Religion and Autism

Despite the prominence of autism spectrum disorders on the agendas of various disciplines within science and the humanities - psychology, education, neurology, religious studies, theology and psychiatry – very little research has been carried out in relation to the significance of religion for people with autism spectrum disorders. The research that has been done has been contradictory with some arguing that the complex and metaphorical nature of religion and religious experience is incompatible with the neurological, cognitive and social difficulties that are central features of autism spectrum disorders and others who argue that religious experience is very much a reality in the lives of people with this condition; a reality that has a good deal of significance for the quality of life of sufferers and their families. To date there has been no in depth, interdisciplinary research that has sought to explore the role of religion in the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders. This project aims to begin to address this knowledge gap by drawing together an interdisciplinary team of experts within the field to explore the central issues that arise in the encounter between autism and religion with a view to increasing knowledge and understanding within a wide range of disciplines (education, psychology, psychiatry, practical theology, disability theology, religious studies, history of religions, neurology). This will be a unique series of meetings which will be designed to produce previously undiscovered insights and knowledge.

 The intention is to begin to develop new knowledge through constructive, critical, multidisciplinary dialogue around the key issues of understanding, method and practice. This will be achieved by developing a multidisciplinary network of experts within the above mentioned disciplines, who will meet together for two sets of 3 day research symposia in 2007/08. The first will meet in Aberdeen in December 2007 (15th and 16th)  and the second in Cardiff during April 2008. These meetings will be highly focussed research symposia specifically designed to produce a unique, high quality academic text.

This is a closed symposium for invited guests only, but the results will be made available.