The Sensory Aspects of Worship and Liturgy as Experienced by Autistic People

Corporate worship is embodied, and therefore, sensory. Liturgical studies have paid attention to the sensory aspect of worship, but the impact of sensory differences experienced by autistic people on worship has not yet been explored. Through thirteen in-depth interviews with autistic people, this study investigates the ways sensory differences impact autistic individuals experience of worship and how that impacts their encounter with God. These interviews were analysed from theological and psychological perspectives, resulting in three themes: (1) The 'sensescape' of the worship service, (2) The worshiping community or social relationships in relation to the senses, and (3) The impact of the senses on worship and encountering God. The theological reflection on these themes centred on what it means to be a faithful, worshipful, community, and the appreciation of the senses.