An Exploratory Study of Attitudes toward Autism Amongst Church-Going Christians in the South East of England, United Kingdom. (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waldock, Krysia Emily; Forrester-Jones, Rachel
• Is Part Of: Journal of disability & religion. Volume 24:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 370
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: autism -- inclusion -- social inclusion -- spirituality; Church work with people with disabilities -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Religious life -- Periodicals; 259.4
• DOI: 10.1080/23312521.2020.1776667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2331-2521

Abstract

Abstract: Access to church communities can be difficult for autistic people. Whilst specific autism guidelines are available for churches to follow, their dissemination among church communities, as well as churchgoers' attitudes towards autism is unknown. Semi-structured interviews were used with twenty-one adult church-goers from four Protestant churches in England, UK. Using a grounded theory approach to analyze the data, three themes were identified: "different understandings of autism", "degrees of ableism" and "idiosyncratic practice." We found positive and pejorative attitudes; this mix of perspectives reflecting the idiosyncratic practice among churches. Recommendations for further research and church practice are provided.