Autism, faith and churches: The research landscape and where we go next

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Waldock, K. E. & Sango, P. N. (2023). Autism, faith and churches: The research landscape and where we go next. Theology in Scotland, 30(1), 47-57. https://doi.org/10.15664/tis.v30i1.2578

Publication date: 18 May 2023 Added to AutiHub: 7 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. Krysia Emily Waldock *
  2. Precious Nonye Sango

Abstract

Although there is a growing field exploring Autistic people, faith and churches, negative attitudes remain towards Autistic people within some faith spaces. Our paper aims to unpick the theological and sociological issues behind negative attitudes, beliefs and practices. We will then tentatively suggest how this projects a neuronormative and able-bodied image of God, and hinders the flourishing of all church members, notably Autistic people. We will then reflect on the current research landscape and knowledge-to-practice pipeline in churches. Finally, we will provide some recommendations for future directions, and practical recommendations for research and practice.

Bibliography cited by this reference

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Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
9
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
1 / 9 (11.1%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
1 / 16 (6.2%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 1 / 8 (12.5%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 12 (8.3%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
8 / 16 (50.0%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 4 / 12 (33.3%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
7 / 8 (87.5%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 7 / 16 (43.8%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 3 / 4 (75.0%).
1 cited bibliography entry could not be fully enriched from DOI metadata.
Crossref: not found (1)
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