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 the significance of intentionality in creating a joyful Christmas atmosphere, while also recognising that not everyone experiences the holidays in the same way.

The Advent devotions written by Janice Whittingham can be found 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

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.

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

Citations

Attwood, T. (n.d.). The impact of anxiety on daily life. Attwood & Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/autism-the-impact-of-anxiety-on-daily-life

Baiden, K. M., Williams, Z. J., Schuck, R. K., et al. (2025). The social validity of behavioral interventions: Seeking input from autistic adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55, 1172– 1186.

Chellappa, S. L., & Aeschbach, D. (2022). Sleep and anxiety: From mechanisms to interventions. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 61, 101583.

Fountain, C., Winter, A. S., Cheslack-Postava, K., & Bearman, P. S. (2023). Developmental Trajectories of Autism. Pediatrics (Evanston), 152(3), 1

Dundon, R. (2024). A therapist’s guide to neurodiversity affirming practice with children and young people. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Grant, R. J., et al. (2021). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and organizations. Taylor & Francis Group.

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.

Mouton-Odum, S., & Golomb, R. G. (2021). Helping your child with sensory regulation: Skills to manage the emotional and behavioral components of your child’s sensory processing challenges. New Harbinger Publications.

Raymaker, D. M., Teo, A. R., Steckler, N. A., Lentz, B., Scharer, M., Delos Santos, A., & Nicolaidis, C. (2020). “Having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew”: Defining autistic burnout. Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), 1–12.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

Vasa, R. A., Keefer, A., McDonald, R. G., Hunsche, M. C., &...

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

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

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 strategies to face the world with confidence.

Takeaways:

· Neurodivergent children often experience heightened anxiety due to their unique brain processing, impacting their daily lives.

· The amygdala plays a key role in interpreting stimuli, more often naming stimuli as threats in many neurodivergent people.

· Ongoing exposure to triggers can raise baseline anxiety levels in neurodivergent people, making it vital for parents and carers to understand their experiences.

· Reducing and mitigating triggers can reduce the frequency of the threat response.

· Developing strategies for emotional regulation is vital for helping neurodivergent children navigate daily challenges and reduce anxiety.

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

To continue thinking about meltdowns, see Kate's 3-part series of articles here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/neurodivergent-meltdowns-part-1

Citations

Andrews, D. S., Aksman, L., Kerns, C. M., Lee, J. K., Winder-Patel, B. M., Harvey, D. J., Waizbard-Bartov, E., Heath, B., Solomon, M., Rogers, S. J., Altmann, A., Nordahl, C. W., & Amaral, D. G. (2022). Association of Amygdala Development With Different Forms of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biological Psychiatry (1969), 91(11), 977–987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.016 - This study shows that in autism, differences in amygdala development are linked to higher anxiety.

Attwood, T. (n.d.). The impact of anxiety on daily life. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/autism-the-impact-of-anxiety-on-daily-life

Citkowska-Kisielewska, A., Rutkowski, K., Sobański, J. A., Dembińska, E., & Mielimąka, M. (2019). Anxiety symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Psychiatria Polska,...

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 meet the unique needs of their children.

Takeaways:

• The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding sensory processing differences to help neurodivergent children manage their environments effectively.
• Kate and Dave highlighted how attention differences can manifest in both rejuvenating and draining ways for neurodivergent individuals, impacting their daily experiences.
• They stressed the significance of predictability in routines for neurodivergent children, as it provides comfort and reduces anxiety about unexpected events.
• The speakers shared insights into the social experiences of neurodivergent children, particularly how they may appear fine outwardly while struggling internally during social 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

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

Citations:

Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023, July 17). Exploring friendship in high school [Video]. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com

Kunchulia, M., Tatishvili, T., Parkosadze, K., Lomidze, N., & Thomaschke, R. (2020). Children with autism spectrum disorder show increased sensitivity to time-based predictability. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 66(3), 214–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2018.1564447

Raymaker, D. M., Teo, A. R., Steckler, N. A., Lentz, B., Scharer, M., Delos Santos, A., & Nicolaidis, C. (2020). “Having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew”: Defining autistic burnout. Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2019.0079

Wolfberg, P., & Buron, K. D. (Eds.). (2024). Learners on the autism spectrum : preparing educators and related practitioners (Third edition.). Routledge.

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 empower families to navigate the complexities of sensory experiences with curiosity and creativity.

Takeaways:

• Understanding sensory processing differences is crucial for supporting neurodivergent children effectively.
• Parents often misinterpret sensory overload as misbehavior, leading to confusion and frustration.
• Sensory experiences are unique to each child, highlighting the need for personalized approaches and adaptations.
• Creating a supportive home environment helps children recharge, preparing them for the outside world.
• Being curious and collaborative with children about their sensory experiences can lead to better communication and understanding.
• Parents should observe their children's reactions to various sensory inputs to identify both draining and energizing stimuli.

Visit our website at https://www.faithfulgod.net/show/neurodivergence-family-and-faith/

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

Find the chart/table we mentioned in the podcast here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-sensitivities-in-our-neurodivergent

For more information on sensory processing differences, see Kate's article here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/sensory-sensitivities-in-our-neurodivergent

To keep thinking about resilience and adapted homes, read Kate's article here: https://anextraordinarynormal.substack.com/p/creating-an-adapted-home

Citations:

Attwood, T. (n.d.). The impact of anxiety on daily life. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/blogs/news/autism-the-impact-of-anxiety-on-daily-life

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

Accessed August 2023: attwoodandgarnettevents.com

Beardon, L....