Autism and Theology Podcast

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 more informal episodes where your hosts will share news and give you as listeners an opportunity to ask questions and share your stories.

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20 episodes
Updated July 15

Episodes20

Newest first

July 15 · 22 min
CATChat 35: Neurodiversity and Foundational Texts
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
July 1 · 40 min
Autism, Judaism, and Reading Sacred Texts with Mati Boulakia-Bortnick
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
June 17 · 25 min
CATChat 34: Neurodiversity, Small Groups, and Inclusion
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
June 3 · 32 min
Autism and Interpretations of the Bible with Lizzy Peach
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
May 20 · 18 min
CATChat 33: Autism and Sacred Texts Series
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
May 6 · 36 min
Dyslexia and the Bible with Zoe Strong
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 Misconceptions in Mental Health and Neurodivergence: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23312521.2024.2441436 If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
April 15 · 26 min
CATChat 32: Advocating for Inclusion and Support in Education
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 just want to say hi, email us at cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
April 1 · 27 min
Non and Minimally Speaking Autistic People with Léon Van Omen, Katy Unwin and Lucille Kennedy
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
March 18 · 22 min
CATChat 31: The Church of England 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' Report
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
March 4 · 50 min
Dungeons and Dragons with Harry Gibbins and Paula Duncan
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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 OCD: Doing Theology Through the Feathers: Reflecting on Practical Theology as a Student with OCD - Practical Theology Hub 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, created by Holly Russell.
February 18 · 17 min
CATChat 30: Fellowship Through Social Groups
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
February 4 · 39 min
Access Denied: Black and Non-Speaking Autistic Individuals with Sheila Akomiah
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk or find us on social media @autismtheology. Watch the Faith on the Margins conference recordings: Centre for Autism and Theology 'Faith on the Margins Conference': Engaging with Nonspeaking and Black Autistic Christians - YouTube 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, created by Holly Russell.
January 21 · 27 min
CATChat 29: Managing News/Social Media Overwhelm
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
January 7 · 34 min
ADHD and Prayer with Henna Cundill
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
Dec 17, 2025 · 27 min
CATChat 28: New Years Eve/Hogmanay and Neurodiversity
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
Dec 3, 2025 · 26 min
Christmas, Faith, and Autism with Harriet Axbey
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.-Zj7T7dBXoaQ0XGObs07fhPWqzE72F0z6jDWaZc5sKZJMYnVzpWSwE38hkiktSZLbEsxDNzkmQlpkpQ7hmsC7nfczKNSMh0MpuMcBJ2Mf8jmO6DMYN1PtIRAb1VeXeu9SNqZ6rf4B55K-0l7R4skboV8TcdMDwSQGLj-WK0SPySUZ4qHa629PiTus-lW8Y1O-T-87vFSgBBkBJzaq4bEJQ.78R9oyFBWXDadxAgQtbWn8Hq1NIz3DuSoqAv5XMMOpo&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=779272635499&hvdev=m&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=1006688&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14309729485423399633--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14309729485423399633&hvtargid=kwd-2313390140572&hydadcr=21607_2291951_376363&keywords=university+the+autistic+guide&mcid=778a923ee7f4309fa00a65754ce840fa&qid=1762957169&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Brother-Tom-Has-Superpowers/dp/1914424255 If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
Nov 19, 2025 · 20 min
CATChat 27: Reflecting on the Conference
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 cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
Nov 5, 2025 · 32 min
Autistic Experiences of Christianity with Jon from 'Christianity on the Spectrum'
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@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
Oct 15, 2025 · 26 min
CATChat 26: Autism, Research, and Public Engagement
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=rRkrjJxf1EmQdz7Dz8UrPzNFa7ljapNItVtbi6_NWAZUNkw1Qko3OUVTRVZNOTJWVjlITDhSSFpCNy4u If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.
Oct 1, 2025 · 45 min
Neurodiversity and Creative Practice with Rachel Terlop
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 Sensory Life on the Spectrum: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sensory-Life-on-the-Spectrum/Bex-Ollerton/9781524874766 Chapter in book edited by Krysia: www.igi-global.com/chapter/terlop-technique/386697#:~:text=The%20Terlop%20Technique%20is%20a%20multisensory%2C%20stimming,affirming%20painting%20process%20that%20incorporates:&text=Repetitive%20movement%20–%20Engaging%20in%20rhythmic,that%20mirror%20natural%20stimming%20behaviors. If you have any questions, or just want to say hi, email us at cat@abdn.ac.uk 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, created by Holly Russell.

Autism and Theology Podcast

CATChat 35: Neurodiversity and Foundational Texts

Autism, Judaism, and Reading Sacred Texts with Mati Boulakia-Bortnick

CATChat 34: Neurodiversity, Small Groups, and Inclusion

Autism and Interpretations of the Bible with Lizzy Peach

CATChat 33: Autism and Sacred Texts Series

Dyslexia and the Bible with Zoe Strong

CATChat 32: Advocating for Inclusion and Support in Education

Non and Minimally Speaking Autistic People with Léon Van Omen, Katy Unwin and Lucille Kennedy

CATChat 31: The Church of England 'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made' Report

Dungeons and Dragons with Harry Gibbins and Paula Duncan

CATChat 30: Fellowship Through Social Groups

Access Denied: Black and Non-Speaking Autistic Individuals with Sheila Akomiah

CATChat 29: Managing News/Social Media Overwhelm

ADHD and Prayer with Henna Cundill

CATChat 28: New Years Eve/Hogmanay and Neurodiversity

Christmas, Faith, and Autism with Harriet Axbey

CATChat 27: Reflecting on the Conference

Autistic Experiences of Christianity with Jon from 'Christianity on the Spectrum'

CATChat 26: Autism, Research, and Public Engagement

Neurodiversity and Creative Practice with Rachel Terlop