As he continues his work on autism and the Church, Deacon Mark Paine is writing and publishing new reflections on the topic.

Deacon Mark (pictured), who serves at Our Lady and St Rose of Lima, Weoley Castle and St Peter, Bartley Green, is developing a Catholic theology of autism in conversation with the Franciscan understanding of the human person and the Imago Dei. 

"This work seeks to move beyond models of deficit and accommodation, and instead to explore autism as a distinct mode of bearing the image of God - one that has implications for pastoral practice, spiritual accompaniment, and the life of our communities," explained Deacon Mark.

"I would be very grateful if people take a look at the blog and, if it resonates, consider subscribing. Subscribing will ensure you receive new reflections as they are published and will also help to build a small but thoughtful community of readers engaged in this conversation - something I believe is increasingly needed within the Church.

"I would particularly value your thoughts, especially in light of your own work, ministry and experience."

Five blog posts are currently available:

Am I ‘Disordered’?

I am autistic

Whose Expectations?

A Statement of Theological Method

Autism and the Soul: Difference, Not Defect

Read the blog posts here

Earlier this year Deacon Mark, who is autistic himself and a father to autistic children, published new autism-friendly resources for children and young people.

With the support of The God Who Speaks Scripture initiative Deacon Mark developed the resources for RE teachers and Catechists who have no experience or specialist knowledge of autism and related neurological differences.

The free resources - 'Called By Name' and 'Radical Belonging' - draw on current best practice in inclusive and adaptive religious education and catechesis.

Access resources

If you would like to contact Deacon Mark, please email [email protected]