Shows
Neurodivergence, Family and FaithRaising Resilience: How Home Adaptations Can Empower ChildrenShould 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...
2025-11-1122 min
Neurodivergence, Family and FaithNavigating Overwhelming Environments: Tips for FamiliesIn 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 NormalDave's Bible...
2025-10-2825 min
Neurodivergence, Family and FaithTrue Love: Practical Steps for Churches to Love Neurodivergent FamiliesHave 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...
2025-10-1526 minNeurodivergence, Family and FaithSensory Needs and Church—With Dr Katy UnwinDr. 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...
2025-10-0737 minNeurodivergence, Family and FaithFight, Flight, Freeze: How Neurodivergent Kids Respond to TriggersKate 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...
2025-09-3024 min
Neurodivergence, Family and FaithAttention, Social Experience and PredictabilityKate 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...
2025-09-2330 min
Neurodivergence, Family and FaithUnderstanding Sensory Processing: Helping Your Child ThriveToday’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...
2025-09-1631 min
Neurodivergence, Family and FaithThe Energy Bank: Empowering Families with Energy InsightsKate 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...
2025-09-0926 minNeurodivergence, Family and FaithWelcome to Neurodivergence, Family and Faith - Our Journey Begins!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: In our first episode, we explore how God's comfort can guide parents of neurodivergent kids, offering...
2025-09-0218 minNeurodivergence, Family and FaithTrailer: Neurodivergence, Family and FaithNeurodivergence, 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...
2025-08-2301 min