Enhancing Religious Education on Neurodivergence : Fostering Acceptance and Inclusion of Individuals with Autism and their Families View Digital Media

Workshop Presentation
Maria Teresa Valencia,  Jordan Say,  Emily Hedrick,  Jessica Black,  Isabelle Kim  

For parents of neurodivergent children, particularly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), participation in a faith community can be critical to support the wellbeing of the entire family. However, ASD behavioral and cognitive characteristics can often be misunderstood by the parish community and clergy. Inclusion of individuals with autism and their families requires ongoing training for clergy and faith leaders to adapt to the needs of families, assisting with additional support integrating into the community and connecting to parish and organizational resources. Studies reveal that many parents of children with autism do not feel supported or welcomed by their faith communities. Pope Francis (2019) affirms “We need to care for and accompany people with disabilities in every condition of life, also through the use of current technologies but without regarding them as absolute; taking on situations of marginalization with strength and tenderness; making way with them and “anointing them” with dignity for an active participation in the civil and ecclesial community. ”Family Ecology Theory serves to examine this relationship between the faith community and the family unit, recognizing the importance of not only supporting neurodivergent children, but the entire family unit as well. This session seeks to foster dialogue about ASD behavioral and cognitive characteristics, discuss findings on autistic spirituality, and provide suggestions for enhancing religious education to promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism and their families in the community.