Autistic Atheists: Humanism and Neurodiversity

Awareness of, and interest in, ADHD, Autism and other forms of neurodiversity have increased dramatically in recent years, and

evidence suggests that non-religious people are more likely to be neurodivergent. This is a great time to explore these issues from a humanist perspective. This engaging talk will help attendees understand the connections between humanist and neurodivergent identities and perspectives, and consider ways to make their communities more inclusive.

This topic relates to the humanist values of inclusion, curiosity and empathy. Learning to understand why neurodivergent people are more likely to be humanists, helps other neurodivergent humanists feel seen, and helps neurotypical people better understand their humanism and how to make their communities more inclusive. Neurodivergent people are dramatically more likely to be LGBTQ so understanding them helps humanists to stand with the victims of theocrats and Christian Nationalists. Neurodivergent people are also targeted by psedo-medicine, vaccine and health misinformation peddlers and other anti-science forces that humanists oppose.

About Alastair Lichten:

Alastair Lichten is a humanist activist, writer, and community builder with a deep interest in the intersection of humanism and neurodiversity. He has held key leadership roles within the UK humanist movement, including Head of Education at the National Secular Society (2014–2022) and Head of Local Groups at Humanists UK (2022–2025). Currently, he serves as Coordinator of Haywards Heath Humanists, Programme Director at Camp Quest UK, and a community-building consultant.
In addition to his organizational work, Alastair writes the Humanist Dad parenting blog, exploring secular parenting and inclusive humanist values. His recent work focuses on understanding the overrepresentation of neurodivergent individuals within non-religious communities and fostering more inclusive humanist spaces.