Neurodivergence, Family and Faith

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 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

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 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

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 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

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-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

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 light on the unique challenges couples face when their experiences and communication styles differ significantly.
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