Autism was only identified and recognized relatively recently, but even so one might have expected the church to have moved further in its thinking about how autistic thinking can contribute to the life of the church. At a time when churches exhibit a heightened awareness of ‘inclusion’ and recognition of difference in all manner of ways, it is startling how little attention is given to those who have autism.
Drawn from extensive research amongst autistic worshippers, Autistic Thinking in the Life of the Church develops and explores a model in which churches can strengthen and retain the cognitive engagement of those worshippers in their congregations who are on the autistic spectrum.
Stewart Rapley has been actively involved in Christian discipleship and ministry for over forty years and has an MA from Nazarene Theological College. He was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum in his mid fifties and is a trustee of the National Autistic Society.