Embracing Neurodiversity: Jewels Quelly’s presentation on the BOOST Task Force
On Sunday, August 17th, St. Mark’s welcomed Jewels Quelly, Founding Steward of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark BOOST Task Force, as the featured speaker for its Summer Sunday Conversation, offering a thoughtful talk on the Diocese of Newark’s initiative that uplifts neurodiversity—Beloved Offspring of St. Thorlak (or BOOST). The BOOST initiative, resolved for creation at the 150th Annual Convention and inspired by the legacy of St. Thorlak—patron saint of people with autism—seeks to uplift neurodiverse individuals as beloved members of our faith community. The work of the task force may lead to embracing neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers within our Diocese by not only accommodating differences, but by increasing awareness, providing practical support within parish life, encouraging understanding, accessibility, and deepening spiritual connection.
Jewels Quelly, a dedicated advocate, shared her passion for creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse people—those living with conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—can thrive. Through her presentation, she illuminated challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families and caregivers and offered practical takeaways on how churches can better accommodate and engage with neurodiverse individuals, including sensory-friendly worship spaces and ongoing education. Quelly’s message deeply resonated with attendees. The task force’s outreach is ongoing and all were invited to complete a survey examining neurodiversity within the Diocese by going to http://www.boost-task-
