Autism and Theology Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Centre for Autism and Theology, University of Aberdeen

The Autism and Theology Podcast is a space where we engage with the latest conversations in the field of autism and theology, share relevant resources, and promote ways in which both faith and non-faith communities can enable autistic people to flourish. Our episodes are released on the first Wednesday of every month. We have a variety of guests who are related in some way to the field of autism and theology. Some are academics, others are people with life stories to share, and some are both! We also release CATChat every third Wednesday of the month. These are shorter and...

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A Conversation with Sophie Killingley: “Blessed are the Neurodivergent”
#79
Today at 1:00 AM

In today's episode, Krysia is joined by Sophie Killingley to discuss her book, "Blessed Are the Neurodivergent". 

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/49802736/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this podcast uses t...


CATChat 38: 3 years of the podcast!
#76
10/21/2026

Zoe, Krysia, and Ian reflect on 3 years of the Autism and Theology Podcast! They share their highlights from the last year, how the podcast has impacted them, and what they’re excited for in the year ahead. Thank you to all of our listeners for your support over these 3 years! 

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f7510aa/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

T...


Autism and Spirituality with Monica Jones and Harry Gibbins
#77
10/07/2026

In this episode, Zoe speaks to Monica and Harry about the research they conducted with Léon van Ommen on autism and spirituality. They discuss the findings of their research as well as practical implications and next steps.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/984f954e/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's C...


CAT Chat 37: Autism, Neurodiversity, and Sacred Texts Series Reflections
#74
09/16/2026

In this episode, Zoe and Krysia reflect on the Autism, Neurodiversity, and Sacred Texts Series, discussing their highlights and key themes.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b10e0bfc/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

<...


Sensory Bible Studies with Léon van Ommen
#75
09/02/2026

This week, our co-director Dr Léon van Ommen joins Krysia on the podcast to talk about our sensory bible study series, 'Faith and our Senses'. Find out more about our 'Faith and our Senses' bible studies here: https://www.autismchurch.com

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b02a5355/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University o...


CATChat 36: Rejection Sensitivity
#73
08/19/2026

In this episode, Krysia and Zoe discuss rejection sensitivity.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bceeacc5/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this podcast uses the Centre for Autism and Theology Logo...


Autism, Hajj, and Islamic Teachings with Sofia Farzana
#72
08/05/2026

In this episode, Krysia speaks with Sofia Farzana about autism, Hajj, and Islamic teachings. 


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/000e9d8b/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this podcast u...


CATChat 35: Neurodiversity and Foundational Texts
#71
07/15/2026

In this episode, Ian and Zoe discuss engaging with Scripture and the importance of foundational texts.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/96dfb20d/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this podcast...


Autism, Judaism, and Reading Sacred Texts with Mati Boulakia-Bortnick
#70
07/01/2026

In this episode, Ian speaks with Mati Boulakia-Bortnick about an autistic reading of sacred texts. 


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2345889d/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this podcast uses t...


CATChat 34: Neurodiversity, Small Groups, and Inclusion
#69
06/17/2026

In this episode, Krysia, Ian and Zoe discuss neurodiversity and how to make small group Bible studies more inclusive spaces.


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b97fd9bd/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp...


Autism and Interpretations of the Bible with Lizzy Peach
#68
06/03/2026

In this episode, Zoe speaks with Lizzy about autism and interpretations of the Bible, specifically how we can approach texts to better understand the autistic experience.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/73dcf523/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat<...


CATChat 33: Autism and Sacred Texts Series
#67
05/20/2026

In this episode, Krysia and Zoe discuss the new series on autism and sacred texts.


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fcb0428/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this...


Dyslexia and the Bible with Zoe Strong
#66
05/06/2026

In this episode, Krysia speaks with Zoe Strong about her recently completed PhD research on dyslexia and engaging with the Bible.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7604c994/transcript.txt

Short research summary: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/media/site/dhpa/3.0-Dyslexia..pdf

Zoe's work:
Dyslexia and reading the Bible: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23312521.2022.2041531
Acheiving authenticity: dyslexic theology in response to festive Bible reading challenges: https://practicaltheologyhub.com/?p=1114
Laughing with Me, Not at Me: The Importance of Challenging Stereotypes and...


CATChat 32: Advocating for Inclusion and Support in Education
#65
04/15/2026

In this episode, Ian, and Zoe discuss advocating for inclusion and support in education and schools.


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bb8e3be/transcript.txt

Henna Cundill's book launch 'Praying buy the Rules': https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rRkrjJxf1EmQdz7Dz8UrP9xXcPve3ztLodtQXHrMd-5UNDZYR0lTVzlXR0lVSU44MjhBSVFJOTYxVy4u

Eric Garcia, We're Not Broken: http://www.ericmgarcia.net/were-not-broken.html
Steve Silberman, NeuroTribes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/310415/neurotribes-by-steve-silberman-foreword-by-oliver-sacks/

If you have any questions, or...


Non and Minimally Speaking Autistic People with Léon Van Omen, Katy Unwin and Lucille Kennedy
#64
04/01/2026

In this episode, Krysia speaks with Léon van Ommen, Katy Unwin, and Lucille Kennedy about their project on non and minimally speaking autistic people.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2d4187f9/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.u...


CATChat 31: The Church of England 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' Report
#63
03/18/2026

In this episode, Krysia, Ian, and Zoe discuss the Church of England's recent report 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made': Understanding the wellbeing of disabled and neurodivergent clergy.


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/cab4ba07/transcript.txt

Read the report here: 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made': Understanding the wellbeing of disabled and neurodivergent clergy report | The Church of England

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

<...


Dungeons and Dragons with Harry Gibbins and Paula Duncan
#62
03/04/2026

In this episode, Zoe speaks with Harry Gibbins and Paula Duncan about Dungeons and Dragons, Neurodiversity, and Theology.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/81193e40/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Harry's Article on D&D: (PDF) Rolling with advantage: Why Dungeons & Dragons provides new insight into the Christian concept of the imago Dei for autistic Christians

Paula's Article on...


CATChat 30: Fellowship Through Social Groups
#61
02/18/2026

In this episode, Krysia, Ian, and Zoe reflect on fellowship through social groups and activities such as Pokemon Go and D&D.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a539d1aa/transcript.txt

Episode with Steve Owens: Autism and Theology Podcast | Steven Owens: An online community for autistic Christians

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of...


Access Denied: Black and Non-Speaking Autistic Individuals with Sheila Akomiah
#60
02/04/2026

In this episode, Ian speaks with Sheila Akomiah about her work on the Access Denied project at the University of Aberdeen, which explored the spiritual lives of two unique groups of autistic individuals: non-speaking autistic individuals, and back autistic adult individuals.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/35bc4ac1/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Watch the Faith on the Margins conference...


CATChat 29: Managing News/Social Media Overwhelm
#59
01/21/2026

In this episode, Krysia, Ian, and Zoe reflect on how overwhelming the news can be, especially on social media, and how we can manage feelings of overwhelm while still remaining informed.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7fc323c/transcript.txt

Read Katie Cross's article here: https://doi.org/10.1080/23312521.2024.2441431

Register for the Centre for Autism and Theology Webinar: Webinar: Picturing Autism Biblically: Canonical Approaches to Neurodiversity – Fill in form

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at ca...


ADHD and Prayer with Henna Cundill
#58
01/07/2026

In this episode, Ian speaks with Henna Cundill about ADHD and prayer.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6cfbed73/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this podcast uses the Centre for...


CATChat 28: New Years Eve/Hogmanay and Neurodiversity
#57
12/17/2025

In this episode, Krysia, Ian, and Zoe reflect on the New Years Eve (or Hogmanay if you're Scottish) and neurodiversity. 

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d38f5903/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for t...


Christmas, Faith, and Autism with Harriet Axbey
#56
12/03/2025

In this episode, Krysia speaks with Harriet Axbey about autism, Christmas, and faith!

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9f3b5aae/transcript.txt

Harriet’s mum’s date recipe:

Take stones out of dates. Fill with goats cheese. Wrap in sweet cured bacon - put cocktail stick in to keep together. Then cook (gas mark 6) - 15 mins or so

Harriet’s books:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/University-Autistic-Everything-Survive-Thrive/dp/1803882549/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=191565641012&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-Zj7T7dBXoaQ0XGObs07fhPWqz...


CATChat 27: Reflecting on the Conference
#55
11/19/2025

In this episode, Krysia, Ian, and Amund reflect on the Autism and Theology Conference that took place at the begining of November.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/273054cb/transcript.txt

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

...


Autistic Experiences of Christianity with Jon from 'Christianity on the Spectrum'
#54
11/05/2025

In this episode, Ian talks with Jon Machnee from the Christianity on the Spectrum podcast about his insights into autistic experiences of Christianity from over 600 interviews and looking at thousands of social media posts from autistic people who are or were Christian or are Christian-curious.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/aab2606b/transcript.txt

Listen to Christianity on the Spectrum: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianityOnTheSpectrum-k1y/videos


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at cat...


CATChat 26: Autism, Research, and Public Engagement
#53
10/15/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian and Krysia talk about autism, research, and public engagement. They discuss different ways that they share about their research publicly and in their communities.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7e8b9193/transcript.txt

Article by Ian: https://sojo.net/articles/opinion/why-rfk-jr-doesnt-see-image-god-autistic-people


Church for Everyone webinar: https://youtu.be/-X4487NfAzY?si=lupGrCnravdxSP6W


Krysia's videos: https://neurodivergentbook2025.my.canva.site

Register for the online conference: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id...


Neurodiversity and Creative Practice with Rachel Terlop
#52
10/01/2025

In this CATChat episode, Zoe speaks with Rachel Terlop about neurodiversity and creative practices.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf7d6555/transcript.txt

Rachel's website: www.mrsterlop.com
Turlop Technique Examples:
docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_oMBidE3IkmiTxdDWwj1J0FIDpdPQYCDokz0cis4OlI/edit?slide=id.g379e8b70ef5_0_11#slide=id.g379e8b70ef5_0_11
www.tiktok.com/@terloptopia/video/7554811469347474719   
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UZqCCfH-ezrXArC9CGryVCCFD7jX3_Bq/view

The Artist's Way: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-artists-way/julia-cameron/9781788164290

...


CATChat 25: 2 years of the Autism and Theology Podcast!
#51
09/17/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian, Krysia and Zoe celebrate 2 years of the podcast, reflecting on the last year and looking ahead to what they have planned for this coming year.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2c18781/transcript.txt

Article by Krysia:


Register for the online conference: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rRkrjJxf1EmQdz7Dz8UrPzNFa7ljapNItVtbi6_NWAZUNkw1Qko3OUVTRVZNOTJWVjlITDhSSFpCNy4u

If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected]...


Perceptual Processing and Faith with Brain Irvine
#50
09/03/2025

In this episode, Krysia speaks with Brian Irvine from the Centre for Research in Autism and Education. They discuss perceptual processing and faith.


The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e25cac1/transcript.txt


If you have any questions or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Find out more about Brain: crae.ioe.ac.uk/portfolio/brian-irvine/

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's...


CATChat 24: Autism and Temperature Sensitivity
#49
08/20/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian, Krysia and Zoe reflect on autism and temperature sensitivity, ending on a discussion around how churches can be aware of this and support congregation members.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/dfe08f50/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

...


Writing a Neurodivergent Fictional Character with Luke Aylen
#48
08/06/2025

In this episode, Ian speaks to Luke Aylen, a PhD candidate studying theology and children's book author. In the episode, they discuss his book The Forgotten Palace, focusing on his neurodivergent lead character.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/4c1d67cc/transcript.txt


If you have any questions or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Purchase the book here: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/the-forgotten-palace

This podcast is...


CATChat 23: Mental Health Series Reflections
#47
07/16/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian, Krysia and Zoe reflect on out autism and mental heath series.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb20c233/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this...


Autism, Diagnosis, and Mental Health with Grant Macaskill
#46
07/02/2025

In this episode of our mental health series, Zoe is joined by Grant Macaskill to discuss autism, pathways to diagnosis, and mental health. He specifically talks about funding cuts, barriers to diagnosis, and responses to concerns about overdiagnosis. 

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/db240881/transcript.txt


If you have any questions or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Grant Macaskill, Autism and Church: www.baylorpress.com/9781481311250/autism-and-the-church/
Grant M...


CATChat 22: Autism and Tiredness
#44
06/18/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian, Krysia and Zoe continue our mental health series with a discussion on autism and tiredness.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd1e5ef2/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

National Autistic Society: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/autistic-fatigue/autistic-adults 

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for A...


Anxiety and the Autistic Experience with Maddy Schofield and Cody Crawshaw
#45
06/04/2025

In this epside of our mental health series, Zoe is joined by Maddy Schoield and Cody Crawshaw to discuss anxiety and the autistic experience.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/87b171c9/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Maddy: @maddygracehope on Instagram
maddygracehope.substack.com/
Cody: @codycrawshaw on Bluesky

This podcast is brought to you by The University...


CATChat 21: Reflections on Autism and Masking
#43
05/21/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian, Krysia and Zoe discuss our latest episode with Amy Pearson on Autism and Masking.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/67b95381/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on social media @autismtheology.

Register for the webinar: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rRkrjJxf1EmQdz7Dz8UrPzNFa7ljapNItVtbi6_NWAZUMlNRRklWUTJaR1NFT1ZTU1VNNTdWTFBBWC4u

Episode with Steven Owens: Autism and...


Autism and Masking with Amy Pearson
#42
05/07/2025


Krysia kicks off our Autism and Mental Health series with a conversation around autism and masking with Amy Pearson.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c0bb0bac/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on X/bluesky @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

<...


CATChat 20: Mental Health and Neurodiversity Series Introduction
#41
04/16/2025

In this CATChat episode, Ian, Krysia and Zoe introduce our upcoming 3 month series on Neurodiversity and Mental health. 

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff2bac3a/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on twitter @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork f...


Intersectionality, Complex Identity, and Liberative Ethics with Rudolph Reyes
#39
04/02/2025

In this episode, Ian is joined by Rudolph Reyes to discuss intersectionality, complex identity, and liberative ethics. He shares his experience as someone who's a "multi neurodivergent Latino" and talks about the ways race and disability justice are connected.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/4475035f/transcript.txt

Miguel de la Torre: http://drmigueldelatorre.com/

Alyssa Hillary [Zisk]: https://yesthattoo.blogspot.com/
https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/person/alyssa-hillary-zisk) 
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=O55BzwcAAAAJ&hl=en.


I...


CATChat 19: The Fruits of the Spirit and Neurodiversity
#40
03/19/2025

In this CATChat episode, Krysia and Zoe answer a listener question about neurodiversity and fruits of the spirit.

The transcript of the episode is available here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/fda76080/transcript.txt


If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at [email protected] or find us on twitter @autismtheology.

This podcast is brought to you by The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology.

Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/cat

The artwork for this...