Neurodivergence, Family and Faith

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

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

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...

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...

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 the God who never changes central to all we do. Join our growing community for this first episode of season 2.

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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 family member.

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...

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 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.

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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 is hard.

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...

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 the necessity of flexibility and listening, rather than imposing rigid expectations on families. They share poignant stories that illustrate the impact of love and community support, underscoring that everyone should feel like they belong. This episode serves as a heartfelt call to...

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 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...

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 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 st...

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 routines. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that while some aspects can be draining, others can provide energy and comfort. By the end, they reiterate the significance of curiosity and adaptability in parenting, encouraging listeners to tailor their approaches to...

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 children process sensory information differently, which can help parents provide better support and foster loving environments. The conversation highlights practical strategies for parents to identify and accommodate their children's sensory needs, ultimately promoting resilience and well-being. By exploring these differences, they aim to em...

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 her research and many interviews, highlighting how understanding energy levels can help parents support their neurodivergent children more effectively. The duo discusses the importance of recognizing the unique energy expenditures of each child, emphasizing that tasks that restore...

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 alone as we navigate this path.

Takeaways:

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. 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...