Autism Inclusion in the Christian Church – with Sunita Theiss

CW: Eating disorder, death of a parent.

Sunita Theiss is an autistic, ADHD and PDA* parent, writer, and advocate. A second-generation Indian American, she has a rich background in communications, marketing, and storytelling, and has found several ways to support and encourage families raising neurodivergent kids.

Sunita is passionate about creating opportunities for culturally responsive support in a way that helps families honor both their values and their children’s needs. She is a regular contributor to PDA North America's Insights and Key Ministry's blog, and her writing has been featured in many publications, including Business Insider and Christianity Today.

*PDA is most often defined as Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy.

During this episode, you will hear Sunita talk about:

• Discovering her own neurodivergence after she had her children
• Her experience growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent kid in a South Asian family in the U.S. state of Georgia
• How raising her children has affected how she views her neurodivergence
• Growing up in the Hindu community and living as a Christian as an adult
• Writing about her experience in church as a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children
• How “low demand parenting” works for her and her family

Join Sunita's writing workshop and/or coaching services:

• A Story Only You Can Tell: A Writing Gathering for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids – use the code CAROLYN for $10 off Sunita’s writing workshop (scheduled for 6/26/2025)
• Low Demand Parenting Coaching - use the code SUNITA15 for $15 off
  
  

Read Sunita's writing at sunitatheiss.com/writing, on Instagram @sunitatheiss and on Substack.

The book that Sunita mentions in this episode is called “The Myth of Good Christian Parenting” by Kelsey McGinnis and Marissa Burt.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*