emotional buildup, the weight of masking in church spaces, the crash into silence, and the su...

Send us Fan Mail What if “no” wasn’t seen as rebellion, but a nervous system seeking regulation? What if belonging in the church didn’t hinge on meeting expectations, but on being met with grace? In this rich and poetic conversation, I’m joined by Sunita Theiss—an autistic, ADHD, PDA’er and parent coach—who offers profound insight into demand avoidance and its impact on relationships, parenting, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, Josh is joined by Joy Martin to explore life, faith, embodiment, and community through the lens of Tourette Syndrome. Together, they name the visible and invisible realities of TS, from daily resilience to misunderstood tics, from spiritual reframing to hard-won grace. They explore the tension between suppression and authenticity, wrestle with the idea of...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the structures and forms held up as faithful or godly don’t make room for your neurotype? When the “right way” to minister, to lead, to show up—was not made with your wiring in mind? In this honest and liberating conversation, I sit down with coach and fellow ADHDer John Miller. Together, we name the ways religious spaces often spiritualize and moralize rigid fra...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Neurodivergent Faith —a space where our whole selves are welcome, where questions are holy, and where the messy, miraculous work of being human meets the mystery of God. We begin Season 2 with a sacred and tender conversation: ADHD + Shame . I’m joined by my friend Jess Pentsil—a therapist and a fellow ADHDer—as we begin to explore the intersection of neurodivergen...

Send us Fan Mail How do you respond when someone tells you they’re autistic? In this tender and truth-telling episode, Josh invites us into a deeper way of responding when someone shares their neurodivergent identity. With grace and gentle clarity, he names some common responses that can harm—even when meant with kindness—and offers alternatives that cultivate connection, dignity, and trust. Wheth...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Neurodivergent Faith , autistic voices rise with clarity, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. When asked what they long for their churches, pastors, and fellow Christians to understand, their answers are rich with vulnerability, nuance, and sacred truth. You’ll hear deep expressions of love, sincere accounts of pain and isolation, and powerful invitations to...

Send us Fan Mail What if autism isn't a barrier to experiencing God's presence—but a uniquely beautiful lens for beholding God's glory? In this rich and heartfelt conversation, Josh is joined by Harrison Litzell, a late-discovered autistic ordained minister, to explore the question: How do autistic people reflect the glory and character of God—not despite their autistic traits, but...

Send us Fan Mail How can the church better welcome and support autistic people? In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith , I interview Erin Burnett, an author from Belfast, Northern Ireland, whose latest book, With All Your Mind: Autism and the Church , weaves together biblical teaching, scientific research, and personal stories to explore this question. Together, we discuss the intersections of ch...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith , I reflect on what’s working—and what’s not—in my journey of connecting with God, myself, and others in this season of life. From spiritual rhythms to technological supports that help (or hinder) my connection with God, I explore the ongoing process of adapting faith practices to fit my neurodivergent wiring. As you listen, I invite you to...

Send us Fan Mail Some of us connect with God best through structured rhythms—predictable routines that provide safety and grounding. Others experience God in the unplanned, in moments of spontaneity and discovery. And for some neurodivergent people (I see you, fellow AuDHDers!), it’s a delicate dance between the two. In this final episode of our three-part series, we explore the tension between st...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith, we consider more of the creative and diverse ways neurodivergent people connect with God. We hear from listeners who share honestly about what works for them and what doesn’t, highlighting the beauty of diversity in faith expressions. Traditional spiritual practices like Bible reading don’t work for everyone—and that’s okay! We explore  alt...

Send us Fan Mail When the crowds pressed in, Jesus didn’t just push through—he found creative ways to create space while staying engaged. In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith , we explore Luke 4:42–5:3 and consider how Jesus’ choice to withdraw and even get into a boat might reflect a form of accommodation. Too often, we’re told we must choose between caring for ourselves or serving the communi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith , listeners reflect on how setting and movement play a crucial role in spiritual connection for neurodivergent individuals. Traditional notions of "quiet time" or "personal devotions" often assume a structured, still, and silent approach to engaging with God, which often does not align with the sensory and attentional nee...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith , Josh Davis sits down with Quan Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American on the autism spectrum, to talk about what it was like for him to grow up not recognizing or understanding his autism. Quan also shares about the profound role God played in his discovery of autism and a bit about what aspects of church can be challenging for him as a person on t...

Send us Fan Mail Transform Your Understanding of Neurodivergence through Faith: Josh Davis’ Journey of Self-Discovery Are you ready to embark on a profound journey of self-awareness, healing, and spiritual growth? In this deeply impactful episode of Neurodivergent Faith, join Josh Davis as he opens his heart and shares his transformative experience of self-discovery, driven by faith and spiritual...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith , we explore the deeply personal question: How well do we truly know and believe that we are fearfully and wonderfully made? Drawing from reflections shared by a diverse group of neurodivergent friends, we dive into the barriers that can make it challenging to see ourselves as reflections of God’s glory, as described in Psalm 139. Their stor...

Send us Fan Mail In the inaugural episode of Neurodivergent Faith , our host, Josh Davis explores the concept of neurodiversity from a faith-based perspective. Neurodiversity, which encompasses conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, is framed as a natural part of human variation, reflecting God's diverse and intentional design. The episode emphasizes that neurodivergent individuals, like...