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Neurodivergence in the Church: Welcoming People Who Are Wired Differently (Part 11 of 13)

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Daniel L. Sonnenberg

Series Part 11. Neurodivergence in the Church: Welcoming People Who Are Wired Differently

Many people in the church are neurodivergent—such as having autism, ADHD, dyslexia, NVLD, or other conditions that affect how they think, learn, communicate, and experience the world. They often feel misunderstood, struggle in typical church settings, and stumble over social expectations. Instead of feeling welcomed, they may feel like they’re “not doing church right” or that they’re too much trouble.

This article is part of a series designed to help pastors, leaders, and members learn how to care well for people who are suffering—to think biblically, speak carefully, and act wisely. The aim is not to turn the church into a clinic, but to make our church a safer, wiser, and more compassionate place for people who are weary, anxious, or depressed, and for the people who love them.

Neurodivergent People Are Not Less Spiritual; They Are Differently Wired

Neurodivergent people (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, NVLD, etc.) are not less spiritual. They are not disobedient or unspiritual. They are simply wired differently.

They may:

  • Feel overwhelmed by loud music, bright lights, or crowded spaces.
  • Struggle with social cues or unspoken rules.
  • Prefer routine and find changes in the service unexpected or distressing.
  • Process information more slowly or in a different way.
  • Need more time to transition between activities.
  • Use fidget toys, headphones, or other tools to stay calm and engaged.

When the church expects everyone to fit a “neurotypical” mold, neurodivergent people can feel like they’re failing, even when they’re trying hard to belong.

Creating an Inclusive Church Community Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Creating an inclusive church community doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some actionable steps that can make a significant difference:

1. Audit Your Communication

Review how information is shared in your church. Are you using only verbal communication, or do you incorporate visual aids?

  • Use visual timetables and icons during services to help everyone, including neurodivergent individuals, follow along more easily.
  • Send advance information about what will happen, when, where, and how, so families understand the flow of activities.
  • Provide one-page profiles that allow individuals to share their strengths and needs in a simplified format, helping church staff better understand how to support them.

2. Consider the Sensory Environment

Church environments can be overwhelming, especially with loud noises and crowded spaces. Adjusting acoustics and providing quiet areas can help accommodate those who may be sensitive to sensory overload.

  • Create calm spaces with comfortable seating and options for quiet engagement.
  • Adjust speaker systems to eliminate high-pitch sounds that can trigger some people.
  • Provide sensory calm bags for families, including fidget toys, headphones, and visual aids to help individuals engage meaningfully without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Foster a Culture of Welcome

Building a welcoming culture is essential. Train your welcome team to be mindful of personal boundaries. Not everyone is comfortable with physical touch, so encouraging permission-based interactions can make a big difference.

Additionally, normalize the use of fidget toys or headphones in your church to help neurodivergent individuals feel at ease.

4. Ask for Input

Ask for input: Engage with neurodivergent individuals and their families to understand their experiences and barriers. This can help tailor church activities to be more inclusive.

Engaging them directly helps identify barriers they face and supports their involvement. Instead of guessing what they need, ask them.

5. Designate Inclusion Champions

Having someone in charge of inclusion initiatives makes sure that the needs of neurodivergent individuals remain a priority within the church community.

This person can help coordinate training, communicate needs, and ensure that inclusion is not just a one-time effort but a long-term commitment.

6. Provide Training

Equip church leaders and volunteers with training on how to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.

Understanding specific needs and how to respond appropriately can transform the church experience. Training helps people know what to do, what to say, and how to be present.

7. Be Flexible and Listen

Kate and Dave emphasize the importance of churches being aware of, and responsive to, the unique needs of families with additional needs, particularly neurodivergent individuals. They discuss how churches often unintentionally cater to typical experiences, which can alienate those who do not fit that mold.

The speakers share personal stories illustrating the impact of showing love and understanding in church settings, which can make a significant difference for families.

Dave reflects on the balance between maintaining church traditions and being flexible enough to accommodate diverse needs within the congregation. Both speakers advocate for ongoing conversations about supporting individuals with additional needs, stressing that love and understanding should be at the core of church interactions.

A Closing Invitation

We invite our church to learn how to carry each other’s burdens, especially the heavy ones that don’t go away quickly.

As you read this, think not just about neurodivergence as a concept, but about the people in our church. Who is neurodivergent and feels like they don’t fit? Who is struggling in church because the environment is overwhelming? Who needs flexibility, quiet, or a buddy to help them transition?

We invite you to:

  • Ask neurodivergent people and their families what they need.
  • Create calm spaces and provide sensory tools.
  • Normalize fidget toys and headphones.
  • Train your welcome team and volunteers.
  • Be flexible in expectations and routines.
  • Listen more than you judge.

When we do this, we show people that they are not alone, that they are not less spiritual, and that they belong in the church. They are loved as they are, and they are welcome to ask for adjustments that enhance their experience.

Articles in this Series to Help the Church Care Well:

Further reading on this topic

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Categories: Articles, Mental Health in the Church

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