Episode #10
Neurodivergent Birthdays: How Do You Want to Be Celebrated?
Send us Fan Mail Birthdays are supposed to be celebrations—but for many neurodivergent people, they can also bring sensory overload, social expectations, disrupted routines, emotional complexity, and the exhausting pressure to perform the “right” kind of happiness and gratitude. In this episode, Josh reflects on his own complicated relationship with birthdays, including childhood experiences of sensory overwhelm, the discomfort of opening gifts in front of people, and the challenge of being the center of attention. As he approaches his 50th birthday, he explores what he has learned about designing celebrations that actually fit his nervous system—including centering special interests, creating predictable structure, thinking intentionally about social dynamics, and celebrating through connection rather than performance. Josh also considers what birthdays might teach us about Christian community: What does it mean to rejoice with one another in ways that actually work for each person? What if celebration doesn't have to look the same for everyone? And perhaps most importantly, what does it mean to learn how to receive celebration? Maybe the question isn't simply, “How should we celebrate birthdays?” Maybe it's: “How do you want to be celebrated?” #NeurodivergentFaith #NeurodivergentBirthdays #Autism #ADHD #Neurodivergence #Birthday #Celebration #Masking #NeurodivergentChristians #ChristianSpirituality #Spirituality #Belonging #SelfAcceptance #Receiving #Neurodiversity To connect further, find Josh on Facebook , Instagram or email at: justjosuedavis@gmail.com. You can also join the conversation in our Neurodivergent Faith Community Group on Facebook . Or, for personal encouragement on your own journey of neurodivergence, consider booking a spiritual direction session with Josh through Patreon .
