About the Centre for Autism and Theology

Autism is now recognized to be common, and most faith communities will include autistic people. It is easy to assume that autism can be considered in isolation from faith commitments, and that those who have a diagnosis of autism can process it without reference to their faith. Communities and persons of faith, however, always process and understand their experiences in ways that are shaped by that faith, which is itself formed by their traditions and sacred texts. Where those texts and traditions shape their lives in healthy ways, their response to the opportunities and challenges constituted by conditions such as autism will be enriched, and may facilitate a kind of care from which our society more widely may learn and may derive blessing. The nature and reality of autism will always be interpreted and understood through the prism of shared and embodied faith, and this must be recognized. 

At the Centre we host research that will help to foster positive understandings of autism and other neurodivergences, drawing on sacred texts and theological traditions, and sometimes challenging the misuse of these. In the first instance, this is intended to help faith communities to respond well to the lived reality of autism. Whilst most of the research in the Centre takes place within the Christian tradition, the Centre intends to develop its engagement with other communities of faith, with the third sector more widely, and with the medical sciences. Within this, our researchers do not claim expertise beyond the tradition(s) and disciplines that they find themselves in, but actively welcome interaction with a diversity of viewpoints and areas of expertise.  

Thus at the Centre we encourage a three-fold approach: 1) engagement in rigorous theological research, informed and often led by autistic researchers; 2) serving and working with autistic people and faith communities; and 3) interacting with other academic disciplines and the third sector. 

The Centre for Autism and Theology is embedded in the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History and is closely linked to several other projects and research centres at the University of Aberdeen, including The Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, the Centre for Ministry Studies, and the Friendship House Initiative. 

The Centre has three core characteristics that, we believe, enable it to make a leading contribution to the contemporary study of autism, including other theological research.

First, we recognize that Christian faith is always shaped and informed by the biblical writings that are regarded as Scripture by the church, even if this relationship is conceived in different ways by different traditions. This means that theological and pastoral reflection on autism must always engage with the Bible, as it functions in the life of Christian community. Because autism is not named, as such, within the Bible, all such engagement requires careful reflection on how to read the Scriptural material properly and a willingness to challenge the misuse of Scripture, which can be destructive and alienating. These considerations also apply to the acknowledgement that the Christian faith is shaped and form by the Christian tradition(s). We recognise the need to ground our work firmly and critically in the traditions, whilst applying the same careful reflection on the proper reading of traditions and the potential misuse of them as we do when engaging Scripture.

Second, we affirm that autistic people in the church are to be considered a gift and blessing to Christian communities, contributing to the diversity of the “body of Christ.” Much theological discussion of autism treats those with the condition simply as a point of comparison with “normality,” using their perceived “deficiencies” as a means to cast light on what properly functioning humanity should look like. We consider such approaches to be theologically problematic, and to entail a lack of proper affirmation of the value of autistic people. Working with autistic people and ensuring their leadership/representation in the development of research is therefore a priority for us.

Third, we are keen to support communities to overcome barriers of misunderstanding and unawareness of the needs and gifts of each member. It is not uncommon for autistic people to feel that they are not seen and heard, and to feel they need to adjust to social expectations in order to belong fully to the community. On the other hand, non-autistic people may feel they do not know how or feel unable to accommodate the gifts and needs of autistic members. We realise that churches and other communities need reconciliation, so they will reflect the multifaceted beauty that Christ intended the community to be, with all its strengths and weaknesses. The Centre is keen to collaborate with other individuals and organisations that may share this goal, while recognizing the sensitivity around the values that some may currently or historically represent.

The Centre has four core characteristics that, we believe, enable it to make a leading contribution to the contemporary study of autism and to theological research. 

First, we affirm that autistic people in the church are to be considered a gift and blessing to communities of faith. With Christian communities, this means that autistic people are contributing to the diversity of the “body of Christ.” Much theological discussion of autism treats those with the condition simply as a point of comparison with “normality,” using their perceived “deficiencies” as a means to cast light on what properly functioning humanity should look like. We consider such approaches to be theologically problematic, and to entail a lack of proper affirmation of the value of autistic people. Working with autistic people and ensuring their leadership/representation in the development of research is therefore a priority for us.  

Second, we are keen to support communities to overcome barriers of misunderstanding and unawareness of the needs and gifts of each member. It is not uncommon for autistic people to feel that they are not seen and heard, and to feel they need to adjust to social expectations in order to belong fully to the community. On the other hand, non-autistic people may feel they do not know how or feel unable to accommodate the gifts and needs of autistic members. We realise that churches and other communities need reconciliation, so they will reflect the multifaceted beauty that – speaking from a Christian theological point of view – Christ intended the community to be, with all its strengths and weaknesses. At the Centre we are keen to collaborate with other individuals and organisations that may share this goal, while recognizing the sensitivity around the values that some may currently or historically represent.  

Third, as the Centre originated from within the Christian tradition, we recognize that Christian faith is always shaped and informed by the Christian tradition broadly, and the biblical writings that are regarded as Scripture by the church, even if this relationship is conceived in different ways by different traditions. This means that theological and pastoral reflection on autism must always engage with the Bible, as it functions in the life of Christian community. Because autism is not named, as such, within the Bible, all such engagement requires careful reflection on how to read the Scriptural material properly and a willingness to challenge the misuse of Scripture, which can be destructive and alienating. These considerations also apply to the acknowledgement that the Christian faith is shaped and form by the Christian tradition(s). We recognise the need to ground our work firmly and critically in the traditions, whilst applying the same careful reflection on the proper reading of traditions and the potential misuse of them as we do when engaging Scripture.  

Fourth, at the Centre for Autism and Theology we wish for our research to impact the practices of faith communities. Rather than seeing academy and faith communities as separated, we see them as two ends on a continuum. Whilst expertise at the Centre lies in academic research, our research is grounded in extensive conversations with faith communities, organisations, and people ‘on the ground.’ In this way, we aim to be sensitive to questions from grassroots experience of faith and spirituality, whilst simultaneously interacting with the theological and interdisciplinary discourse on autism. Not only is our research informed by questions and experiences from lived experience, we also seek to communicate and develop our research findings in partnership with faith communities and other stakeholders, thereby realising the vision to resource faith communities to be places where autistic and non-autistic people flourish through each other.  

Memorandum of Understanding between

Centre for Autism and Theology and the Koinonia Inclusion Network

The Centre for Autism and Theology (Aberdeen) and the Koinonia Inclusion Network (Singapore) are delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Koinonia Inclusion Network (KIN) is a Singapore-based Christian organisation that partners with churches to help them include people with disabilities. KIN offers a wide range of services for churches in the area of disability ministry, including consultancy, training, and ministry resources. Through its research arm, the Centre for Disability Ministry in Asia (CDMA), KIN produces “context-relevant research that enables disability ministry in Asia.”

Theological research in autism is an underdeveloped area of research. This MOU between CAT and KIN will allow the two centres to partner together to further study in the theology of autism and to contextualise it for an Asian context, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the belonging of persons with autism in churches in Singapore and beyond. At the same time, KIN's experience in developing practical resources will strengthen public knowledge exchange and impact activities of CAT in the UK and beyond.

Dr Léon van Ommen, Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology, commented:

“The MOU between the Centre for Autism and Theology (CAT) and the Koinonia Inclusion Network (KIN) is an exciting development for CAT. Launched in 2018, CAT's mission is to resource Christian communities through robust theological research. Therefore, listening to what is happening 'on the ground' is all-important for our research. KIN brings that invaluable grassroots input. Moreover, the collaboration between KIN and CAT allows for intercultural enrichment and learning from one another through our diverse contexts. This MOU will enable CAT and KIN to bring together the best of both theological research and practical engagement with the Church.”

Mr Wen Pin Leow, President of the Koinonia Inclusion Network, said:

“KIN is very pleased to collaborate with the Centre for Autism and Theology (CAT) through this MOU. Based at the University of Aberdeen, which is internationally renowned for scholarship in disability theology, the CAT comprises a dynamic group of scholars and students who are producing excellent research in autism and theology. Through this collaboration, KIN hopes to bring world-class theological scholarship to bear on the practical and pastoral issues inherent in disability ministry and missions. This is an excellent space for collaboration, and we know that this MOU will produce significant dividends for the Church and persons with autism in Singapore and Asia.”

To mark the signing of the MOU, KIN invited Dr van Ommen to deliver a keynote lecture on the inclusion of people on the autism spectrum in churches, followed by a Q&A which was moderated by Mr Leow. More than 150 Singaporean church leaders, pastoral workers, and church members attended the live event in Singapore, which took place on Saturday 2 July. The keynote can be found here.

To support the work of the Centre, please click on the link below. Funds raised will be used at the discretion of the Co-Directors, in consultation with associated staff, to subsidise public events and research activities. If sufficient funds are raised, the Centre will be able to provide research positions and doctoral scholarships for students interested in relevant research topics.  

If you would like to make a larger donation to the work of the Centre, please contact The Development Trust or email one of the Co-Directors of the Centre, Professor Grant Macaskill and Dr Léon van Ommen to discuss further details. You may be keen for us to research a particular theme, or may even want to endow a Chair in this important and pioneering area of scholarship. Our colleagues in The Development Trust will be able to discuss options and facilitate the process of giving. Potential donors based in North America may be interested in supporting our work through The University of Aberdeen Foundation. 

The logo of the Centre for Autism and Theology is based on two features of King's College at the University of Aberdeen. Firstly, the shape of the logo and the light colours around the central feature, the lamp, are reminiscent of the rose window that can be found in the Divinity Library. This library is where most Divinity and Religious Studies research seminars take place. The Centre is part of the vibrant research culture of the Divinity and Religious Studies Department. Rose windows are also often found in church buildings, which is a subtle hint to the Centre's focus on Christian communities. Moreover, rose windows are typically made up of many different parts, often colourful. The richness in display of colour, shapes, and images within many rose windows reflects the ambition of the Centre to display that richness in the work we do and the people who are and will be involved. Furthermore, the colours reflect the rich variety in which autism is expressed and the beauty of all people.

The second feature is the lamp itself, reminiscent of the quire lamps in the King's College Chapel, next to the Divinity Library. This is where daily morning prayer takes place. In reference to 'Christian' in the Centre's title (the Centre was formerly called the Centre for the Study of Autism and Christian Community), the designer wanted to represent the light that the lamp spreads, as the light of Christ. The light is refracted through the rose window, which again points to the manifold shapes and colours of autism. 

The logo was designed by Holly Russell. You can find more of her art and design work here.

The Centre is advised by an Advisory Board, that functions as a sounding board and supports the Centre's personnel, especially the co-directors, to achieve their aims. The Advisory Board strives to have a balanced representation of autistic and non-autistic members, of theological and interdisciplinary perspectives, and of academic and non-academic members, including partners from other organisations.

Current members

Dr Lisa Collinson
University of Aberdeen

Mr Stewart Rapley
National Autistic Society

Mr Wen-Pin Leow
President of Koinonia Inclusion Network, Singapore

Dr David Simmons
University of Glasgow

Ms Katherine Bale
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