What if every autistic child and young person could truly feel seen, known and welcomed in the life of the Church?
That vision is now a step closer thanks to two powerful new, free resources created specifically for autistic children and young people within Catholic schools and parishes. Written by Deacon Mark Paine of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, these guides are designed to equip parents, teachers and catechists with confidence, clarity and compassion – even if they have no prior experience or specialist knowledge of autism.
Developed with the support of The God Who Speaks Scripture initiative, the resources draw on current best practice in inclusive and adaptive religious education and catechesis. They are practical, pastoral and immediately usable, rooted firmly in Catholic theology and the lived experience of autistic families. Both resources are available to download now and include a Foreword from Archbishop Bernard Longley.
Written from Experience, Shaped by Faith
Deacon Mark brings a rare and invaluable perspective. He is autistic himself, a father of autistic children, and has over 28 years’ experience in primary education, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs. He currently serves as Lead Officer for Birmingham SENDIASS, supporting families navigating SEND provision, and ministers at Our Lady and St Rose of Lima, Weoley Castle, and St Peter, Bartley Green.
He is also part of The Catholic Stream, a newly formed global disability theology network established in Rome, dedicated to championing neurodivergence in the life of the Church.
These resources are not theoretical add-ons. They are written from within the Church, by someone who knows, personally and professionally, the joys and the barriers autistic children and young people often encounter.
The Resources
Called By Name
Guide to Religious Education with Autistic Pupils aged 5–11
Designed primarily for RE teachers in mainstream schools, Called By Name is equally valuable for parents and parish catechists, especially where children attend specialist settings and may not otherwise access Catholic RE.
This guide:
- Weaves tactile, visual and embodied learning into every lesson
- Invites every child, whether communicating through words, symbols or gestures — into the heart of God’s story
- Places belonging at the centre, honouring each child as a unique reflection of God
- Uses National Curriculum age bands and Key Stages, while recognising that capacity does not always match chronological age
It is practical, adaptable and deeply affirming, a resource that helps adults teach with autistic children, not simply to them.
Radical Belonging
Guide to Sacramental Preparation with Autistic Young People
Written for parish catechists and those responsible for sacramental preparation in schools, Radical Belonging starts from a simple but challenging truth:
A parish is a home, not a hurdle.
This guide offers a pastoral and practical pathway for accompanying autistic young people, including those who are non-speaking, towards the sacraments. It is grounded in a theology of dignity, belonging and mission, helping parishes recognise the image of God in every person and remove unnecessary barriers along the way.
It includes:
- Clear explanations of key terms and acronyms
- A helpful glossary
- Further reading and recommendations for ongoing learning
A Gift to the Whole Church
These resources are a gift not only to autistic children and young people, but to the entire Church. They empower parents, reassure teachers, and equip catechists to create spaces where neurodivergent children are not merely included, but genuinely belong.
Because every child is called by name.
And every parish is called to radical belonging.
