Therapeutic Conversations on Spirituality and Religion with Autistic People: A Case Study

Helpers may experience challenges engaging in the topics of spirituality and religion during therapeutic conversations with autistic clients or members. While traditional perspectives on disability, spirituality and religion capture some of the nuances of autistic individuals, this case study draws upon a strength based, justice-oriented, person-in-environment lens to gain deeper insight into helping autistic people processing their spirituality and religion. The authors engage practical clinical experiences and integrate related theory to demonstrate approaches to support autistic individuals in discussing their spirituality and religion. Implications for those providing wholistic counseling or chaplaincy that includes spirituality religion with autistic individuals are described.