Our article this month comes from Alma Autism, and we hope this inspires you as it did us

Alma Autism is a faith-based initiative dedicated to equipping churches to better understand, include, and support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Rooted in compassion and guided by the love of Christ, Alma Autism provides resources, training, and community connections to help congregations become more inclusive and welcoming to all.

Founded in 2018 by Kirstyn Oliver, Alma Autism began with a vision to raise awareness and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity within churches and community groups. Through pop-up sensory rooms, training seminars, and workshops, the initiative has since grown to reach communities across six continents.

Kirstyn’s journey began in 2013 while working closely with a young autistic girl with complex needs. Recognising her unique way of learning, Kirstyn supported her and her family over two years, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for supporting autistic individuals.

The creation of Alma Autism was further shaped by Kirstyn’s Master’s degree in Autism Studies (2017), where she researched faith, spirituality, and autistic people. Her findings revealed a significant gap: autism was rarely discussed in churches, and the spiritual needs of autistic individuals and their families were largely unsupported. In response, Kirstyn began raising awareness within her own church and community, which soon expanded more widely.

The name ‘Alma’, meaning ‘soul’ in Portuguese, reflects the mission: to support every individual in thriving spiritually and connecting with God in their own unique way. One key approach is through sensory engagement, helping individuals experience Bible stories and worship through the senses.

With a background in special education, Kirstyn developed the innovative Sensory Tray Bible, a creative, sensory-based method of teaching Scripture. What began in her local church has grown into a widely used resource, supported by a series of published books. Kirstyn is currently undertaking doctoral research to explore the broader impact of sensory-based approaches in teaching Scripture.

Alongside her work with Alma Autism, Kirstyn serves as a children and families minister in South London. She is also a respite foster carer for a child with Angelman’s Syndrome, continuing her deep commitment to supporting children with diverse needs and their families.

To find out more about how to create sensory tray Bible stories, or more about Alma Autism’s work, you can go to Facebook, Instagram or the website www.almaautism.uk Every person has the ability to know God in their own unique way and understanding how to best support someone is by getting to know them, their needs and desires.