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In this episode, co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Sweet Miche (they/them) explore best practices for welcoming and supporting neurodivergent individuals in Quaker worship and educational settings. Poet and writer Kate Fox shares insights from her article "A Place of Unmasking," drawing connections between early Quakers' spiritual practices and contemporary understandings of neurodiversity. Kate discusses her experience of Quaker meeting as a space where she can authentically be herself, free from the pressures of masking neurodivergent traits. Kate Fox raises essential questions: How can places of worship and schools better accommodate neurodivergent individuals? How do sensory practices, like stimming, help with spiritual grounding and concentration? We also explore Julia Watts Belser's book, Loving Our Own Bones, Disability Wisdom, and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole, which invites readers to reconsider disability—not as something needing fixing, but as an integral part of human diversity, rich with spiritual wisdom and power. You can read Greg Woods' review in Friends Journal. Listener Responses: Neurodivergent Voices and Best Practices We hear directly from listeners who share their experiences and recommendations: Clayden, a South African teenage artist and TikTok creator emphasizes the value of dedicated spaces in schools and churches designed for people with sensory sensitivities and learning disabilities. You can follow him @claydendesigns Kody Hersh shares about creating a sensory-friendly space at a Quaker gathering, allowing attendees to adjust lighting, use fidgets, and regulate their environment to feel comfortable in worship.Another listener highlights how simple tools like printed bulletins can support neurodivergent attendees by providing structure and predictability during worship services. Question for Next Month What belief have you had to unlearn in your spiritual or personal journey? Share your response by emailing podcast@quakerstoday.org or call/text 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). Please include your name and location. Your responses may be featured in our next episode. Resources For neurodiverse individuals, here are some useful apps designed to support communication, sensory regulation, social skills, executive functioning, and emotional well-being: Communication & AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) AppsProloquo2Go – A symbol-based text-to-speech app for non-speaking individuals. Official Website https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2goCoughDrop – A cloud-based AAC app for customizable communication. Official Website https://www.coughdrop.com/ Sensory Processing & Regulation AppsSensory App House – A collection of apps designed to support sensory needs. https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/ Autism 5-Point Scale EP – Helps users understand and regulate sensory and emotional states. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/autism-5-point-scale-ep/id467303313 Social Skills & Interaction AppsSocial Story Creator & Library – Allows users to create social stories for different situations. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/social-story-creator-library/id588180598 ABA Flashcards--Offers a customizable library of flashcards to reinforce learning and skill development across various areas, from academics to daily living skills https://chicagoabatherapy.com/aba-services/aba-therapy/ Routine & Executive Function Support AppsVisual Schedule Planner – A visual scheduling tool for structured routines. https://www.goodkarmaapplications.com/visual-schedule-planner1.html Routinely – Helps track habits and provides gentle reminders. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/routinely-habit-tracker/id6449163027 Emotional Regulation & Anxiety Management AppsMoodMission – Suggests activities for managing anxiety and emotional challenges. https://moodmission.com/ Rootd – A panic attack and anxiety relief app. https://www.rootd.io/ This podcast follows the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a way of creating content that works well for all audiences. It helps us make clear, easy-to-understand episodes that are welcoming for everyone. We follow UDL principles by carefully choosing audio, using plain language, offering transcripts for each episode, and inviting your feedback in multiple ways. Quakers Today: A Project of Friends Publishing Corporation Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation content. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Four of Quakers Today is Sponsored by: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. AFSC works at the forefront of social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Learn more at AFSC.org. Friends Fiduciary Since ...