Autism and Religion Symposium

This weekend I am in Aberdeen (Bridge of Dee in photo!), attending the multi-disciplinary symposium on Autism and Religion. Over two days we will discuss a very wide range of papers from various professional perspectives – theological, psychological, neuro-biological, religious phenomenology, and from people from several different faith traditions. The papers reflect both the area of expertise of the participants, but also aim at enabling the wider discussion by a cross fertilisation of knowledge, ideas, and experiences.

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The symposium is under the auspices of the centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability and is held at King’s College, University of Aberdeen. There is an important element of humility and reserve required in such a symposium, not least because this complex human experience is explored almost exclusively by people who are not themselves diagnosed as being on the Autistic spectrum. Autism itself is such a varied and experientially diverse condition that it includes people whose autism is so severe they require others to be their advocates, while it also includes people well able to speak for themselves, and indeed to be advocates for other people with autism. And between these, many, many people who live their lives with great courage and perseverance, both people with autism and their carers and helpers.

My own interests are rooted in personal and pastoral friendships with families where one or more people have autism. My personal theological commitments raise important issues about how we relate to others who perhaps do not have the sense of connectedness we too easily assume in others, and in our working definitions of community, identity and spirituality. So my paper is entitled ‘Is a Sense of Self Essential to Spirituality?’ This is part of a wider set of questions I am currently thinking through as a theological reflection on the nature of our humanity, and how we think of ourselves and others, how we think of God and how God is experienced, how we respond in gestures of redemptive and embracing love, to those who because of various conditions, have an impaired sense of self. I am looking forward to listening, exploring, learning, reflecting, and of course talking – but I hope our talking will be at its most creative in the context of significant pastoral and theological care, as issues are identified, and understanding deepened, within the rich texture often only possible in a conversation where minds are both receptive and generous.

Later in the week, when thought has clarified I’ll post an update.