St. Thorlak: A Tiny Summary

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The Life:

St. Thorlak (1133–1193) was the Bishop of Skálholt and is the patron saint of Iceland. He was a brilliant scholar known for his extreme devotion to routine, a quiet and reserved personality, and an "unbending" commitment to rules, even when it made him socially unpopular.

​The Autism Connection:

Modern advocates and the Autism Society of Iceland identify him as a likely autistic person. Historical accounts describe him as:

  • ​Socially awkward and averse to small talk.
  • ​Deeply reliant on predictable rituals.
  • ​Intensely focused on specific tasks to the exclusion of all else.

​Because of these traits, he is widely regarded as the unofficial patron saint of people on the autism spectrum.


Image Source: Autism Consecrated
A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing through the lens of the proverbial Forest Parish on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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