Researching with Non-Verbal Autistic Persons

What is it about?

With legislation, growing awareness, and the rising prevalence, the likelihood of people on the autistic spectrum being present in church communities increases. However, theological reflection on church and autism only began to catch the church’s attention in the late 2000s. Even with increasing attention to listening to autistic people’s experiences with the church, the involvement of those in the profound range of autism in theological research remains scarce. Unfamiliarity with alternative means of communication and behavioural management required to work with people with profound autism is the primary reason for the lack of research with this population. This paper uses a single case study with a person with profound autism, as an illustration to describe methodological considerations in the research process, from selecting the research framework to data collection. The hope is to encourage future studies with people with profound autism that will enable the church to welcome them into the fabric of community life.

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Why is it important?

We know very little about the experiences of people living with significant effects of autism in their communities because researchers who are unfamiliar with non-verbal communication shy away from working with them. However, until we understand their experiences better, we cannot make changes that will help them find belonging in the community they want to participate in.

Perspectives