To be neurodivergent is to experience the world in a way that is atypical. Sensory processing, attention management, and social cues amongst other things are just different than for most people in the world. And this is not necessarily a bad thing or a distinct disadvantage. The difference in of itself is just that: a difference.
What is a disadvantage though, and even a form of disability, is the way the many parts of our society are built and maintained without neurodivergence in mind. In some regards this was done out of an ignorance of the differences, and in other places there as been malicious or negligent intent. Regardless of the motivation, the experience for neurodivergent people is one of constant obstacles and expended energy to simply participate.
And this reality can be seen even more clearly in the experience of neurodivergent children. When arriving in a new environment, like a Sanctuary, a fellowship hall, or a Sunday school classroom, they are immediately met with stimuli, social expectations, and a culture which they may not have encountered. Without support and tools, these children (and many other besides) may never have the opportunity to connect with God and with their communities because all of their energy is spent attempting to regulate their emotions, withstand the sensory stimuli, and interpret the social cues.
So what can be done? Well, I believe we have a task that is two-fold. First, we need to be clear about what it is we want to happen in our church settings. Why do we gather for worship? What is the objective of Sunday School? Why do we sing? What does missions mean for us? If we don’t know and share in the answers to some of these questions, then we cannot increase access to and participation with them. Second, we need to consider the obstacles that people of all abilities, neurotypes, ages, etc. face when encountering the goals for our time together. These obstacles may be physical, social, or psychological. But they can only be addressed if seen and understood.
So, February 27-28, that is exactly what we are going to do. Leaders, both pastors and laity, will gather together at Shalom House in Montpelier to talk about why we gather, what we hope for children to access in our times together, and how we might support all children as they attend, participate, and lead in our churches.
We will focus our time on children and on neurodivergence, but time and time again in these conversations, we find that when we begin to talk about inclusion and accessibility, so much of what we discover is more broadly applicable. Because, the work of inclusion and removing of obstacles is the work of justice. And we know that once justice begins to move, it rolls like waters (Amos 5:24).
Rev. Harrison Litzell is the Program Coordinator for the Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has worked in children’s ministry and churches for over 10 years and brings his personal professional experience with neurodivergence into all of his work.