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Centre for Autism and Theology

@autismtheology.bsky.social
132 followers 21 following 202 posts

Resourcing Faith Communities 📚 Research | 🎙️ Autism and Theology Podcast | 📺 Webinars

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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 20h
Dr Harry Gibbins and Dr Léon van Ommen recently gave a two-hour workshop at the Church of Scotland’s training day on neurodiversity. We were delighted to be asked to kick off their day-long training on neurodiversity for their Faith Action Programme Leadership Team.
Dr Gibbins and Dr van Ommen stand outside the Church of Scotland headquarters
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
In this episode, Zoe speaks to Monica and Harry about the research they conducted with Léon van Ommen on autism and spirituality. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 The transcript of the episode is available here: share.transistor.fm/s/984f954e/t...
Graphic of the episode title: Autism and Spirituality
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
📢 Call for Papers! We're excited to collaborate with the Practical Theology Hub to present a series of short articles exploring the intersections of neurodiversity, theology, and lived experience. Do you have something to share? Click through to find out more!
to present a series of short articles (approx. 1500–2000
words) exploring these intersections of neurodiversity, theology, and lived experience.Possible themes:

Neurodivergent experience as a theological and methodological resource

Church belonging, exclusion, and hospitality

Liturgical access, ritual participation, and worship

Neurodivergent spiritual practice, prayer, and contemplative life

Pastoral care, supervision, and ministry formation

Hermeneutics shaped by autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or other neurodivergent ways of knowing

Theological anthropology and theologies of personhood

Intersectional experiences of race, gender, disability, and neurodiversity

Embodied and sensory theologies

Ethics of care, communication, and communityProcess

Develop a 200‑word abstract for your proposed submission. Creative or alternative formats, for example short video or audio submissions are also
welcomed.

Submit your abstract to the Planning Collective using the form in the QR code by 10th October 2026

Selected papers will be confirmed by 24th October 2026

Final papers due 5 December 2026

Peer review will be conducted via the Practical Theology Hub prior to publication

Please follow the Practical Theology Hub’s submission and formatting guidelines closely.

QR Code link goes to: https://abdn.site/UtJkV
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In this episode of CAT Chat, Zoe and Krysia reflect on the Autism, Neurodiversity, and Sacred Texts Series, discussing their highlights and key themes. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/b10e0bfc/t...
A graphic for our podcast episode, showing the title of the episode: Autism, neurodiversity and sacred texts series reflections
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Continuing our series of statistics from www.autismchurch.com: 38% of 143 autistic participants felt that people judge them when they move around during a church service.
A decorative graphic showing the same text as the post, with a graphic of a person thinking
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Of 143 participants, 47% shared that "visual clutter" such as untidiness distracts them from worship. For more: www.autismchurch.com
A decorative graphic showing the text of the quote in the post with a picture of a stick person
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Our next statistic: 35% of 143 autistic participants found that loud and/or unpredictable sounds in the church service hard to deal with. For more see: www.autismchurch.com
35% of autistic participants found loud and/or unpredictable sounds in the church service hard to deal with. Shows the website: www.autismchurch.com
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
57% of autistic participants felt uncomfortable when people sit or stand too close to them. See www.autismchurch.com for more on this research.
A graphic displaying the text of the post with a small line drawing graphic of people.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Of 143 autistic participants, 48% reported being distracted by other noises in church, such as the fan or people whispering, etc. For more, see: autismchurch.com
Text reading 48% of autistic participants reported being distracted by other noises in church (e.g the fan, people whisper, etc.) and shows a graphic of someone sitting thinking. the website www.autismchurch.com is shown
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Yesterday was the Autism and Theology Podcast's 3rd birthday! We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has joined us on the podcast, and especially to Ian, Krysia, and Zoe - all of whom volunteer their time to host this valuable resource. 😍
A graphic of a badge saying 'podcast birthday' - the text alongside reads 'congrats on publishing for 3 years!' Autism and Theology podcast'
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Thank you to Chris L for sharing this experience of studying at a Divinity school in Asia. DM us or comment below if you'd like to share your experience of studying Divinity, Theology or Religious Studies. We'd love to hear from you!
Text from Chris L, reads: "My studies gave me the language to express my spiritual self. I formed deep, meaningful connections with myself and people around me. The world of theology is boundless, so I can experience the joy in discovering something new frequently. It was a place in which I began to view my autistic brain in a positive light because I felt how deeply I care about my faith through the numerous emotions I had during the course."
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This week, our co-director Dr Léon van Ommen joins Krysia on the podcast to talk about our sensory bible study series, 'Faith and our Senses'. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/b02a5355/t... Find out more about our bible studies here: www.autismchurch.com
A graphic with our podcast title 'Sensory Bible studies, with Léon van Ommen'.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Out now from Dr Henna Cundill: www.seenandunseen.com/channel-4s-adhd-myth-misses-point. This article reflects on Channel 4's recent documentary 'The Great ADHD Myth?'
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
As prospective students visit the University of Aberdeen for the open day today, we wanted to share this wonderful quote from one of our followers, Rachel H. Thank you for allowing us to post this! Would anyone else like to share their experience? Let us know in the comments!
The image is text from follower Rachel H:

There's something really rewarding about studying Divinity as an autistic person - there are so many patterns and designs and links and dots to join and get - and you can bring an incredible insight that many others don't have to things that are often missed.
So, anyone reading this, stop allowing others to "write our theology" get out there and let's write theology
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
In this episode, Krysia and Zoe discuss rejection sensitivity. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/bceeacc5/t...
A graphic showing the episode title for this month's CATChat episode, which is 'Rejection Sensitivity'
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
To all students who are receiving their A-Level results today, we hope that you all achieve the results you wanted! Looking forward to welcoming a new cohort of Divinity students very soon!
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
A lot of our researchers are spending the summer in the library. We're wondering what's on your reading list at the moment? Tell us what's in your Theology TBR pile!
Image is of the upper floor of the Aberdeen University Divinity Library. It has a high ceiling and lots of wooden book cabinets with glass fronted doors.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
In this episode, Krysia speaks with Sofia Farzana about autism, Hajj, and Islamic teachings. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/000e9d8b/t... See less
The image is of Sofia Farzana and carries the episode title: Autism, Hajj, and Islamic Teachings.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Today, students across Scotland receive their exam results. From everyone here at CAT, we hope you achieved the grades you wanted! We hope to see some new faces on our Divinity programme here at the University of Aberdeen this autumn.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The summer holidays can be great, but many people struggle with the feeling that everything should be perfect to have the best possible summer. We're loving this article by Natalie Garrett: www.seenandunseen.com/i-disobeyed-...
the image shows a graphic of a quote: the best of life comes from embracing the highs and lows; being honest about and unafraid of mixed feelings.' This is by Natalie Garrett in an article called 'I disobeyed Disney's command to 'celebrate happy'
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Lots of you asked where you can buy Dr Léon van Ommen's recent publication with Grove Worship. Digital and hard copies can be bought here: grovebooks.co.uk/product/w-26... Thank you to Grove Worship for offering a space to share the work of our CAT researchers!
The image shows the front cover of a grove worship booklet. It is entitled 'Autism, Worship and Belonging' and is authored by Armand Léon van Ommen. The graphic on the cover is a swirling white infinity symbol.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
In this recording, Venessa Swaby, Joseph Ola, and Harvey Kwiyani discuss theology, church, and lived experiences regarding autism in black communities. This panel was part of our Faith on the Margins conference. You can watch online now: youtu.be/9rUsJv-a-Ug?...
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Have you seen Sofia Rehman, Sofia Farzana and Marion McLaughlin's panel on Autism in Islam and Buddhism? Our Faith on the Margins conference is available to watch on YouTube now. Watch here: youtu.be/KWJc3khsfkA?...
Autism in Islam and Buddhism, with the CAT logo
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Katy Unwin and Léon van Ommen reflect that "Autistic people reported experiencing significantly more sensory barriers in church/worship services and rated that they may not attend church/find attending difficult because of the sensory environment." Read here: doi.org/10.1177/0091...
In the Journal of Psychology and Theology, Katy Unwin and Léon van Ommen reflect that "Autistic people reported experiencing significantly more sensory barriers in church/worship services and rated that they may not attend church/find attending difficult because of the sensory environment."
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
In this episode, Ian and Zoe discuss engaging with Scripture and the importance of foundational texts. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 The transcript of the episode is available here: share.transistor.fm/s/96dfb20d/t...
Autism and Theology Pod cast Logo with the CAT Chat title: Neurodiversity and Foundational Texts
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Today we're spotlighting this talk from our recent 'Faith on the Margins' conference where Léon van Ommen, Harry Gibbins, and Monica Jones discuss their research. Watch 'Spirituality Grounded in Autistic Experiences' here: youtu.be/hBueFG7wP5c?...
youtu.be
'Faith on the Margins' Talk 1: Spirituality Grounded in Autistic Experiences
This recording is from the Centre for Autism and Theology's faith on the Margins Conference. In this recording, Léon van Ommen, Harry Gibbins, and Monica Jones discuss their research on autism and…
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
This week's quote comes from Eilidh Galbraith & Stewart Rapley's article: "Autism theology ‘from the outside in’: mapping the journey of autism theology from the margins to the centre", published in Practical Theology, 2023. Read here: doi.org/10.1080/1756...
'The ways in which autism is lived and experienced are infinitely varied and complex, and reveal that autism is experienced not only physically but socially, culturally, and theologically. Thus, autism is inherently resistant to categorisation.'
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
CAT Rewind: As we head towards another heatwave, listen back to Ian, Krysia, and Zoe talk about autism and temperature sensitivity. This episode originally aired on 20th August 2025. Listen here: abdn.site/2Ip3n
This is a graphic showing the podcast logo and reading 'CAT Rewind: August 2025. CATChat: Autism and Temperature Sensitivity'
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Today we'd like to say a huge congratulations to Dr Zoe Strong, who graduated from Aberdeen last Monday. Zoe's research on dyslexia and engaging with the Bible will be published by Routledge next year. You can read more about Zoe's work here: abdn.site/Ga6vs
Dr Zoe Strong stands in front of a building with ivy covering the walls. She is wearing the red and black Aberdeen PhD gown, and holding a bunch of flowers.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
In this episode, Ian speaks with Mati Boulakia-Bortnick about Judaism and an autistic reading of sacred texts. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/2345889d/t...
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This week's quote is drawn from a piece authored by members of the Centre, celebrating our research culture. Read here: doi.org/10.1080/2331...
a green background, with text that reads: this group goes beyond ticking the boxes of policy documents on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); it embodies what it means to be a neurodiverse group and what working together looks like in practice. Furthermore, rather than privileging either neurodivergent or neurotypical voices, the Centre for Autism and Theology explicitly encourages dialog across neurotypes.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
This week's quote is from Issue 2 of our Neurodiversity and Faith series, which is on the topic of autism and church. The series offers short written reports of research projects taking place at the Centre. Read the report here: www.abdn.ac.uk/dhpa/researc...
Sometimes there can be barriers to communication between autistic and non autistic people, but autistic people said that they want non-autistic people to take time to get to know them and to offer friendship.

Léon van Ommen, Henna Cundill, Topher Endress
How can churches support autistic members?
Neurodiversity and Faith Series
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
At the end of May, staff and students at the Centre delivered a workshop as part of our Postgrad Research Symposium. This aimed to challenge the unconscious 'neurotypical bias' in Theological research. Find out more about studying at Aberdeen here: abdn.site/2Xrnd
Lizzie is standing behind a desk, presenting. Henna sits to the right of the image.Henna presents in front of a powerpoint screen reading: 'this is what it means for me to do theology as a neurodivergent person, or through a neurodivergent lens'Léon stands in front of the Centre for Autism banner holding a microphone.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Thank you to our friends Kate and Louis at Appletree Community, Aiteal Trust (SC050669), for sending us this moving and powerful video about what good looks like in adult social care. This video is produced by Land and Sea Media: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiB-...
youtube.com
Appletree Community v3
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This week's quote is from Issue 2 of our Neurodiversity and Faith series, which is written by Zoe Strong on the topic of dyslexia and the Bible. The series offers short written reports of research projects from the Centre. Read the report and others here: www.abdn.ac.uk/dhpa/researc...
"Creating hospitable environments where people feel safe, welcome, and understood is a way in which communities can support dyslexic Christians - valuing and empowering each individual."

Zoe Strong
How do dyslexic people experience engaging with the Bible?
Neurodiversity and Faith Series
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Apologies: we're aware of a faulty link on our post earlier today and we're having some technical difficulties with our social media! To hear this month's CATChat with Zoe, Krysia, and Ian, please follow: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
In this month's CATChat episode, Krysia, Ian and Zoe discuss neurodiversity and how to make small group Bible studies more inclusive spaces. Listen here: linktr.ee/autism_and_t... Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/b97fd9bd/t...
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
This week's quote is from Issue 2 of our Neurodiversity and Faith series, which is written by Dr Henna Cundill on the topic of autism and prayer. The series offers short written reports of research projects taking place at the Centre. Read the full report and others: www.abdn.ac.uk/dhpa/researc...
"These days, many Christians consolidate these frequent times of prayer into one fixed time of prayer every day, usually first thing in the morning. But for some people, especially autistic people whose circadian rhythm might be different to the majority norm, a practice of several shorter times of prayer at turning points in the day may be more sustainable."

Henna Cundill
How does being autistic impact prayer?
Neurodiversity and Faith Series
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
We are pleased to share that our book launch for Dr Henna Cundill's 'Praying by the Rules' is now available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=urkD... You can order a copy of the book here: scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
youtube.com
Dr Henna Cundill - Praying by the Rules: What Autistic People Teach the Church about Prayer
Henna Cundill shares about her research, followed by responses from Professor Grant Macaskill, Dr Krysia Waldock, Dr Claire Williams, and Christopher Barber. About 'Praying by the Rules': What…
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
This week's quote is from Issue 1 of our Neurodiversity and Faith series. The series offers short written reports of research projects taking place at the Centre. Read the full report and others here: www.abdn.ac.uk/dhpa/researc...
It is important to realise that everyone has a different sensory profile. This means that everyone is different in what they are sensitive to, which senses they find less important, or for which senses they pro-actively seek input.

Léon van Ommen, Katy Unwin, and Cody Crawshaw
How do our senses enable worship?
Neurodiversity and Faith Series
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
In this month's podcast episode, Zoe speaks with Lizzy Peach about autism and interpretations of the Bible. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/73dcf523/t...
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
This week's quote is from Henna Cundill's new book, Praying by the Rules. Buy the book here: scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
"There is a kind of empathy that can work across different lifeworlds, creating a shared lifeworld, and this is what is needed to create a Double Empathy Solution. This kind of empathy counters the threat of shame and therefore renders the role of anxiety (as guarding against shame) redundant."
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Calls for Participants Mark Somerville at the University of Edinburgh is interested in the experiences of three groups of people: transgender/gender-diverse autistic people, transgender/gender-diverse nonautistic people, cisgender autistic people. edinburgh.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
edinburgh.eu.qualtrics.com
Masking of Multiple Identities
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
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Reposted by Centre for Autism and Theology
SCM Press @scmpress.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Looking forward to visiting the University of Aberdeen on Thursday! If you're around King's College, come and find us in the Divinity Library for a chance to stock up on some lovely new theology books... @drkatiecross.bsky.social @autismtheology.bsky.social @abdndivinity.bsky.social
SCM Press bookstall
Thursday 28th May - one day only!
All books 20% off RRP
New and popular SCM Press titles
Divinity Library, King's College
Between 9am and 5pm
Card payments only
Email or SMS receipt available
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Over the weekend a few of our researchers attended Through the Roof’s Created to Belong event. It was a great event with insightful talks and workshops. We delivered a workshop on our sensory Bible studies, and it was fantastic to hear people’s reflections.
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
This week's quote is from a group of researchers involved in the work of the Centre. Read the article here: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
"Discussing work in progress with those who identify as neurodivergent in various ways helps to expose where such work is being unconsciously governed (and weakened) by the assumptive world of one particular viewpoint. The non-autistic researcher gains the viewpoint of the autistic researcher, and vice-versa…"
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
In this month's CATChat episode, Krysia and Zoe introduce the upcoming series on autism and sacred texts. They also answer a listener's question related to neurodiversity and interpreting the Bible. Listen here: tr.ee/v1JmTAcjX6 Transcript here: share.transistor.fm/s/6fcb0428/t...
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This week's quote is from an article by two of our researchers, Léon van Ommen and Henna Cundill. Read the article here: doi.org/10.1515/ijpt...
“…valuing what non- or minimally-speaking autistic people bring to the worship service may require a willingness to do things differently, or to think differently about what is taking place.”
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
At the beginning of May we hosted a book launch for Dr Henna Cundil's 'Praying by the Rules: What Autistic People Teach the Church about Prayer.' If you missed the launch, a recording will be available on YouTube at a later date. Order the book here: scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
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Centre for Autism and Theology @autismtheology.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
This week's quote is from an article by our co-director, Grant Macaskill, on autism and joy. Read the article here: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Grant Macaskill, Joy and autism.


"The capacity for joy is not determined by the condition of the individual, but by the locatedness of that individual within a world saturated by God’s presence and goodness. This cuts equally across our association of fulfilment with productivity."
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