Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Neurodivergent Faith, I sit down with Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis to explore some often unexamined assumptions that have shaped Christian parenting culture. Together, we name the pressure to produce “obedient and compliant” children—and how those expectations can harm families, especially those with neurodivergent kids. We talk about the danger of calling something “biblical” when it’s deeply shaped by culture, and the connection between behaviorism, masking, belonging, and connection. This episode offers both honesty and hope for those processing their own childhoods as well as those currently parenting neurodivergent kids. (And, of course some of us who are doing both!)

To find the book "The Myth of Good Christian Parenting": https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587436642_the-myth-of-good-christian-parenting

To connect with Marissa: https://www.instagram.com/mburtwrites/

To connect with Kelsey: https://www.instagram.com/kelseykmcginnis/

#NeurodivergentFaith #ChristianParenting #NeurodivergentKids #SpiritualFormation #ReligiousTrauma #FaithDeconstruction #ParentingNeurodivergentKids #LateDiagnosedNeurodivergent

To connect further, find Josh on Facebook, Instagram or email at: justjosuedavis@gmail.com. Or, for personal encouragement on your own journey of neurodivergence, consider booking a spiritual direction session with Josh through Patreon.

Send us Fan Mail

In Part 2 of my conversation with Alyssa Barringer, we explore what led to her AuDHD diagnosis and how that understanding began to bring clarity to years of lived experience. We talk about neurodivergence in the family, the connection between message and messenger, and some of the realities of high control religious spaces.

Alyssa also shares glimpses of healing in her current church—what it looks like to be welcomed as you are, and simple, practical ways communities can cue safety and belonging. She also shares a story from a deregulating Easter service that somehow still became a place of grace and good news.

Part 2 of 2.

To connect further, find Josh on Facebook, Instagram or email at: justjosuedavis@gmail.com. Or, for personal encouragement on your own journey of neurodivergence, consider booking a spiritual direction session with Josh through Patreon.

Send us Fan Mail

In this first part of my conversation with Alyssa Barringer, she shares stories that you may find very relatable—especially if you grew up in the rhythms of church and Christian school, trying to follow God with all sincerity, while simultaneously not fitting the mold.

Alyssa shares what it was like to navigate those spaces as an undiagnosed AuDHD girl—and the various approaches she tried to make sense of everything. We talk about the impact of Scripture being used in ways that lacked care or context—and how, for a black-and-white, literal thinker, that can create deep internal confusion about who God is… and how to relate to God as yourself.

Alyssa's thoughtful reflections may help you make more sense of your own story. And, I am sure they will also benefit anyone who is a church leader or school teacher in a Christian context.

Part 1 of 2.

#NeurodivergentFaith #AuDHD #AutisticChristian #ADHDChristian
#LateDiagnosed #ChurchHurt #FaithAndNeurodivergence #ChristianSchool
#NeurodivergentWomen

To connect further, find Josh on Facebook, Instagram or email at: justjosuedavis@gmail.com. Or, for personal encouragement on your own journey of neurodivergence, consider booking a spiritual direction session with Josh through Patreon.