Beyond Belief

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Religion & Ethics

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

BBC Radio 4 FM

Beyond Belief: Embracing Neurodiversity

Embracing Neurodiversity

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief, Embracing Neurodiversity

A mum of two boys describes how their neurodiversity affects their faith practice.

Giles Fraser meets a mum who describes how her family’s neurodivergence has affected their faith practice. A panel discusses what faith leaders learn by embracing neurodiversity.

Giles Fraser hears from a Mum of two who describes how her family’s neurodivergence has affected their practice of faith. Carolina Mountford has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and strong autistic traits.  Her two sons are also neurodivergent and Carolina describes some of the challenges that poses in their Christian evangelical church.

A panel discusses what faith leaders and communities can learn about spirituality by embracing neurodiversity, in children and adults.  What is the relationship between spirituality and the neurodiverse brain?  Is there a different relationship with theology, and with God?

Giles is joined by Parveen Mahal, co-founder of the Sikh Disabilty Charity SEN Seva and Rabbi Miriam Berger, who has devised special barmitzvah and batmitzvah ceremonies at Finchley Reform Synagogue, suited to the needs of neurodivergent 13-year olds.  We  also hear from Dr Joanna Leidenhag, who is Associate Professor in Theology and Philosophy at the University of Leeds, with a current focus on autism and Christianity. 

Producers: Rebecca Maxted and Peter Everett
Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser
Editor: Jonathan Hallewell

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Beyond Belief

Embracing Neurodiversity

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4