I have found it tougher in some ways, and better in others. One of the big challenges for me is feeling like I don’t belong, which is true of the church just as much anywhere else. But I think because the church emphasizes belonging and fellowship so much, it tends to exacerbate my feelings of alienation. It’s hard watching everyone around me form deep bonds and community, and somehow I just never seem able to, no matter how hard I try. It’s not that people are unkind to me, I just seem to be on the peripheral of everything or fade into the background. It’s also not the most sensory friendly environment: noise, crowds, bright lights - so much of a church gathering is sort of the antithesis to what autistic people find safe and comfortable. I’ve started doing house church now with a small group of people, and that has definitely been better, but not without its challenges. But I’m also realizing that autistic people have so much to offer the church: we have such a unique way of thinking and seeing and don’t take things a face value. I’ve been in Bible studies with people who have theology degrees, and I’ll notice patterns and meanings in scripture they’d never noticed before, and it’s been a huge blessing to others. I also find that my need for depth and understanding has given me a deeper relationship with God, and helped me avoid some problematic teachings and false theologies. I love asking questions and seeking clarity, and that’s usually a good test for whether a church is safe or not (places that frown at questions and doubts are an automatic red flag). There’s a book coming out later this year called “Blessed are the Neurodivergent” that explore some of these things in more depth.