While the Bible predates modern understandings of autism, many biblical figures display traits that could be associated with autism when viewed through a contemporary lens.
While we cannot diagnose anyone in the Bible, reflecting on these individuals with an understanding of neurodiversity allows us to appreciate how God works through all kinds of people, regardless of their neurological makeup.
In this article, I explore 10 biblical characters who exhibit traits that may resonate with the autistic experience, keeping in mind the Catholic belief that all human beings, neurotypical or neurodivergent, are made in the image and likeness of God.
1. Noah: Single-Minded Focus
Noah’s story in the Book of Genesis shows a man who was obedient to God and dedicated to a colossal task: building an ark to preserve life during the great flood.
Noah’s unwavering commitment to this task, despite the ridicule of others, can be seen as a characteristic sometimes associated with autism.
Autistic individuals often exhibit intense focus on specific interests or tasks, finding solace in following detailed instructions, much like Noah did when building the ark according to God’s exact specifications (Genesis 6:14-16).
2. Moses: Difficulty with Speech
Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament, expressed anxiety about his ability to communicate. In Exodus 4:10, Moses tells God, “I have never been eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue.” This hesitation and struggle with verbal communication could suggest traits associated with autism, as some autistic individuals may face challenges in speaking fluently or navigating social interactions.
Despite this, God chose Moses to lead His people, reminding us that difficulties with communication do not diminish a person’s worth or potential.
3. Samson: Impulsive Behaviour and Sensory Sensitivity
Samson, a judge of Israel, is known for his great strength and impulsive behaviour. His extreme reactions to certain situations, such as his violent outbursts (Judges 15:3-5), might resonate with the struggles some autistic individuals face in managing emotions and impulses.
Additionally, his sensitivity to having his hair cut (Judges 16:17) could be interpreted as a form of sensory sensitivity, a common trait in people with autism who may have heightened reactions to sensory stimuli.
4. Daniel: Adherence to Routine
Daniel was a man of great faith and discipline, adhering strictly to his routines of prayer and dietary laws even in the face of danger (Daniel 6:10).
Many autistic individuals find comfort in routines and can become distressed when those routines are disrupted. Daniel’s consistency in prayer, even when it endangered his life, might reflect a similar reliance on structure and predictability.
His intense focus on interpreting dreams and visions also suggests a specialised interest, another common trait in autism.
5. Elijah: Withdrawal and Sensory Overload
The prophet Elijah displayed moments of deep withdrawal, particularly after intense periods of prophetic activity. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah retreats to a cave, overwhelmed and seeking isolation.
God speaks to Elijah not through loud, dramatic events, but in a “still small voice.”
Some autistic individuals experience sensory overload and may seek solitude to regain calm, much like Elijah, who found peace in quiet and stillness.
6. John the Baptist: Social Unconventionality
John the Baptist lived a life that defied social norms. He wore clothing made of camel’s hair, ate locusts and wild honey, and lived in the wilderness (Matthew 3:4). His blunt manner of speaking, calling out sin and urging repentance without concern for social niceties, aligns with the experience of some autistic individuals who may be perceived as socially unconventional or overly direct.
John’s focus on his mission, to prepare the way for the Lord, shows how God uses those who do not conform to societal expectations for His divine purposes.
7. Isaiah: Intense Sensory Experience
In Isaiah 6:1-7, the prophet Isaiah has a vision of God’s throne that is filled with vivid imagery and intense sensory experiences. Isaiah is overwhelmed by the sight of the seraphim, the sound of their voices, and the smoke filling the temple.
This kind of intense sensory experience may resonate with the heightened sensitivity some autistic individuals feel towards sounds, lights, and other stimuli.
Despite the overwhelming nature of this experience, Isaiah is called by God to be His prophet, showing that sensory sensitivity does not prevent someone from being used in powerful ways.
8. Jeremiah: Emotional Vulnerability
Jeremiah, known as the “weeping prophet,” is one of the most emotionally expressive figures in the Bible.
His deep sense of anguish over the fate of Israel, combined with his sensitivity to rejection and persecution, reflects a heightened emotional sensitivity that some autistic individuals experience.
Jeremiah’s vulnerability and tendency to feel deeply the weight of his prophetic mission (Jeremiah 20:7-9) could resonate with those who are more emotionally sensitive and attuned to the suffering of others.
9. Job: Perseverance in Suffering
The story of Job is one of profound suffering and perseverance. While Job’s trials are not directly related to autism, his intense focus on seeking answers and understanding the meaning of his suffering can be seen as reflecting the perseverance and deep thinking that often characterise autistic individuals.
Job’s conversations with his friends, who fail to understand his plight, could also mirror the experience of autistic individuals who sometimes feel misunderstood by those around them (Job 42:7).
10. Jonah: Resistance to Change and Overwhelm
Jonah’s story is one of resistance to a divine call. When asked to preach to Nineveh, Jonah flees in the opposite direction, overwhelmed by the task and reluctant to embrace change (Jonah 1:3). His reaction might resonate with autistic individuals who find sudden change or overwhelming demands difficult to handle.
Even after delivering his message and witnessing Nineveh’s repentance, Jonah struggles to reconcile his expectations with God’s mercy, displaying rigid thinking that can also be associated with autism.
A Catholic Reflection on Neurodiversity
The Catholic faith teaches that every person, regardless of their abilities or neurological differences, is made in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity. Autism, as part of the diversity of the human family, is no barrier to being a vessel for God’s grace.
These biblical figures, though not diagnosable, show that God has always worked through people with a variety of temperaments, abilities, and challenges.
Pope Francis has repeatedly called for the Church to be a place of welcome and inclusion for people with disabilities and neurodiversity. In Fratelli Tutti, he emphasises the need for a Church that embraces all, regardless of their differences.
This call to inclusivity is a reminder that autistic individuals, like everyone else, are a vital part of the Church and play a unique role in God’s plan.
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Autism is one of many ways in which people experience the world, and the Bible reminds us that God’s love and call extend to every person, regardless of their differences.
As Catholics, we are called to embrace and support neurodiversity within our parishes, ensuring that all feel welcome and valued in the Body of Christ. By doing so, we honour the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.