In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, our host Shannon Kay McCoy speaks with biblical counselor, mother, and author Johanna Presley to explore how God’s Word speaks hope and clarity into autism in children.

Drawing from both personal experience and biblical counseling practice, Johanna helps listeners understand autism through a gospel-centered lens—one that points us to a framework rooted in biblical identity, discernment, and the sufficiency of Scripture. She also equips listeners with practical ways to share the gospel with children with autistic traits.

This conversation is especially encouraging for parents, counselors and church members who desire to walk more faithfully alongside families affected by autism.

This conversation unpacks:

1. Creative and accesible ways to communicate the gospel to children with autistic traits
2. How biblical counseling differs from secular counseling models when addressing autism
3. Unique challenges families with members with autistic traits face
4. Encouragement and practical help for parents and biblical counselors and church members.
5. Biblical identity rooted in Christ, not a diagnosis.

Resources to equip you:

1. Biblical Counseling and Autism in Children by Johanna Pressley
2. Critical Issues in Biblical Counseling Series— Ernie Baker, Consulting Editor
3. Biblical Counseling and Common Grace by Heath Lambert
4. Biblical Counseling and Mental Disorder Diagnosis by Jenn Chen
5. Biblical Counseling and They Psychologies by Ernie Baker