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Autistic and non-autistic people often experience the world around them differently. For example, there may be difference in how they seek or respond to sensory input, in how they communicate or how they think. Given that our society – and the church – are usually constructed around non-autistic preferences and needs, this leaves autistic people often feel excluded. In this workshop, we will explore some autistic and non-autistic differences and what causes autistic (and other neurodivergent) people to feel excluded. We will discuss what a theological and practical response may look like. 

Bio

Dr Léon van Ommen is Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen and Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology. Through practical-theological research, he aims to support individuals and faith communities in their spiritual and religious lives. Léon’s research centres on autism, with a particular interest in listening to the perspectives of those who are most excluded, e.g., non-speaking autistic people or autistic people in ethnically minoritised communities.