Neurodiversity at St Aidan's
We are a NeuroChurch
If you are neurodiverse, this page is for you.
Many people have found church spaces confusing, overwhelming, or unsafe. At St Aidan’s, we don’t see neurodiversity as something to manage or correct. It is part of how people are made, and part of the richness of God’s creation.
You don’t need to change how you think, communicate, or cope in order to belong here. You are welcome to engage in ways that fit you — quietly or actively, in person or online, now or later.
Neurodiversity at St Aidans
How we understand neurodiversity at St Aidan's
At St Aidan’s, our understanding of neurodiversity shapes how we worship, how we build community, and how we care for one another. These principles guide our life together and shape how we design church spaces, practices, and participation.
The NeuroChurch Principles
1. We Reflect the Image of God
No matter how your brain works or what challenges you face, we believe you fully reflect the image of God. Your value and dignity are never in question. You’re a unique part of God’s creation, and we embrace that.
2. You Belong Here
Neurodiverse people are full members of this community.
Belonging here does not depend on how you participate, how often you attend, or whether you take on visible roles. Your place among us is not provisional.
3. You have a Right to a Safe and Inclusive Sacred Space
We are committed to shaping church life in ways that reduce barriers to participation. This includes being attentive to sensory load, communication, and social expectations.
If something makes church difficult for you, that is taken seriously as a matter of care.
4. You Enrich Us
The life of the Church is richer when neurodiverse people are able to participate as themselves.
Your ways of seeing, sensing, and engaging with the world are not marginal here. They are part of how the Body of Christ is made whole.
Safety and Wellbeing
The Anglican Church takes abuse of all kinds seriously, including spiritual, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. There is no place for abuse in the life of the Church, and no place for it at St Aidan’s.
If you have been harmed in a church or faith setting in the past, we recognise that trust takes time. We are committed to safeguarding practices that protect dignity, safety, and accountability for everyone in our community.
You can read more about our safeguarding policies and the ways concerns are handled here:
Ways to Participate
There is no single way to belong at St Aidan’s. Participation can look different for different people, and it can change over time.
You are welcome to engage in ways that fit your capacity, interests, and needs.
In Person
Sunday worship at St Aidan’s is intentionally designed for inclusion and first Sunday of every month is a "Quiet Service" with no singing.
You are welcome to attend regularly, occasionally, or simply visit.
Resources
These resources are here to support understanding, access, and care. They are for neurodiverse people, families, and church communities who want clear, practical information. You are welcome to use what is helpful and leave the rest.
Each guide is available as an a5 booklet or a4 easy to print PDFs.
Quick Guide to Neurodiversity
Starting Point
The "Quick Guide to Neurodiversity" introduces St Aidan's Church members to neurodiversity, aiming to foster an inclusive, compassionate environment for individuals with diverse cognitive conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia. It provides guidance on understanding neurodiverse experiences and offers practical steps for creating a supportive and accepting church community.
Guide to Autism
The "Guide to Autism" serves as an in-depth extension of the "Quick Guide to Neurodiversity," providing church members with a detailed understanding of autism, including communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and common misconceptions. It offers targeted guidance for creating an autism-friendly church environment, building on the principles of inclusion with specific insights and accommodations for autistic individuals.
Guide to ADHD
The "Guide to ADHD" provides a more detailed understanding of ADHD specifically for church members, covering language preferences, common misconceptions, and the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. Building on general neurodiversity principles, it offers specific strategies for making church environments more accommodating and supportive for those with ADHD.