Raising Neurodivergent Kids with Faith and Joy

Raising a neurodivergent child in the Catholic faith can feel isolating, but Ginny Kochis is here to remind parents they are not alone. Jim and Meghan sit down with Ginny, founder of Quirky Catholic Kids and author of over a dozen books, to explore what it truly means to embrace neurodivergence with faith and joy. Drawing from 20 years of lived experience as a neurodivergent mom raising neurodivergent children, Ginny offers honest, practical wisdom for families navigating this unique and beautiful path.

What’s in this episode:

• What neurodivergent means and the wide range of conditions it covers
• The difference between a meltdown and a tantrum, and why it matters
• Practical sensory tips for helping neurodivergent kids get through Mass
• Why typical and holy are not the same thing, and never were
• A look at Ginny's library of books for kids, teens, and moms
• The Leonie Circle: a monthly membership community for Catholic moms
• Assuming competence as the key to faith formation for all children
• How Catholic schools and parishes are growing in inclusion
• About 100 saints in Ginny's book who may have been neurodivergent
• One resource every Catholic family should know: Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence With Faith and Joy by Ginny Kochis
• Book she is currently reading: A Call to a Deeper Love – the letters of St. Louis and Zelie Martin
• Advice to her younger self: Stop chasing normal
• Final wisdom for listeners: Typical and holy don't mean the same thing – you don't have to fit inside that box to raise unique and unrepeatable saints

Resources Mentioned:

Quirky Catholic Kids – Ginny's ministry hub with books, resources, visual schedules, and social stories for Catholic families

ginnykochis.com -– Ginny's author website for fiction and nonfiction

Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy – Ginny's latest book, a primer for Catholic families raising neurodivergent children

A Call to a Deeper Love – The letters of St. Louis and Zelie Martin, recommended especially for parents of neurodivergent kids

Accepting the Gift by Kelly Mantoan – Ministry and adaptive curriculum for families of children with significant support needs

Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.