Thoughts on a Neuro-Inclusive Lent

Thoughts on a Neuro-Inclusive Lent

- February 02, 2026

A Search for Sanctuary

As I move through another week of my Gateway Award, my mind is turning toward the upcoming season of Lent that starts 18 February. Traditionally, it's a time of "giving things up," but I’m considering a different approach this year. Instead of the usual fasts, I am thinking about giving up the exhausting attempt to force my faith into a neurotypical frame of reference.

For too long, I have tried to worship in ways that didn't fit my nervous system—navigating "sensory gauntlets" and the quiet judgment of the traditional pew. I want to explore what it means to trade that "mask" for a more authentic way of being.

Expanding the Search

As an extension of my search for an ASN-friendly ministry, I’ve recently connected with Autism Consecrated. They’ve introduced me to the life of St. Thorlak of Iceland and resources designed specifically for the autistic soul.

I’m currently looking into the Scriptural Stations of the Cross for Autistic People by Father Mark P. Nolette. It’s a possible focus for the weeks ahead—a way to engage with the sacred through a lens that respects sensory boundaries rather than viewing them as barriers. I’m looking forward to receiving their prayer cards and seeing if this "autistic-led" path resonates with my own spiritual journey.

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I look upon all the forest and world as my parish!

St Francis of Assisi reportedly said "The world is our cloister." John Wesley famously said, "I look upon all the world as my parish." In this season, I look upon the forest and my own home as mine. The Forest Parish is a metaphor for my current ministry—a rhythm of faith held between the silence of the trees and the "quiet" of the hearth. This is a literal reality as much as a spiritual one; I spend my days in the woods as an Outdoor Learning Assistant (ASN) at Vogrie Early Years Centre. When I return home, that hearth is often beautifully messy, shaped by the high-energy demands of raising a young family with complex needs. My journey is supported by a foundation of radical faith as a member of Red Letter Christians and a commitment to peace expressed through Christian CND and the Red Cross. These roots find a daily rhythm through the 'Daily Office' of the Northumbria Community. As a late-diagnosed autistic person and a carer, I have navigated this season with the support and advocacy of Number 6 One Stop Shop, VOCAL Midlothian, Health in Mind, and Midlothian Access Point. As part of this season, I am undertaking the Mencap Bronze Gateway Award, which serves as a structured framework to document my personal growth as an autistic adult. This Bronze Gateway Journey or Pilgrimage is built on five active pillars. For Volunteering, I am planning and completing my Walk for Autism alongside my mascot, Fluffy. My Fitness and Wellbeing pillar involves utilizing local nature trails for sensory regulation and engaging in mindful activities such as journaling and coloring. For my Hobby, I am developing this Digital Parish blog and integrating the Northumbria Daily Office into my life. The Lifestyle pillar focuses on Sensory and Advocacy work, where I manage daily regulation through Squiggle Society art supplies, fidgets, and sensory snacks, while also conducting advocacy work for my wee family. Finally, my Personal Challenge involves engaging with the Dad and Me group and searching for an ASN-friendly spiritual home. Whether I am in the solitude of the trees, engaging in home worship as a family, or joining the shared life of our local church, these anchors guide my steps and bring a deeper peace to our shared life. You can follow the "Gateway Evidence" label on this blog for weekly logs and advocacy updates.