Autism Spectrum Disorder

By Kelly Wright, MD, FAAP

This resources provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder with practical ways to engage with and individuals of all ages who are on the spectrum.

Trauma Training Takeaway: The article linked below shares a powerful perspective from an individual who has autism who shares their perspective and personal experience with religious trauma. Some of the perspectives they share is how many parents have turned to church and religion to change the common spectrum behaviors in their children, even using religion as justification for punishment or shame techniques (1).

Many religious settings are also not organized with sensitivity to those with neurodiversity, hosting environments with overstimulating music and lights, providing no retreat space for those who are overstimulating and reacting due to a lack of understanding to tools like noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys. Our Flipped Table Theology Podcast shared two episodes on Neurodiversity, one with a conversation specific to faith spaces, and the other with a lived experience perspective.

1) Jenna. “Religious Trauma & Autism: Defining Religious Trauma and How It Affects the Autistic Mind.” Learn From Autistics,” February 7, 2023. https://learnfromautistics.com/religious-trauma-autism-defining-religious-trauma-and-how-it-affects-the-autistic-mind%EF%BF%BC/.