Raising Autistic Disciples

Raising Autistic Disciples
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  • Mental Health
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Hey there! Are you a parent, caregiver, or friend of someone on the autistic spectrum? Do you also desire to steward, raise, and encourage them to love and follow Jesus? If so, you're in the right place! We believe that the gospel is for everyone, including our neurodiverse children. We know that raising children on the spectrum comes with its unique challenges and that discipleship methods may need to look different. That's why we're here to equip and encourage you on your journey to raising autistic disciples who know, love, and follow Jesus. We would love to connect with you and hear your story. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please do not hesitate to email us at raisingautisticdisciples@gmail.com.

  1. 3d ago

    31: The Worst Meltdown Ever & the Road That Led There

    Big idea: The meltdown gives us information, but so does the road behind it. If we only study the point of collision, we may miss what our autistic kids were communicating long before they had the words to tell us.Sometimes the meltdown is the first thing everyone notices—but it may not be where the story started. In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah shares one of Graham’s most memorable meltdowns from the early years after his diagnosis: a simple change in the Sunday morning plan that became far more than a quick walk back to the car. What looked like a sudden explosion was actually an autistic child in deep distress, unable to communicate what his body and nervous system were experiencing. That experience became an important lesson: don’t only study the collision. Learn the road that led there. For parents, church leaders, grandparents, and anyone discipling an autistic child, this episode explores how curiosity, observation, and biblical discernment can help us distinguish between rebellion, overwhelm, weakness, distress, and genuine behavior that needs correction. Understanding behavior is not the same thing as excusing behavior. Faithful discipleship requires knowing the child well enough to respond with the right kind of care. Larah also walks through 1 Thessalonians 5:14—“admonish the idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone”—as a framework for recognizing that different conditions require different responses. Sometimes an autistic child needs correction. Sometimes they need comfort. Sometimes they need help. And in every case, they need patient, discerning love. You’ll hear practical questions like: What does my child look like before they become overwhelmed? What happens when plans unexpectedly change? What environments require more effort from them? What happens to communication as stress increases? When does more language stop helping and become additional input? And what patterns can I learn now that may eventually help my child recognize and communicate their own needs? The goal isn’t to predict every meltdown or become omniscient. Only God is. The goal is to become observant—to learn the child God has entrusted to you so that you can shepherd them faithfully toward Christlikeness. Scriptures discussed: 1 Thessalonians 5:14, James 1:19, Proverbs 18:13, Proverbs 20:5, and John 10.Resources Mentioned:Find the Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child's Autism Diagnosis through a Gospel Lens on Amazon by clicking here: amazon.com/dp/B0FS87WY24.

  2. Aug 31

    30: BIG Behaviors… Where Did That Come From?

    Try Minno Free for 7 DaysWant to make a change in what your kids are consuming? Get a free 7-day trial of Minno using my promo code >>> RAD.CLICK HERE______When your autistic child suddenly starts using extreme language, explosive phrases, or emotional scripts that seem to come out of nowhere, there’s a question worth asking before assuming the behavior itself is the whole problem: Where did they learn it? In our house, we discovered Graham wasn’t just watching characters—he was learning from them. He was borrowing their words, tone, and emotional responses and applying those scripts to real-life situations. That realization eventually led us to make significant changes to what he was consuming. But something surprising happened: Graham didn’t stop scripting when we changed his media. His scripts changed. In this episode, we’re talking about why Christian parents raising autistic disciples need to pay attention not only to how much screen time our kids have, but to what is filling that time. We’ll talk about scripting and echolalia, how media can provide language for emotions, what happened when we changed Graham’s content, and why his tendency to retain and repeat language has actually become an incredible avenue for discipleship. You’ll also walk away with a practical way to evaluate your child’s media this week: Listen → Trace → Evaluate → Replace → Observe Listen for repeated phrases or emotional responses. Trace where they may have learned them. Evaluate the content—not simply for whether it’s “appropriate,” but for what it teaches about anger, fear, conflict, authority, and relationships. Replace unhelpful inputs with better ones rather than simply removing screens. Then observe what begins showing up in everyday life. Because Romans 12:2’s call to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” applies to our families too. What repeatedly occupies our attention matters. The goal isn’t to eliminate an autistic way of learning. If our kids are going to script, we have an opportunity to give them truth worth scripting. Scripture referenced: Romans 12:2; Proverbs 4:23; Luke 6:45; Philippians 4:8; Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 1 One question to take with you: If my child is going to carry scripts into the world, what scripts am I helping put there?

  3. Aug 24

    29: The Abundant Life

    In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” But what exactly does abundant life mean—especially for families whose lives include disability, dependence, limitation, or suffering? In this episode, Larah looks at John 10 in its larger biblical context and challenges the assumption that abundance means health, independence, success, comfort, or a life untouched by hardship. With help from Puritan theologian William Gurnall's reflections on redemption, she explores how God’s plan in Christ is not merely to repair what sin ruined, but to bring His people into a redemption that sin can never ultimately destroy. You’ll hear why the presence of suffering does not mean the absence of abundant life, why disability does not put someone at a theological disadvantage, and why the greatest thing we can pursue for our autistic children is not normalization or independence—but life in Christ. In this episode: What John 10:10 actually means in context Why John 9 helps us understand Jesus as the Good Shepherd The difference between good gifts and gospel promises Why abundant life cannot be defined by ability, health, or independence Why suffering and abundant life can exist at the same time What this means for discipling autistic children Why our ultimate assignment is still the Great CommissionKey Scriptures: John 9–10, John 1:4, John 6:35, John 11:25, John 14:6, Romans 5, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 1, Revelation 21 Main takeaway: The abundant life Jesus promises is not a life untouched by the effects of the fall. It is life with God, secured by Christ, that the effects of the fall cannot ultimately take away. The gospel message doesn’t change, but the method in which it’s delivered might have to for learning’s sake. Our assignment is not normalization. Our assignment is to make disciples.Willian Gurnalls, Daily Readings from The Christian in Complete Armour:https://www.moodypublishers.com/daily-readings-from-the-christian-in-complete-armour?srsltid=AfmBOooNZ4x7-xXmX67OZs_XDTjNngyY37dCaC6ku4DWk_rgLc-R_5s5

  4. Jun 4

    28: Communication through a Gospel Lens - Webinar

    You can find the webinar on YouTube here. How do we communicate the gospel in a way that serves the listener? In this webinar episode, Larah explores a biblical theology of communication and introduces the LEARN framework, a practical approach for discipling autistic individuals and others impacted by disability. Drawing from the ministry methods of Jesus, Larah explains why communication is not primarily about the speaker, but about helping the listener understand and engage with truth. Throughout the episode, you'll learn how to listen before speaking, enter another person's world, assume competence, respond with curiosity and patience, and nurture relationships over time. Larah also shares practical examples for parents, church leaders, and volunteers, including case studies involving a nonverbal child, a teen with social challenges, and an adult seeking belonging within the church. Whether you're discipling your own child, serving in disability ministry, or simply seeking to communicate more effectively, this episode offers a gospel-centered framework that can transform the way you connect with others. In This Episode Why communication is a ministry to the listener Examples of how Jesus adapted His teaching methods The LEARN framework for disability discipleship Why flexibility is a ministry tool, not a compromise The importance of assuming competence Coaching volunteers to respond with curiosity instead of correction Building trust through long-term relationships Practical case studies for children, teens, and adults Using visuals, routines, and sensory supports in discipleship Strengthening the partnership between parents and churches Resources available to support gospel conversations at home and churchKey Takeaways Communication serves the listener, not the speaker. Effective discipleship begins with understanding before instruction. LEARN: Listen First, Enter Their World, Assume Less, Respond with Curiosity & Patience, Nurture Relationships. Behavior should not automatically be interpreted as lack of understanding. Small accommodations often create significant opportunities for gospel engagement. Trust is often the bridge that allows truth to be received. Parents and churches accomplish more when they work together. You don't have to do everything at once. Start small somewhere.Notable Quotes"You can't disciple someone you refuse to understand." "Flexibility is a ministry tool, not a compromise." "Assume competence until proven otherwise." "Seek understanding before solutions. Respond with curiosity and patience." "The truth travels best through trust." "Start small somewhere." Resources MentionedLetters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child's Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens

  5. May 22

    The Gift of Friendship on the Hard Road

    In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah sits down with her friend Kari Baker for a conversation that didn’t go as planned in the best way. What started as a simple podcast recording turned into an honest, heartfelt conversation about friendship, waiting on God, the struggle of wanting answers now, and the temptation to reach for control when life feels uncertain. Together, Larah and Kari talk about autism parenting, faith, social media, idols, patient endurance, and the gift of having people in your life who can help hold your arms up when the road feels heavy. Kari also shares about her ministry, KIND Families, her journey as an autism mom, and the heart behind her book Finding KIND. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that when the path feels lonely and hard, God often shows His kindness by sending faithful friends to walk with us. If you are raising an autistic child and feel tired, overwhelmed, or alone, this conversation will remind you to look to the Lord, receive the gift of friendship, and keep trusting that He is sustaining you on the journey. In this episode: Why waiting on God feels so hard The temptation to grab control when life feels uncertain Friendship as one of God’s kind gifts in hard seasons Honest conversation about faith, parenting, and endurance Encouragement for autism moms who feel aloneYou can find Kari on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kariabaker/ or at kindfamilies.com. Kari's book "Finding Kind" was influential in Larah's life, grab your copy here.

  6. Apr 16

    Understanding PDA Through a Gospel Lens

    In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah sits down with her friend Angie for an honest, VERY vulnerable, practical, and gospel-centered conversation about PDA, or Pathological Demand Avoidance. Larah comes into this conversation the same way many parents do, with questions. What is PDA really? How does it show up in everyday life? How do you parent a child who experiences demands, correction, and ordinary expectations in a very different way? And how do you hold on to a gospel lens while learning new ways to understand your child? Angie helps walk through the core traits often connected to a PDA profile, while also giving parents language, examples, and encouragement for the moments that can feel confusing, exhausting, or misunderstood. Together, they talk about nervous system survival, regulation, masking, parenting misconceptions, and why understanding how our kids are wired can help us better disciple them. This episode is especially for the parent who has felt overwhelmed, behind, or unsure where to even begin. You are not failing by learning as you go. And learning your child more deeply is not moving away from discipleship. It is part of faithful stewardship. In this episode: What PDA is and why many parents are still learning about it How PDA can affect everyday parenting moments Why demands, chores, and correction can feel so intense for some kids The difference between behavior that looks defiant and a nervous system in survival mode How to think about PDA through a gospel-centered lensLinks Mentioned:How to know if your child is PDA @ At Peace Parents:https://www.atpeaceparents.com/clarity Extreme Demand Avoidance Questionaire:https://share.google/d7zSPbSOdN8vfBpze New ESA-8 questionnaire:https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/extreme-demand-avoidance-8-item-measure-eda-8/ PDA North America:https://pdanorthamerica.org/

  7. Apr 2

    When Parenting Feels Overwhelming = Slow Down

    In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah sits down with her friend Tiffany Long for a real and encouraging conversation about parenting, autism, and learning to slow down when life feels overwhelming. Tiffany shares her family’s journey after her sons autism diagnosis and the lessons God has been teaching her in this season of parenting. Together they talk about the importance of creating margin, resisting the pressure to “figure everything out” immediately, and learning to trust that God is still working even when we can’t see the full picture. They also discuss the early days after diagnosis, the fear and uncertainty parents often feel, and why slowing down can actually help us better understand and support our children. If you’re an autism parent who feels like you’re constantly trying to keep up, this conversation will encourage you to breathe, take the next step faithfully, and trust that God is at work in both you and your child.

  8. Mar 26

    Tell the Story - How to Talk To Your Autistic Kid About Easter

    Find the guide here: https://mailchi.mp/57d52c1801c7/tellthestory  A lot of Christian parents want to talk about Easter with their kids… but when the moment comes, they freeze.  What do I say? How do I explain the gospel simply? Am I doing this right?  On this podcast, Larah walks through a simple, biblical way to share the Easter story with your kids using the “Tell the Story” method, one sentence at a time.  This approach is rooted in God’s design for discipleship in Deuteronomy 6, the power of storytelling, and a method used in missionary training around the world.   It’s especially helpful for parents raising autistic kids because it leans into clear language, repetition, predictable structure, and concrete, visual moments.  But most importantly, it takes the pressure off.  You don’t have to give a perfect explanation. You don’t have to cover everything at once.   You just tell the story.   One sentence. One moment. One day at a time.   And trust God to do what only He can do.  In this video, we talk about why storytelling is one of the most powerful ways kids learn, how God designed faith to be passed down through everyday life, why this method works so well for autistic kids, how missionaries use story to share the gospel, and a simple way to walk through the Easter story step by step.  Here’s a simple reminder for you as a parent.   You are not responsible for the outcome.  Your role is gospel proclamation and gospel saturation.  God is responsible for the transformation.  If you’re raising an autistic child and trying to disciple them in the gospel, you’re not alone.   And you don’t have to make this complicated.  Just tell the story.

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Hey there! Are you a parent, caregiver, or friend of someone on the autistic spectrum? Do you also desire to steward, raise, and encourage them to love and follow Jesus? If so, you're in the right place! We believe that the gospel is for everyone, including our neurodiverse children. We know that raising children on the spectrum comes with its unique challenges and that discipleship methods may need to look different. That's why we're here to equip and encourage you on your journey to raising autistic disciples who know, love, and follow Jesus. We would love to connect with you and hear your story. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please do not hesitate to email us at raisingautisticdisciples@gmail.com.

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