Autistic Spirituality: Authentically against the Grain

Autistic people are sometimes said to be less intuitively spiritual or not capable of having a spirituality at all. However, many autistic people testify to having a rich spirituality. In this talk, we will explore this tension between these two perspectives. Moreover, based on interviews with over 30 autistic people, we will highlight what seems to be characteristic of an autistic spirituality.

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.

Time and Date

Friday 13 February 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST

Schedule

6:00pm – Dinner

7.00pm – Lecture

Location

St Mark’s Anglican Church
1075 Waterworks Road, The Gap QLD 4061

_{Banner image by Peter Burdon on Unsplash.}