Spiritual Practices Through the Lens of Autism: Embracing Neurodiverse Spirituality

Spirituality is a deeply personal and individual experience, and for autistic individuals, it can be a unique and transformative journey. I can only speak from my perspective but my Autism does color how I perceive my reality. Autistic people often have a distinct perspective on the world and this perspective can shape their spiritual practices in profound ways. 

My spiritual journey is so multifaceted that sometimes is hard to just condense it under one label or path. Religions and cults have been part of my interests for over 30 years. I have no regrets about the decision to deconstruct Western spirituality, starting with my family’s traditions. Mostly theosophy variations mixed with Afro-diasporic practices; while studying at a private catholic school, I decided to learn what people deemed divine and were willing to give their lives to worship an egregor. 

I find fascinating how we have created these different realities and populated it with our ancestors superstitions. If you dare to walk the wild side even referring to an experience with hallucinogens. I honestly was shocked when I first experimented with the devil’s lettuce. The sensory feast that this unlocked is hard to verbalize. And I now understand how some individuals may use this and other substances to enhance or, in some cases “make the train stop In the station”.

I have been involved in numerous projects related to neurodivergent individuals banding together to create a spiritual hub that these individuals agreed upon origin story. Heathens, pagans, witches, mambos, brujas etc. Insert here the name of your god of choice. We have a million different flavors of spirituality to choose from. In this blog post, we'll explore spiritual practices through the lens of autism, highlighting how autistic individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Sensory-Friendly Spiritual Practices

Many spiritual practices, such as meditation and yoga, rely on sensory experiences like sound, sight, and touch. For autistic individuals, these sensory experiences can be overwhelming or even painful. I have seen that to accommodate this, autistic-friendly spiritual practices might include:

- Weighted blankets or vests for grounding

- Earplugs or headphones for sound regulation (I need this one)

- Visual aids like candles or mandalas for focus

- Gentle, slow movements for physical comfort

Rituals and Routine

Autistic individuals often ( Not always everyone)thrive on routine and structure, and spiritual practices can be incorporated into daily routines to create a sense of comfort and familiarity. This might include:

- Daily meditation or deep breathing exercises

- Weekly journaling or reflection

- Monthly rituals like full moon ceremonies or solstice celebrations

Nature Connection

Many autistic individuals have a deep affinity for nature, and spending time in natural environments can be a powerful spiritual practice. This might include:

- Walking or hiking in parks or forests

- Gardening or tending to plants

- Simply sitting outside, observing the natural world

Community and Support

Spiritual practices can be a solitary experience, but for autistic individuals, having a supportive community can be crucial. This might include:

- Online forums or social media groups

- Local support groups or meetups

- One-on-one mentorship or coaching

Please be careful in these spaces. Most individuals are now exploring outside of their religion are discovering the truth about their own beliefs. The deconstruction movement is always accompanied by spiritual bypassing and white supremacy cultish spiritual fanfiction.

Spirituality is a deeply personal and individual experience, and for autistic individuals, it can be a unique and transformative journey. By embracing neurodiverse spirituality and incorporating sensory-friendly practices, rituals, and nature connections, autistic individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the world around them. Remember, spirituality is for everyone, and autistic perspectives are a valuable addition to the spiritual landscape.