Welcome to the series: Surviving the Holidays!

From October 31 through Christmas (and the week after), we're entering 60 days of changed schedules, unfamiliar foods, family gatherings, church programs, sensory overload, and traditions that apparently nobody thought to run by an autistic person before making them mandatory.

In this introductory episode of the Raising Autistic Disciples podcast, Larah talks about navigating the holidays as a Christian autism parent, managing expectations, making meaningful accommodations, and learning when to stretch our kids and when to simply go home.

Because sometimes the biggest obstacle to enjoying the holidays...

When Christians disagree about autism and healing—and everyone seems completely convinced they're right—who do you listen to?

In the final episode of the Autism & Healing series, we're talking about discernment: healing testimonies, confident Christian content creators, Bible verses pulled into Instagram Reels, “God told me” claims, and what happens when someone turns their personal conviction about autism and healing into a test of someone else's faith.

Someone can be confident and still be wrong. Someone can have an extraordinary testimony and still misunderstand what that testimony means. Someone can quote Scripture and interpret it incor...

When Christians talk about autism and healing, what exactly do we mean by healed?

Sometimes we picture something dramatic: autistic today, non-autistic tomorrow. And underneath that picture can be an assumption we may not even realize we're making: autistic means something is not whole, less autistic means becoming more whole, and non-autistic means healed.

But who decided neurotypical means whole? Because I don't think Scripture did.

In Part 3 of the Autism & Healing series, we're examining what Scripture actually teaches about wholeness, redemption, resurrection, growth, and Christlikeness—and why those categories matter for how we...

If I don’t know whether God intends to remove my son’s autism this side of eternity… what exactly do I pray for?

In Part 1 of this series, we established a framework: God gets the outcome. I get the assignment. But trusting God with the outcome doesn’t mean we stop asking Him for things. Paul didn’t. In 2 Corinthians 12, he pleaded with God to remove his thorn three times. Trusting God’s sovereignty didn’t silence his prayers—and it doesn’t have to silence ours.

In this episode, I’m getting very practical about what...

Can God heal autism? And if God can, does that mean He has promised that He will?

In Part 1 of this four-part Autism & Healing series, Larah wrestles with the difference between God’s ability and God’s intention—and why that distinction matters for Christian parents raising autistic children.

We’ll look at what Scripture allows us to be certain about, where faithful theology may require us to say “I don’t know,” and why accepting, supporting, and accommodating an autistic child is not evidence of deficient faith.

The episode ultimately lands here:

I am more...

Big idea: The meltdown gives us information, but so does the road behind it. If we only study the point of collision, we may miss what our autistic kids were communicating long before they had the words to tell us.

Sometimes the meltdown is the first thing everyone notices—but it may not be where the story started.

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah shares one of Graham’s most memorable meltdowns from the early years after his diagnosis: a simple change in the Sunday morning plan that became far more than a quic...

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When your autistic child suddenly starts using extreme language, explosive phrases, or emotional scripts that seem to come out of nowhere, there’s a question worth asking before assuming the behavior itself is the whole problem:

Where did they learn it?

In our house, we discovered Graham wasn’t just watching characters—he was learning from them. He was bo...

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” But what exactly does abundant life mean—especially for families whose lives include disability, dependence, limitation, or suffering?

In this episode, Larah looks at John 10 in its larger biblical context and challenges the assumption that abundance means health, independence, success, comfort, or a life untouched by hardship. With help from Puritan theologian William Gurnall's reflections on redemption, she explores how God’s plan in Christ is not merely to repair what sin ruined, but to bring His people into a redemp...

You can find the webinar on YouTube here.

How do we communicate the gospel in a way that serves the listener?

In this webinar episode, Larah explores a biblical theology of communication and introduces the LEARN framework, a practical approach for discipling autistic individuals and others impacted by disability. Drawing from the ministry methods of Jesus, Larah explains why communication is not primarily about the speaker, but about helping the listener understand and engage with truth.

Throughout the episode, you'll learn how to listen before speaking, enter another person's world, assume competence, respond...

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah sits down with her friend Kari Baker for a conversation that didn’t go as planned in the best way.

What started as a simple podcast recording turned into an honest, heartfelt conversation about friendship, waiting on God, the struggle of wanting answers now, and the temptation to reach for control when life feels uncertain. Together, Larah and Kari talk about autism parenting, faith, social media, idols, patient endurance, and the gift of having people in your life who can help hold your arms up when the road feels he...

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah sits down with her friend Angie for an honest, VERY vulnerable, practical, and gospel-centered conversation about PDA, or Pathological Demand Avoidance.

Larah comes into this conversation the same way many parents do, with questions. What is PDA really? How does it show up in everyday life? How do you parent a child who experiences demands, correction, and ordinary expectations in a very different way? And how do you hold on to a gospel lens while learning new ways to understand your child?

Angie helps walk through the...

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah sits down with her friend Tiffany Long for a real and encouraging conversation about parenting, autism, and learning to slow down when life feels overwhelming.

Tiffany shares her family’s journey after her sons autism diagnosis and the lessons God has been teaching her in this season of parenting. Together they talk about the importance of creating margin, resisting the pressure to “figure everything out” immediately, and learning to trust that God is still working even when we can’t see the full picture.

They also discuss the earl...

Find the guide here: https://mailchi.mp/57d52c1801c7/tellthestory  

A lot of Christian parents want to talk about Easter with their kids… but when the moment comes, they freeze.  
What do I say? How do I explain the gospel simply? Am I doing this right?  

On this podcast, Larah walks through a simple, biblical way to share the Easter story with your kids using the “Tell the Story” method, one sentence at a time.  This approach is rooted in God’s design for discipleship in Deuteronomy 6, the power of storytelling, and a method used...

In this encouraging episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah Roberts sits down with content creator, podcaster, and special needs advocate Camille Joy of Moments of Joy. Together, they talk honestly about raising autistic children, grieving what changes, finding community, navigating church hurt, and why discipleship matters so deeply for families like ours. Camille shares her story as a mom of five, her journey from executive chef to advocate, and the heart behind her new devotional, Moments of Joy: 90 Days of Encouragement for Parents of Children with Special Needs, which releases March 17, 2026 and is available on Amazon.

Grab...

Sometimes autism parenting feels like you’re making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information. School. Therapies. Doctors. The constant “what if.” The pressure to pick the perfect path and never regret it.

In this episode, Larah sits down with her friend Nicole (mom of six boys) to talk about what it looks like to advocate for your autistic child without losing your peace or your witness.

Nicole shares what led her to speak at a school board meeting, how she prepared, and what anchored her in the room: identity in Christ. They talk about decision-making through a gosp...

What does sourdough have to do with an autism diagnosis?

More than you think.

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, I sit down with Courtney Moody of Acts of Sourdough to talk about motherhood, marriage, discipline, safe foods, Domino’s pizza… and what happens when the sky “isn’t blue anymore” after receiving a diagnosis.

Courtney shares candidly about:

Larah kicks off the 2026 season with a conversation that sets the tone for every interview to come. Her guest is Barb Stanley, founder of Wonderful Works Ministry—and also a mentor who helped Larah put words to something so many special needs parents feel but can’t always articulate:

This episode is for the parent who is tired of defending. For the church member who wants to advocate without blowing up. For the leader who wants to listen...

Welcome back to Raising Autistic Disciples! After a full year away from the mic, Larah and Colin Roberts are back with a “year in review” catch-up, a few honest laughs (yes… including the legendary Pooper Bowl anniversary), and a question Larah gets from other Christian parents all the time:

“I struggle to tell people my son has autism. I want him treated like every other child. How did you handle this?”

In this episode, Larah and Colin talk through the tension so many parents feel: wanting to protect your child from being defined by a diagnosis...

Join Collin and Larah as they discuss the question "why does life have to be so hard?" Why is the journey of raising an autistic kid have its challenges?

What verse in the Bible explains "why is this life so hard?"

Join the conversation! 

Join Collin and Larah as they describe the Christmas adventures their family went on and what they learned from it that includes breaking out in hives, goldfish, snot, and blessing the Lord at all times.

Join Collin and Larah as they describe the Christmas adventures their family went on and what they learned from it that includes breaking out in hives, goldfish, snot, and blessing the Lord at all times. 

In this special episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, we’re joined by author JJ Levan, a passionate advocate and parent of an autistic son. Together, we explore the unique challenges and blessings of preparing your family—siblings, grandparents, and even close friends—to embrace and celebrate your autistic child’s God-given design.

JJ shares heartfelt stories from her own journey, practical wisdom, and biblical encouragement for fostering understanding and unity within your family. From navigating tricky conversations to creating a home where every member feels seen and loved, this episode is packed with insights to equip your family t...

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, we explore the powerful truth that "Emmanuel"—God with us—is enough for every season of parenting. Whether you're navigating meltdowns, advocating for your child, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical insights to remind you that God's presence is sufficient.

Join Larah as she unpacks how trusting in Emmanuel equips us to embrace both the challenges and joys of raising autistic disciples, leaning on His strength instead of our own. Tune in and be encouraged—you’re not in this alo

In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, we will share practical insights for navigating holiday anxiety that often affects autistic children and their families. The holiday season can bring a whirlwind of sensory overload, unexpected changes, and social pressures. We’ll discuss effective strategies for preparing your child (and yourself!) for these challenges, with tips on maintaining peace, setting gentle boundaries, and keeping Christ at the center of your celebrations. Together, let’s create a holiday season that honors both your child’s unique needs and the joyful meaning of this time of year.

Join Collin and Larah as they look back over season one and offer a few regrets, wishes, and even more excitement for what is to come!

DM Larah on Instagram @RaisingAutisticDisciples to give us some ideas on what topics you'd like to hear going forward!

Join Collin & Larah as they discuss the final stage of the autism diagnosis for the Christ-following parent: Education & Advocacy.

You can find their book, "How to Advocate & Stay Christian," on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SpITcb

In this episode Collin & Larah discuss the final stage of the five stages: Education & Advocacy.

Join Collin as he has a conversation with Pastor Wayne about the New Normal after a child's autism diagnosis.

Join host Larah and guest Katie White as they talk about the stage of Grief & Acceptance that is a part of the Autism Diagnosis for the Christ-following parent.

BIG News! We've launched RaisingAutisticDisciples.com! We are also launching an online support group for parents and caregivers who are raising autistic disciples. Sign up today!

Join two dads who talk about navigating life while raising autistic disciples for God’s Kingdom.

Register for the RAD Monthly Online Support Group here: https://raisingautisticdisciples.com/rad-online-support-group/

Join Larah and guest Katie White as they talk about the second stage of the Five Stages of the Autism Diagnosis for the Christ-following parent. 

BIG News! We've launched RaisingAutisticDisciples.com! We are also launching an online support group for parents and caregivers who are raising autistic disciples. Sign up today! 

This is the first conversation of five episodes discussing the five stages of discovering autism for the Christ-following parent. Larah talks with guest Lizzie Mears, a speech therapist and a friend that guided her during a hard season of denial. Though these stages and phases will look different for every family, it is our hope that the next series of episodes be ones to help identify, encourage and offer practical and gospel hope to take the next step forward on the autism journey.

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples
Facebook: https://facebook.co...

Ever wondered how your journey raising an autistic child as a Christ-following parent can bring glory to God?

Join us  as we explore "The Five Stages of Discovering Autism: For the Christ-following Parent." Have you experienced denial before or after receiving your child's autism diagnosis? Did you face grief and eventually come to acceptance? How did you navigate changing family dynamics to this new normal?  What is your life like now as you learn more and advocate for your autistic child? These are the stages that we walked through as parents of an autistic child. In this ep...

Ever wondered how your journey raising an autistic child as a Christ-following parent can bring glory to God?

Join us  as we explore "The Five Stages of Discovering Autism: For the Christ-following Parent." Have you experienced denial before or after receiving your child's autism diagnosis? Did you face grief and eventually come to acceptance? How did you navigate changing family dynamics to this new normal?  What is your life like now as you learn more and advocate for your autistic child? These are the stages that we walked through as parents of an autistic child. In this ep...

Larah is joined by Pastor Connor Bales, who serves as the Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus Pastor. Connor is the author of “Counted Worthy: A Father’s Perspective on the Theology of Suffering.” He is married to Mary and has five sweet kiddos. Pastor Connor has a heart for special needs ministry and is committed to serving and sharing the Gospel with families affected by disabilities.

Counted Worthy available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with Connor:

connorbales.com/

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples

Drawing from the concept of the imago Dei, or image of God, Collin and Larah talk about how God's character and attributes are uniquely on display in and through autism. Every person is an image-bearer of the living God, created by Him with inherent value and worth as His creation.

This episode is essential for those who are parenting, caring for, and supporting those who are autistic. Remembering that God created autism for His glory enables us as parents to take up the mantle of discipleship in our home. 1 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you...

Hey there! Are you a parent, caregiver, or friend of someone on the autistic spectrum? Do you also desire to steward, raise, and encourage them to love and follow Jesus? If so, you're in the right place!

We believe that the gospel is for everyone, including our neurodiverse children. We know that raising children on the spectrum comes with its unique challenges and that discipleship methods may need to look different. That's why we're here to equip and encourage you on your journey to raising autistic disciples who know, love, and follow Jesus.

We would...