.png)
A Soul Care Meditation: Creating Inclusive Neurodiverse Spaces, A Spring Blessing - Autism Acceptance Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 19
- 6 min read
SOULjourner,
Today's meditation offers guidance for faith communities, workplaces + other gathering spaces seeking to move beyond awareness into meaningful inclusion. Having said that, sustainability is always at the shalom-making center of change; it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Breathe + start with what you can do, and let that be enough.
So You Wanna Create Inclusive Neurodiverse Spaces
Creating neurodiverse spaces goes beyond mere accommodation—it's about recognizing the divine blessing in our differences + the richness brought to our communities. In my pastoral exhortation, I offer a 3-fold framework, as you consider your own spaces:
Creating neurodiverse spaces goes beyond mere accommodation—it's about recognizing the divine blessing in our differences + the richness brought to our communities.
As you consider your own spaces:
Begin by listening to neurodivergent voices in your community
Start with one meaningful change rather than trying to transform everything at once
Build a small team of ARTvocates who can support the journey toward fuller inclusion
A Blessing - Creating Inclusive Neurodiverse Spaces
SOULjourner,
May you find and help build sanctuaries—be it in church, within your community, or at any meeting place—where every need is met with compassion, acceptance, and where accommodations are given priority, viewing each person's unique presence as a blessing.
May the Spirit of renewal inspire you to wholeheartedly embrace every individual—whether neurodivergent or neurotypical—into the vibrant life of your community.
Amen + Asé
What Does Inclusion Look Like?
Neurodiverse inclusion is more than a good intention; it is a hospitality practice—a soul care practice.
When we create spaces that welcome + accommodate neurodivergent individuals, we enrich our entire community with diverse perspectives + ways of experiencing the world.
Neurodiverse inclusion is a hospitality practice—a soul care practice.
Emphasizing empathy is vital in events, church gatherings, workplaces, educational settings, or community groups, as neurodiversity inclusion can manifest in various ways.
What begins as an accommodation for an individual enhances the experience for everyone, showing that inclusion goes beyond fulfilling needs—it's about unlocking gifts that would otherwise remain concealed. Below are practical strategies categorized by key areas:
Creating Welcoming Physical Spaces
Offering sensory-friendly areas where those with sensory sensitivities can retreat
Welcoming stimming + movement as natural, sacred rhythms
Consulting with occupational therapists to assess and modify environments
Fostering Inclusive Communication
Cultivating a culture of active listening
Using clear, gentle directions for what to expect in different environments
Providing multiple ways to participate through flexibility
Integrating a consistent feedback system (both virtual + in-person)
Building Supportive Community
Creating peer support groups for neurodivergent souls, so no one has to navigate challenges alone
Offering onboarding support until routines feel safe + familiar
Adapting roles + responsibilities as needed, with openness to ongoing learning and change
Celebrating Neurodivergent Gifts
Valuing the diverse spectrum of gifts neurodivergent individuals bring—such as creativity, deep focus, and fresh perspectives
Encouraging these unique strengths in leadership roles
Creating a disability ARTvocacy Mentorship Group that works to educate + remove barriers by centering lived experiences
Learning from Leaders in Inclusion
These are a few platforms that offer resources + models for building welcoming spaces in faith communities + beyond:
KultureCity is a leading nonprofit for sensory accessibility and inclusion, offering sensory-inclusive training, resources, and events for public venues and communities.
Neurodiversity Foundation is led by autistic souls, challenging stereotypes + promoting authentic inclusion.
The Neurodiversity Alliance is a national network empowering neurodivergent students to become advocates and leaders, with resources for launching clubs and building community.
Disability:IN helps businesses develop inclusive hiring and workplace programs, such as Neurodiversity@Work.
Explore my Autism+ page for pretty gifts, resources, and meditations celebrating neurodivergent identity + ARTvocacy,
My Journey as an Autistic Pastor
As an autistic person called to pastoral care, my journey has been a tapestry of challenge, creativity, and grace.
For many years, I never shared my autism explicitly. Instead, I communicated my needs + ARTvocated for my own accommodations—minimizing attendance to the plethora of meetings, taking weekly Thursday sabbaticals, clear communication often through email, and having my designated pastoral care days—without naming the deeper reason behind them.
I simply did things to the beat of my own drum, and it usually came at a price. Even so, I was often described as “different” or “eccentric,” and oftentimes a maverick. It sparked curiosity, but often a sense of being set apart. My "different" way of pastoring helped me identify the need to challenge the ableism status quo in the church—it was actually a strength that allowed me to connect with those who often felt marginalized.
Through Mohawkmomma Studio, I openly share my experiences as an indie pastor, designer, mother, and wife, discussing my neurodivergent identity—a new dimension to my ministry.
The very traits that made meetings challenging—my sensitivity to environments, my need for processing time, my creative communication style—are the tools I use for creating more accessible faith experiences + pastoral care approaches for women, especially for Black women + girls.
Initially, the emergence of Mohawmomma Studio had been framed as my vocational accommodation, though it became a sacred invocation + innovation.
Common Barriers and Misconceptions
I wanna believe that many communities genuinely want to be inclusive but encounter obstacles. Here are some frequent challenges I've come across + ways to address them:
Misconception: Accommodations are expensive or difficult to implement
The Reality: Many effective accommodations cost little or nothing—center clear communication, lean into curiosity + awareness of sensory needs, which can make a profound difference.
Misconception: Neurodiversity inclusion only benefits a small number of people
The Reality: The principles of neurodiversity inclusion—clear communication, sensory awareness, and flexible participation options—improve experiences for everyone, including neurotypical individuals.
Barrier: "We've always done it this way" thinking
The Solution: Start small with pilot programs or temporary adjustments that can demonstrate immediate feedback + benefits.
Reflection for Your Journey
As you take a moment to think about your community spaces, ask yourself:
Where might the challenges of neurodiversity inclusion be invitations to reimagine community in ways that benefit everyone?
The accommodations that seem like exceptions today may become the innovations that enhance your community tomorrow.
Remember: Every person who enters your space brings unique gifts. When we create environments where all can truly participate, we don't just accommodate differences—we celebrate them as sacred.
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The So Not Typical Soul Care Kit
A so-not-typical gift set to celebrate neurodivergence. Being typical is not the standard. Acceptance is. It's more than a gift set—a soul care sanctum.
As you embark on this journey with The 'So Not Typical' Collection, remember that Neuro ARTvocacy + empathy matters.
You're investing in a somatic practice of soul care to amplify your peace.
INCLUDED IN THE SOUL CARE KIT GIFT SET: Free Gift Wrapping included
1x - 8oz Non-toxic, Luxury Coconut Soy Wax, Candle (pick your essential oil scent)
1x - Pair of socks
3x - Assorted Greeting Cards: My momma is autistic, So not typical, Infinite spectrum of acceptance - 4.25 x 5.5 tent-style cards with luxe, embossed envelopes, nestled in a satin peach drawstring pouch
1x - College-ruled Journal, Bingo-guided back cover, ridiculously soft covers
1x - Faux Feather Pen
1x - Gold Electric Candle Warmer
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
JOIN THE SOULJOURNER COLLECTIVE
Receive soul care wisdom + exclusive peace practices in your inbox. Enter your name + email to join our global community of intentional gift-givers.
