Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain: A Faith-Rooted Call to Knowledge and Compassion

The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) invites faith leaders, caregivers, nurses, and congregational leaders to a timely and compassionate educational event focused on neurodivergence and faithful care. “Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain: Using Knowledge and Compassion to Show God’s Love” will be held February 26, 2026, via Zoom, and will explore how faith communities can more fully support children and families affected by autism, ADHD, and OCD.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: February 26, 2026

• Time:

  • 3–5 pm AKT

  • 4–6 pm PT

  • 5–7 pm MT

  • 6–8 pm CT

  • 7–9 pm ET

• Format: Zoom

• Registration Fee: $30 for LFCNA members / $50 for non-members

  (Please note: American Express cards are not accepted.)

• Continuing Education: 2.0 Nursing Contact Hours available

• Register here: lutheranfcna.org/event-6478185

This interactive presentation will be led by Dr. Kristin Mauk, PhD, DNP, RN, CRRN, GNP-BC, FARN, FAAN, a nationally respected nurse educator and scholar with more than four decades of experience in chronic illness, rehabilitation, and gerontological nursing. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child, Dr. Mauk will guide participants through a real-life case study designed to deepen understanding and build practical skills.

Participants will:

• Define commonly used terms related to neurodivergence

• Learn how neurodivergence manifests in autism, ADHD, and OCD

• Grow in appreciation for the unique gifts and challenges of people whose brains work differently

• Explore concrete strategies people of faith can use to show God’s love to neurodivergent children and their families

Rooted in Christian compassion and Lutheran commitments to dignity, care for the neighbor, and vocation, this event emphasizes that understanding is not merely clinical—it is spiritual. When congregations grow in knowledge and empathy, they are better equipped to welcome, support, and walk alongside families navigating neurological differences.

While the primary audience is Faith Community Nurses, non-nurses and non-members are warmly encouraged to attend, making this a valuable opportunity for pastors, deacons, lay leaders, educators, and caregivers across the Grand Canyon Synod.

This activity has been submitted to the Montana Nurses Association for approval to award contact hours. The Montana Nurses Association is accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. To receive contact hours, participants must attend the full event and complete an evaluation form.

We encourage congregational leaders to share this opportunity widely and to consider how learning together can strengthen ministries of care, inclusion, and compassion in your local context.