Rooted in Strengths, Growing in Possibility: Cultivating Wild Hope for Neurodiverse Communities
What if wild hope looks like a community where every mind is not just welcomed, but able to flourish?
In this thoughtful and practical workshop, participants will explore how to cultivate inclusive, life-giving environments where neurodiverse youth, young adults, and congregational members can take root, grow, and thrive. Grounded in best practices, this class will equip you to better support and include individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities in ways that are meaningful, respectful, and sustainable.
Together, we’ll consider how to prepare the “soil” of our communities by fostering empathy, flexibility, and understanding. Through simulations and shared experiences, you’ll gain insight into how neurodiverse individuals navigate the world, opening the door to deeper awareness and more responsive ministry.
Using a strengths-based approach, we’ll explore how to plant seeds of belonging, tend to diverse communication styles, and gently remove barriers that limit participation. You’ll leave with practical strategies and a renewed vision for creating spaces where every person’s gifts are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated in worship, learning, and community life.
You’ll be guided by Whitleigh Wilhelmi, Assistant Director of the Jones Learning Center at the University of the Ozarks and Coordinator of Autism Spectrum Disorder Services. With over 16 years of experience in education, including six in higher education, Whitleigh brings deep expertise and a genuine passion for helping individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered. Her work with both college students and congregations is rooted in a commitment to connection, inclusion, and helping every person reach their full potential.
Come ready to learn, reflect, and grow a vision of church where all truly belong.
