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Neurodiversity

Churches and Communities as Safe Spaces for Neurodiversity by Ann Memmott Disabled, autistic, author of national autism guidelines for churches. Neurodiversity. Different neurotypes , for example Autism Dyspraxia ADHD Tourette's Dyslexia Different, not broken

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Neurodiversity

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  1. Churches and Communities as Safe Spaces forNeurodiversitybyAnn MemmottDisabled, autistic, author of national autism guidelines for churches

  2. Neurodiversity • Different neurotypes, for example • Autism • Dyspraxia • ADHD • Tourette's • Dyslexia • Different, not broken • All need safety and belonging

  3. Psalm 23 TheLord is my shepherd, I shall not want;he makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters;he restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil;for you are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. That’s our model for safety and inclusion

  4. So, what’s autism, then? A neurodiversity, born autistic, autistic for life. A different way of communicating.Different sensory profile.Different need for structure and rules. All genders, ages, personalities, IQs, abilities, levels of support needs. The photo below is as representative of autism as any photo of (say) young boys.

  5. What does it mean, to be autistic and read Psalm 23?Comfort… Safety…. Belonging…. A banquet for all.

  6. IICSA – Church Safeguarding investigation. Truth Project Thematic Report.One of the shocking findings about predators and who they target. Half of the children targeted were disabled/neurodivergent, etc https://www.iicsa.org.uk/document/truth-project-thematic-report-child-sexual-abuse-context-religious-institutions?fbclid=IwAR14Fr9N1LLCA9EWl9E6pkeqbIZwESn52pmwkx6RY_MzfUZlgWPmX1XZ3MsAppendix A, p 74

  7. The need for churches and communities to be safe havens is vital, urgent, and of God. What can we do? We can partner We can learn We can co-produce We can love We can care, as equals We can be safe friends.

  8. What Can We Do? We can commission training from, and with, neurodivergent and disabled people with lived experience. We can respect different communication & friendship styles. We can respect different expressions of need, pain, grief and fear, instead of branding people ‘toxic’. We can make it safe to disclose neurodiversities. Every person is wonderfully made, with the light of God within them.

  9. Thank you More information:See our resources lists.Visit our marketplace here.Talk to us. Thank you. Ann Memmott

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