Quakers and Neurodiversity

In this episode, co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Sweet Miche (they/them) explore best practices for welcoming and supporting neurodivergent individuals in Quaker worship and educational settings. Poet and writer Kate Fox shares insights from her article "A Place of Unmasking," drawing connections between early Quakers' spiritual practices and contemporary understandings of neurodiversity. Kate discusses her experience of Quaker meeting as a space where she can authentically be herself, free from the pressures of masking neurodivergent traits.

Kate Fox raises essential questions: How can places of worship and schools better accommodate neurodivergent individuals? How do sensory practices, like stimming, help with spiritual grounding and concentration?

We also explore Julia Watts Belser's book, Loving Our Own Bones, Disability Wisdom, and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole, which invites readers to reconsider disability—not as something needing fixing, but as an integral part of human diversity, rich with spiritual wisdom and power. You can read Greg Woods' review in Friends Journal. 

Listener Responses: Neurodivergent Voices and Best Practices

We hear directly from listeners who share their experiences and recommendations:

• Clayden, a South African teenage artist and TikTok creator emphasizes the value of dedicated spaces in schools and churches designed for people with sensory sensitivities and learning disabilities. You can follow him @claydendesigns 
• Kody Hersh shares about creating a sensory-friendly space at a Quaker gathering, allowing attendees to adjust lighting, use fidgets, and regulate their environment to feel comfortable in worship.
• Another listener highlights how simple tools like printed bulletins can support neurodivergent attendees by providing structure and predictability during worship services.

Question for Next Month

What belief have you had to unlearn in your spiritual or personal journey?

Share your response by emailing podcast@quakerstoday.org or call/text 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). Please include your name and location. Your responses may be featured in our next episode.

Resources

For neurodiverse individuals, here are some useful apps designed to support communication, sensory regulation, social skills, executive functioning, and emotional well-being:

• • Communication & AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Apps
    • Proloquo2Go – A symbol-based text-to-speech app for non-speaking individuals. Official Website https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go
    • CoughDrop – A cloud-based AAC app for customizable communication. Official Website https://www.coughdrop.com/
  • Sensory Processing & Regulation Apps
    • Sensory App House – A collection of apps designed to support sensory needs. https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/ 
    • Autism 5-Point Scale EP – Helps users understand and regulate sensory and emotional states. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/autism-5-point-scale-ep/id467303313 
  • Social Skills & Interaction Apps
    • Social Story Creator & Library – Allows users to create social stories for different situations. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/social-story-creator-library/id588180598 

• ABA Flashcards--Offers a customizable library of flashcards to reinforce learning and skill development across various areas, from academics to daily living skills https://chicagoabatherapy.com/aba-services/aba-therapy/ 

• Routine & Executive Function Support Apps
  • Visual Schedule Planner – A visual scheduling tool for structured routines. ​​https://www.goodkarmaapplications.com/visual-schedule-planner1.html 
  • Routinely – Helps track habits and provides gentle reminders. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/routinely-habit-tracker/id6449163027 
• Emotional Regulation & Anxiety Management Apps
  • MoodMission – Suggests activities for managing anxiety and emotional challenges. https://moodmission.com/ 
  • Rootd – A panic attack and anxiety relief app. https://www.rootd.io/ 

This podcast follows the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a way of creating content that works well for all audiences. It helps us make clear, easy-to-understand episodes that are welcoming for everyone. We follow UDL principles by carefully choosing audio, using plain language, offering transcripts for each episode, and inviting your feedback in multiple ways. 

Quakers Today: A Project of Friends Publishing Corporation

Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation content. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall.

Season Four of Quakers Today is Sponsored by:

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. AFSC works at the forefront of social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Learn more at AFSC.org.

Friends Fiduciary

Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for Quaker organizations, consistently achieving strong financial returns while upholding Quaker testimonies. They also assist individuals in supporting beloved organizations through donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org.

For a full transcript of this episode, visit QuakersToday.org. For more Quaker content, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter).