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Church of England approves new neurodiversity training plan
Archbishop describes neurodiversity as a gift for society
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 20th August 2026 |
Members of a prominent religious synod have officially approved a proposal to introduce more training on neurodiversity and to establish a new network of champions throughout their dioceses.
The new programme is based on the successful model of their current disability advisers network.
The church shared a statement affirming that neurodivergent people, which includes autistic people and people with dyslexia or dyspraxia, are a blessing to the wider society.
A senior leader recently stated that neurodiversity should not be viewed as a problem to be solved, but rather as a profound gift that adds richness to the experiences of all people.
The general assembly also heard testimonies regarding the discrimination that neurodivergent people can face in various social settings and discussed the numerous barriers that prevent them from flourishing.
The new resolution encourages all regional church bodies to develop inclusive practices and policies.
It also calls on each region to appoint specific neurodivergent people as champions to ensure that their unique perspectives are appropriately embedded within organisational structures.
This initiative aims to enable the identification and removal of barriers across the community.
The worldwide communion has been encouraged to engage with the ongoing journey towards becoming fully inclusive for all people.
Source: Anglican Communion News Service (UK)
https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2026/07/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
Have you seen our books about Autism and Neurodiversity?
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