Neurodivergence, Family and Faith

Kate Morris and David Whittingham
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Neurodivergence, 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, and Dave is neurodivergent himself. Kate has completed further study in neurodivergence, and is an Honorary Research Fellow with Mary Andrews College (Australian University of Theology). Together, they bring both understanding and expertise as they explore topics like managing energy, navigating sensory differences, and finding joy and belonging in church and family life. Whether you’re doing the dishes, chasing the kids, or catching a quiet moment, this podcast offers comfort, encouragement, and guidance to help your family thrive for God’s glory.

  1. Embracing Limitations: Finding Freedom in God's Plan

    3D AGO

    Embracing Limitations: Finding Freedom in God's Plan

    How do you cope with being limited? In this episode, Dave and Kate explore the idea that perhaps being limited is not as bleak as it seems, but instead, it's woven into God's good design for our lives. This discussion stems from a chapter written by Kate in Parenting in God's Family, Volume 2, which can be ordered here. To find out more about our upcoming webinar, Neurodiversity in the Family of God, and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar To financially support this podcast, please 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: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    35 min

  2. MAR 17

    Diving Deep: Answering Your Big Questions on Neurodivergence

    How do we help a socially anxious person discover Jesus when they can't come to church? How do we know when neurodivergence has become an unhelpful identity issue? Are there neurodivergent people in the Bible? In this episode, Kate and Dave discuss questions that have been asked of them, and explore how God's perspective helps us answer some tough issues. To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar To financially support this podcast, please 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: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    35 min
  3. After the Meltdown: What happens Next?

    MAR 3

    After the Meltdown: What happens Next?

    When the breathing slows and things settle down, what happens next? Kate and Dave delve into the critical aftermath of a meltdown, emphasizing the importance of recovery and communication with loved ones. They explore how to recognize the signs that indicate a person is transitioning out of a meltdown and the significance of being supportive during this vulnerable time. They stress the need for open conversations with children about their feelings and the events leading up to the meltdown, fostering a sense of teamwork and understanding. They return to the theme of God's faithfulness, remembering that God is with us in every moment. To financially support this podcast, please 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: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    41 min
  4. Meltdowns: When Built-Up Pressure Releases

    FEB 17

    Meltdowns: When Built-Up Pressure Releases

    What is a meltdown and what can we do when someone we love experiences them? It is important to understand what is happening for the person so those around them can show appropriate love and grace. In the next episode, we will explore what to do after a meltdown and how to find helpful ways forward. Article by Kate: Parents of Neurodivergent Children Need Support To To financially support this podcast, please 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: To read the article by Mary Doherty: Doherty, M. (2025). My autistic meltdown: The impact of autistic sensory needs. The Lancet, 405(10487), 1332–1333. Attwood, T. (2022, February 19). Ask Dr Tony – February 2022 [Video]. YouTube. Autism Hangout. Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (n.d.). Managing an autistic meltdown. Attwood and Garnett Events. https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/managing-an-autistic-meltdown-by-prof-tony-attwood-and-dr-michelle-garnett/ Attwood, T., & Garnett, M. (2023, July 17). Autism for parents and carers [Video]. Attwood and Garnett Events Gaventa, W. C. (2018). Disability and spirituality: Recovering wholeness. Baylor University Press. Grant, R. J., Barboa, L., Luck, J., & Obrey, E. (2021). The complete guide to becoming an autism friendly professional: Working with individuals, groups, and organizations (1st ed.). Routledge. Hallowell, E. (2022, April 15). Anger management for children with ADHD. ADDitude Magazine. Hallowell, E. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2021). ADHD 2.0: New science and essential strategies for thriving with distraction—from childhood through adulthood (1st ed.). Ballantine Books 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. Knight, J., & Steward, R. (2020, April 23). Meltdowns and shutdowns [Podcast episode]. In 1800 seconds on autism. BBC. Larkey, S. (n.d.). Making it a success: Teaching and behaviour support strategies for students with an autism spectrum disorder [Online course]. Sue Larkey eLearning. https://elearning.suelarkey.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sue-Larkey-Online-Course-Handouts.pdf O’Nions, E., Happé, F., Evers, K., Boonen, H., & Noens, I. (2018). How do parents manage irritability, challenging behaviour, non-compliance and anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders? A meta-synthesis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(4), 1272–1286. Pearson, A., & Rose, K. (2021). A conceptual analysis of autistic masking: Understanding the narrative of stigma and the illusion of choice. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 52–60. Phung, J., Penner, M., Pirlot, C., & Welch, C. (2021). What I wish you knew: Insights on burnout, inertia, meltdown, and shutdown from autistic youth. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 741421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741421 Reframing Autism. (n.d.). All about autistic meltdowns: A guide for allies. Retrieved September 2024, from https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-meltdowns-a-guide-for-allies Rudy, L. J. (2024). How autistic meltdowns differ from ordinary temper tantrums. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-autistic-meltdown-260154 Soden, P. A., Bhat, A., Anderson, A. K., & Friston, K. (2025). The meltdown pathway: A multidisciplinary account of autistic meltdowns. Psychological Review, 132(5), 1209–1240. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000543 Webster, A. A., Saggers, B., & Carrington, S. (2021). Inclusive teaching for students on the autism spectrum. In S. Carrington, B. Saggers, K. Harper-Hill, & M. Whelan (Eds.), Supporting students on the autism spectrum in inclusive schools: A practical guide to implementing evidence-based approaches (pp. 47–57). Routledge. Mentioned in this episode: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    53 min
  5. Visiting the Doctor: Tips from Dr. Kim Hoa Rogers

    FEB 3

    Visiting the Doctor: Tips from Dr. Kim Hoa Rogers

    Dr. Kim Hoa Rogers joins the show to dive into the complexities of supporting the medical needs of neurodivergent children. With her unique perspective as both a medical practitioner and a parent of neurodivergent kids, she shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the often-challenging experience of medical appointments. The conversation centers on practical strategies parents can employ to ease their children's anxiety before and during doctor visits, emphasizing the importance of preparation and communication. Dr. Rogers also shares how the gospel impacts their family and the way she parents. The links Kim refers to in can be found here: https://www.rch.org.au/be-positive/Jazz_and_Rocco/A_child_s_guide_to_hospital/ https://www.starlight.org.au/about-us/our-stories/guide-to-visiting-the-doctor/ https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-patients-and-visitors/Social-stories https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/social-stories https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years?language=en To financially support this podcast, please 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: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    32 min
  6. Marriage Matters: Neurodiversity in Relationships with Mairi Girgis

    JAN 20

    Marriage Matters: Neurodiversity in Relationships with Mairi Girgis

    How can marriages flourish when there is a mix of neurotypes in the couple? In this episode, Mairi Girgis, a couples counsellor with years of experience in this area, joins Kate and Dave to discuss some of the complexities of marriage and parenting within neurodivergent families. With her extensive background in counseling and research into neurodivergence in the Christian community, Mairi sheds light on the unique challenges couples face when their experiences and communication styles differ significantly. 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: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    35 min
  7. Navigating Big Change

    JAN 6

    Navigating Big Change

    When our neurodivergent kids find comfort in everything staying the same, how do we help them navigate the inevitable big changes in life? In this episode, Kate and Dave discuss the challenges of facing major moments like moving house, changing school or church, or even leaving a country. They talk through practical tips for how to help kids through each stage of the change, as well as how to keep the God who never changes central to all we do. Join our growing community for this first episode of season 2. 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 Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227– 268. Lerner, M. D., Gurba, A. N., & Gassner, D. L. (2023). A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(9), 503–504. Niemiec, C. P., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). Autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the classroom: Applying self-determination theory to educational practice. Theory and Research in Education, 7(2), 133–144. Nuske, H. J., McGhee Hassrick, E., Bronstein, B., Hauptman, L., Aponte, C., Levato, L., Stahmer, A., D. S., Mundy, P., Kasari, C., & Smith, T. (2019). Broken bridges—New school transitions for students with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review on difficulties and strategies for success. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 23(2), 306–325. Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1986). Towards a comprehensive model of change. In W. R. Miller & N. Heather (Eds.), Treating addictive behaviours: Processes of change. Plenum Press. Quill, K. A., & Stansberry Brusnahan, L. L. (2017). Do-watch-listen-say: Social and communication intervention for autism spectrum disorder (2nd ed.). Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. 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. Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. FPG Child Development Institute. Wehmeyer, M. L. (2020). The importance of self-determination to the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusion, 8(2), 89–98. Webster, A., Bruck, S., & Saggers, B. (2022). Supporting self-determination of autistic students in transitions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 128, Article 104301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104301 Mentioned in this episode: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    33 min
  8. Real Joy as We Navigate Christmas

    11/25/2025

    Real Joy as We Navigate Christmas

    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 Mentioned in this episode: Neurodiversity and the Family of God Webinar To find out more about the webinar and book tickets, head to faithfulgod.net/webinar

    33 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Neurodivergence, 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, and Dave is neurodivergent himself. Kate has completed further study in neurodivergence, and is an Honorary Research Fellow with Mary Andrews College (Australian University of Theology). Together, they bring both understanding and expertise as they explore topics like managing energy, navigating sensory differences, and finding joy and belonging in church and family life. Whether you’re doing the dishes, chasing the kids, or catching a quiet moment, this podcast offers comfort, encouragement, and guidance to help your family thrive for God’s glory.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Morris and David Whittingham
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kate Morris and David Whittingham
  • Show Website
    Neurodivergence, Family and Faith

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