Access Denied: Spirituality at the Intersections of Autism, Ethnic Minority, and Non-Speaking Autism
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Aberdeen
Department Name: Sch of Divinity, History and Philosop
Abstract
This project seeks to listen to autistic people and their communities - especially non-speakers and Black people - who are marginalised both in society and in autism research. This project researches their spiritual and religious lives. It has been demonstrated that spirituality and religious participation enhance the quality of life of autistic people and their carers, and that both are especially important in Black communities. Stories by autistic people of experiencing the Divine or other spiritual experiences abound, yet there is a persistent claim in the literature that autistic people have a reduced capacity to be spiritual. Access to spirituality and religion is denied to autistic people in various ways:
1. By autism theories: some scholars (and autistic people) argue that autistic people cannot be spiritual. This is sometimes explained by the claim that autistic people have no Theory of Mind (ToM, also called 'mindblindness'), that is, reduced mentalising capacities, despite the fact that ToM has received significant criticism;
2. By theologies: when the causation of autism is seen as curse from God or ancestors, demon-possession, the sin of the parents, or the result of the Adam and Eve's 'Fall' in paradise;
3. By religious culture: autistic people testify to difficulties in participating in or even exclusion from church activities and the central act of worship;
4. By religious practices (closely aligned with religious culture): when activities are set up in a way that are inaccessible (e.g., because of particular forms of social interaction or sensory input).
When intersectionality is added to this, spiritual and religious flourishing may become even harder. Intersectionality refers to the multiple marginalisation due to certain characteristics that come together in one person or group, e.g., being Black and a woman, or being autistic and Black. Indeed, these examples call for the decolonisation of autism itself, when we realise that the stereotypical autistic person is White, male, and a child.
Autism Theology, as an emerging discipline, is ideally suited to address the above concerns. The project will be a major contribution to the discipline, as the issue of spirituality and religious participation is core to theology but has not been a substantial subject of research in Autism Theology. Another major contribution of this project to Autism Theology, and to autism studies broadly, is the focus on marginalised communities. Moreover, the project hopes to contribute to the quality of life of autistic people by highlighting their wishes and needs regarding spirituality and religion to their communities. Finally, this project aims at facilitating the dialogue between Autism Theology and other disciplines.
The project makes these contributions as follows. The first part of the study entails a cross-disciplinary literature review, evaluating the arguments for the claim that autistic people have a reduced capacity for spirituality. The second and third parts entail two case studies of Christian spirituality and religion (Black communities and non-speakers). Autistic people, their caregivers, and leaders of their religious communities (if they participate in one) will be interviewed about their views and experiences of spirituality and religion in relation to autism, followed by an in-depth theological analysis and discussion. Finally, in addition to an Advisory Group consisting of autistic and ethnic minority scholars, a Stakeholder and Impact Group (SIG) will collaborate on devising strategies to create impact through the stakeholder's own policies and beyond. SIG members will include both faith-based and professional organisations.
By conducting this specialised research into fundamental questions within Autism Theology, engaging in cross-disciplinary research, and by undertaking a bespoke development programme, undertaking this project will enable the Fellow to become a leading voice in the field.
1. By autism theories: some scholars (and autistic people) argue that autistic people cannot be spiritual. This is sometimes explained by the claim that autistic people have no Theory of Mind (ToM, also called 'mindblindness'), that is, reduced mentalising capacities, despite the fact that ToM has received significant criticism;
2. By theologies: when the causation of autism is seen as curse from God or ancestors, demon-possession, the sin of the parents, or the result of the Adam and Eve's 'Fall' in paradise;
3. By religious culture: autistic people testify to difficulties in participating in or even exclusion from church activities and the central act of worship;
4. By religious practices (closely aligned with religious culture): when activities are set up in a way that are inaccessible (e.g., because of particular forms of social interaction or sensory input).
When intersectionality is added to this, spiritual and religious flourishing may become even harder. Intersectionality refers to the multiple marginalisation due to certain characteristics that come together in one person or group, e.g., being Black and a woman, or being autistic and Black. Indeed, these examples call for the decolonisation of autism itself, when we realise that the stereotypical autistic person is White, male, and a child.
Autism Theology, as an emerging discipline, is ideally suited to address the above concerns. The project will be a major contribution to the discipline, as the issue of spirituality and religious participation is core to theology but has not been a substantial subject of research in Autism Theology. Another major contribution of this project to Autism Theology, and to autism studies broadly, is the focus on marginalised communities. Moreover, the project hopes to contribute to the quality of life of autistic people by highlighting their wishes and needs regarding spirituality and religion to their communities. Finally, this project aims at facilitating the dialogue between Autism Theology and other disciplines.
The project makes these contributions as follows. The first part of the study entails a cross-disciplinary literature review, evaluating the arguments for the claim that autistic people have a reduced capacity for spirituality. The second and third parts entail two case studies of Christian spirituality and religion (Black communities and non-speakers). Autistic people, their caregivers, and leaders of their religious communities (if they participate in one) will be interviewed about their views and experiences of spirituality and religion in relation to autism, followed by an in-depth theological analysis and discussion. Finally, in addition to an Advisory Group consisting of autistic and ethnic minority scholars, a Stakeholder and Impact Group (SIG) will collaborate on devising strategies to create impact through the stakeholder's own policies and beyond. SIG members will include both faith-based and professional organisations.
By conducting this specialised research into fundamental questions within Autism Theology, engaging in cross-disciplinary research, and by undertaking a bespoke development programme, undertaking this project will enable the Fellow to become a leading voice in the field.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Armand Van Ommen (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |