Methodological issues in exploring the ideas of children with autism concerning self and spirituality

This article considers the methodological challenges in attempting to hear directly from children with autism spectrum conditions about their views concerning spirituality and religion. We may seek these views on the grounds of children's rights, health/well-being and spirituality links, or of the neglect of faith groups in hearing directly from such children, or because these children's views may be fundamentally challenging in religious terms (such as difficulties in understanding the 'other' /'Other'). Five pointers about methods are discussed, drawing on cognitive and developmental research. Additionally, children's right to silence is considered as well as the crucial importance of researcher reflexivity.