Episode 99 :: Daniel Bowman Jr. :: Stories of Autism, Faith and the Gifts of Neurodiversity

Daniel_Bowman_Jr_Simply_Stories_Podcast_Guest_Emily_Humphries.png

Today on the podcast is author, teacher and creative Daniel Bowman Jr. Dan recently released his incredible book detailing his story of discovering he is autistic as an adult. On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith & the Gifts of Neurodiversity. gives an inside look at Dan’s struggle as a neurodiverse person living in a neurotypical world, and the constant fight of trying to force his mind and his body to work in a way that it is not wired to. The world often frames people on the spectrum as a problem to be fixed instead of a person to be understood, and in our conversation, as well as his book, Dan shares what this journey has been like for him and also how God has shown him the gifts that his uniqueness offers in his life through the creative arts, how he teaches and more.

The term “neurodiverse” may not be something you have ever thought about before, and that’s totally OK, but by Dan sharing his story, he presents an opportunity for those who are neurotypical, to consider how the world might work for someone who is neurodiverse.

In his book he tries to break down ways of understanding what this looks like: This is a bit of a summation mixed with direct quotes from his book. He says: : “there are different kinds of brains, different operating systems that run different people…. A neurotypical brain functions similarly to most other people, even though its diverse in certain aspects which is what makes each person unique. They are similar enough overall that the behaviors, actions and language can mostly be referred to as “normal”. But a neurodiverse brain will result in people on the spectrum functioning in the intellectual, emotional, social and physical realms differently from neurotypical people. Their actions, behaviors, then, should not be seen in light of the absence of neurotypical taints but instead the presence of autistic brain wiring.”

All of us, neurotypical or neurodiverse are perfectly and wonderfully made, on purpose by God, and when we live fully in who we are and who we were created to be we can draw nearer to Him and invite others to do likewise alongside us. I really love Dan’s perspectives on life, and he’s the professor we all want because he loves to teach us not only ways to dive deep in the learning process, but wants to push us to be the best version of ourselves as we learn.

I love this beautiful summation from his book: “The last thing anyone on the spectrum needs is a limited-and limiting- range of images in the public’s awareness about what it means to be autistic. While I celebrate any austic person who has earned acclaim, I also see an urgent need to move beyond a handful of iconic narratives. So let us continue to add our voices, perspectives, and unique stories. Let us give one another the gift of our diversity, and in doing so, reveal our shared dignity.” Amen and amen.

You matter, friend. Your story matters. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.

Connecting with Dan:

Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty

Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes

Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes

Facebook

Instagram