Embrace The Void Autism and Humanism with Alastair Lichten
Oct 3, 2025
In this discussion, Alastair Lichten, a humanist organizer and writer, delves into the intriguing connection between autism, neurodivergence, and non-religion. He explores how autistic thinking styles might challenge social taboos, leading to a questioning of religious beliefs. Alastair also addresses the implications of assuming correlations between neurodivergence and beliefs, the significance of justice sensitivity, and the potential for neurodivergent individuals to contribute uniquely to moral philosophy, emphasizing the need for inclusive practices.
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Broad Meaning Of Neurodivergence
- Neurodivergence covers many brain differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia that cluster together socially.
- Alastair Lichten focuses on autistic experience when discussing links to humanism and non-religion.
Language Can Other Rather Than Explain
- Labels like 'neurotypical' or 'neurodivergent' risk othering and carrying normative connotations.
- Both hosts caution that spectrum language can diminish real lived differences when misused.
What Correlation They Mean
- The correlation under discussion is between neurodivergence (especially autism) and being non-religious broadly.
- Alastair treats humanism as a subset of secular/non-religious identity that likely follows the same pattern.
