When Church Doesn’t Feel Safe: A Story of Autistic Shutdown

2025-07-10

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Send us a textSometimes the places that are meant to be sanctuary feel like war zones instead—especially for neurodivergent people navigating unspoken expectations, sensory overload, and shifting social norms. In this honest solo episode, Josh shares the story of a recent autistic shutdown: the days of emotional buildup, the weight of masking in church spaces, the crash into silence, and the surprising moments of care that brought glimmers of repair. With poetic words and a pastor's heart, Josh in...

Send us a text

Sometimes the places that are meant to be sanctuary feel like war zones instead—especially for neurodivergent people navigating unspoken expectations, sensory overload, and shifting social norms. In this honest solo episode, Josh shares the story of a recent autistic shutdown: the days of emotional buildup, the weight of masking in church spaces, the crash into silence, and the surprising moments of care that brought glimmers of repair.

With poetic words and a pastor's heart, Josh invites us to reflect on what it means to honor our bodies, communicate our needs, and build spaces where people don’t have to pretend to be okay.

Whether you’ve lived this experience yourself, or want to learn how to better accompany those who have, this episode is an offering of gentleness, insight, and hope.

#NeurodivergentFaith #AutisticShutdown #WhenChurchHurts #HonoringNeurodivergence #NeurodivergentVoices #AutisticMasking #AutisticShutdown #AutisticInChurch #ActuallyAutistic

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.

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