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 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

See also Kate’s articles on sensory kits here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-kits

https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/the-invisible-sensory-kit

For a free download of the Invisible Sensory Kit, visit our Resource Page here - https://www.faithfulgod.net/show/neurodivergence-family-and-faith/p/resources/

A note on EARPLUGS from Kate: Earplugs can come in a range of strengths:

Flare Calmer Kids have soft earplugs that flatten soundwaves somewhat and block just 10dB of sound. This can reduce buzzing in the ears without blocking sounds they want to hear.

Loops earplugs have a range of strengths, they come with several sizes to adjust to fit the ears, these are also useful for sleeping in.

Curvd have a range of strengths and also come with multiple sizes. Extra Small heads must be purchased separately, unfortunately. These are also designed for sleep.

Quies wax plugs can be shaped to fit the ear, which takes some practice, but ends up giving the highest dB rating, though they need replacing often. These are better for older kids who can adjust them themselves.

We’ve found that many cheaper brands hurt delicate ears fairly quickly, so these are the brands we prefer. (We’re not sponsored by any.)

For the study Dr Katy Unwin: Unwin refers to: Unwin, K., & van Ommen, A. L. (2024). Autistic and Non-Autistic Experience of the Sensory Aspects of the Church Service. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 52(4), 410-425. https://doi.org/10.1177/00916471241266810

Citations

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023). Autistic girls and women [Webcast]. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com

Attwood,...

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 action for churches to embrace diversity and foster a welcoming atmosphere for all families, ensuring that love remains at the core of their mission.

Takeaways:

• Kate and Dave emphasize the importance of churches being aware of, and responsive to, the unique needs of families with additional needs, particularly neurodivergent individuals.
• They discuss how churches often unintentionally cater to typical experiences, which can alienate those who do not fit that mold.
• The speakers share personal stories illustrating the impact of showing love and understanding in church settings, which can make a significant difference for families.
• Dave reflects on the balance between maintaining church traditions and being flexible enough to accommodate diverse needs within the congregation.
• Both speakers advocate for ongoing conversations about supporting individuals with additional needs, stressing that love and understanding should be at the core of church interactions.

Visit our website here

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:

An Arrival to Celebrate - Advent Family Devotions

To purchase great Advent devotions that the whole family will enjoy, follow this link - https://youthworksmedia.net/collections/christmas/products/an-arrival-to-celebrate

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 meet diverse needs. They tackle the complexity of accommodating differing sensory preferences, ultimately advocating for a church environment that welcomes everyone.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Dr. Katy Unwin discusses both the sensory barriers and sensory enjoyment that autistic individuals may experience when engaging with church, emphasizing the positive impacts of awareness and accommodation.
• The conversation highlights the importance of control over sensory environments for autistic people, as it can significantly enhance their engagement and sense of community.
• Katy’s findings suggest that both autistic and neurotypical individuals appreciate certain sensory aspects of church services, indicating a shared enjoyment that can be leveraged to create inclusive environments.
• The podcast encourages parents to advocate for their neurodivergent children in church settings, offering practical strategies to communicate sensory needs to church leaders effectively.
• Throughout their discussion, the importance of creating sensory roadmaps for church services is emphasized, allowing families to prepare for the sensory experiences they may encounter.
• Finally, the speakers stress the need for churches to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance, enabling all members to participate without feeling overwhelmed or excluded.

Links referenced in this episode:

• autismchurch.com

Visit our website here

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

This podcast is a part of the Faithful God Network. Discover more great podcasts at faithfulgod.net