In this episode of Raising Autistic Disciples, we will share practical insights for navigating holiday anxiety that often affects autistic children and their families. The holiday season can bring a whirlwind of sensory overload, unexpected changes, and social pressures. We’ll discuss effective strategies for preparing your child (and yourself!) for these challenges, with tips on maintaining peace, setting gentle boundaries, and keeping Christ at the center of your celebrations. Together, let’s create a holiday season that honors both your child’s unique needs and the joyful meaning of this time of year.

Holiday Anxiety 

Join Collin and Larah as they look back over season one and offer a few regrets, wishes, and even more excitement for what is to come!

DM Larah on Instagram @RaisingAutisticDisciples [https://www.instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples/] to give us some ideas on what topics you'd like to hear going forward!

Season 1 Recap

Join Collin & Larah as they discuss the final stage of the autism diagnosis for the Christ-following parent: Education & Advocacy.

You can find their book, "How to Advocate & Stay Christian," on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SpITcb

Education & Advocacy 

Join Collin as he has a conversation with Pastor Wayne about the New Normal after a child's autism diagnosis.

New Normal

Join host Larah and guest Katie White as they talk about the stage of Grief & Acceptance that is a part of the Autism Diagnosis for the Christ-following parent.

BIG News! We've launched RaisingAutisticDisciples.com! We are also launching an online support group for parents and caregivers who are raising autistic disciples. Sign up today!

Grief and Acceptance

Join Larah and guest Katie White as they talk about the second stage of the Five Stages of the Autism Diagnosis for the Christ-following parent. 

BIG News! We've launched RaisingAutisticDisciples.com! We are also launching an online support group for parents and caregivers who are raising autistic disciples. Sign up today! 

Diagnosis

This is the first conversation of five episodes discussing the five stages of discovering autism for the Christ-following parent. Larah talks with guest Lizzie Mears, a speech therapist and a friend that guided her during a hard season of denial. Though these stages and phases will look different for every family, it is our hope that the next series of episodes be ones to help identify, encourage and offer practical and gospel hope to take the next step forward on the autism journey.

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples
Facebook: https://facebook.com/raisingautisticdisciples

Email: raisingautisticdisciples@gmail.com

Denial

Ever wondered how your journey raising an autistic child as a Christ-following parent can bring glory to God?

Join us  as we explore "The Five Stages of Discovering Autism: For the Christ-following Parent." Have you experienced denial before or after receiving your child's autism diagnosis? Did you face grief and eventually come to acceptance? How did you navigate changing family dynamics to this new normal?  What is your life like now as you learn more and advocate for your autistic child? These are the stages that we walked through as parents of an autistic child. In this episode, we'll dive deep into each stage, sharing relatable stories, insights, and point each other to the truth of the gospel.

Discover how God's purpose and glory are intricately woven into your unique path of raising autistic disciples. Whether you're seasoned or new to this journey, this series will equip you with the tools and perspective to raise autistic disciples for God's Kingdom.

The Five Stages of Discovering Autism: For the Christ following Parent

Larah is joined by Pastor Connor Bales, who serves as the Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus Pastor. Connor is the author of “Counted Worthy: A Father’s Perspective on the Theology of Suffering.” He is married to Mary and has five sweet kiddos. Pastor Connor has a heart for special needs ministry and is committed to serving and sharing the Gospel with families affected by disabilities.

Counted Worthy available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Counted-Worthy-Perspective-Theology-Suffering/dp/1954618247/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=&_encoding=UTF8&tag=raisingauti0d-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=1cce28f7a1036bb134f53fb86f7407b1&camp=1789&creative=9325] and Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/counted-worthy-connor-bales/1140213371].

Connect with Connor:

connorbales.com/ [http://connorbales.com/]

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples

Suffering & God's Purpose for Autism.

Drawing from the concept of the imago Dei, or image of God, Collin and Larah talk about how God's character and attributes are uniquely on display in and through autism. Every person is an image-bearer of the living God, created by Him with inherent value and worth as His creation.

This episode is essential for those who are parenting, caring for, and supporting those who are autistic. Remembering that God created autism for His glory enables us as parents to take up the mantle of discipleship in our home. 1 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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.

Autism & the Image of God

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.