A new Catholic initiative puts autism in the pews
aleteia.org
A new Catholic initiative, Catholic Autism UK, founded by an autistic deacon, aims to help parishes identify and remove barriers that may make attending Mass challenging for people with autism. The initiative highlights how sensory and social aspects of church services can be overwhelming for autistic individuals, and seeks to create more inclusive environments. Deacon Mark Paine, who was diagnosed with autism in his late 40s, shares his personal experiences and those of his autistic children to raise awareness and promote understanding within the Church.
All articles from 5 October 2026. Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.