Chances are you know a friend or family member whose brain operates very differently from yours? Perhaps they thrive on routines and predictable events, whereas you enjoy being spontaneous. Perhaps your friend is highly social, loves chatting with people and looking them in the eye; whereas you are more self-contained, hate small talk, and are uncomfortable gazing into people’s eyes. Or maybe your friend is often late, frequently misplaces things and is challenged by home organization; whereas maybe it’s easy for you to have “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Some people’s brains make it hard to recognize faces. Some people can draw a floor plan of houses they visited decades ago. These are examples of how differently our brains function. Some people consider themselves to be “neurotypical” while others might describe themselves as “neurodiverse” or “neurospicy.” Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Autism Spectrum Disorder are two examples of neurodivergence.

We as a “WISE Church” seek to be “Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged (W.I.S.E.)” and strive to reduce stigma. Stigma can cause people to feel shame. Stigma can cause people to feel left out or ignored. Stigma can cause neurotypical folks to limit their social circle. First Congregational Church Eugene’s Mental Health Awareness Team has recently read a book about neurodiversity; we have been brainstorming how we as a church can all help. One idea is a beautiful new sanctuary banner by Mary Nyquist Koons to inspire us to be “welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and engaging.” Another idea is to have quiet, manipulative items in the Sanctuary available for people of any age to fidget with during worship. Research suggests some people can listen to the spoken word better when they have something to manipulate. You might have ideas to suggest to our team, socialjustice@fcceugene.org.

From FCC’s Mental Health Awareness Team