Autism, Religion and Spirituality, and Minority Ethnic Identities

Abstract:

In this webinar, Léon van Ommen will present highlights from his research project on autism,spirituality/religion, and minority identities. Léon’s project focuses on two specific minority groups within the autism discourse: those who cannot rely on spoken language as their primary way of communicating, and ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom (esp. Black Autistic people). For many ethnic minority or racialised groups, religion is an important aspect of life. However, religion is often overlooked in autism studies, or collapsed under the wide umbrella of ‘culture.’ Thus, this webinar aims at creating a space to discuss the often overlooked intersection of autism, religion and minority identity.

Who:

Dr Léon van Ommen is Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen, and Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology. Léon’s research focuses on the lived experience of neurodivergent (esp. autistic) people in relation to faith, religion and spirituality. He has done research with autistic people and disabled people in Singapore, Kenya, the United Kingdom, theUnited States, and other countries. Léon is author of numerous publications, including Autism and Worship: A Liturgical Theology (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2023).

Register in Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autism-religion-and-spirituality-and-minority-ethnic-identities-tickets-1235097984319?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Send in your questions to: info@sema.scot with subject Autism & Spirituality Webinar

Format: 50 min recorded talk followed by unrecorded Q&A discussion