Neurodiversity recognises that people think, learn, communicate and experience their surroundings in different ways. The term neurodivergent is often used when a person’s way of processing information differs from what is treated as typical.
There is no single neurodivergent experience. A person may find some parts of Lodge life straightforward and others more demanding, and their preferences may change with the role, ceremony, venue or occasion.
Neurodivergent Brethren bring their own knowledge, abilities and perspectives to the Province. The structure, values, symbolism and fellowship of Freemasonry may also offer belonging, purpose and opportunities to contribute.
This hub is for Brethren, families, mentors, Lodge officers and people considering Freemasonry. It offers starting points for understanding and conversation—not diagnoses, rules or a checklist of assumptions.
People may experience these parts of Freemasonry differently. The examples are prompts for listening and conversation, not descriptions of every neurodivergent person.
Participation
Ritual can provide structure, meaning and a rewarding focus. Memory, reading, concentration and spoken delivery may nevertheless vary. Helpful approaches might include shorter sections, repetition, spoken rehearsal, additional preparation time or an agreed prompt.
Environment
The familiar pattern of a Lodge meeting may be reassuring, while timing, noise, lighting, clothing, movement or uncertainty about an unfamiliar ceremony may affect participation. Clear information beforehand can help a Brother prepare.
Understanding
Some people prefer direct language, specific instructions or more time to process a question. A short written summary may help where important information would otherwise depend on memory or interpretation.
Belonging
Lodge fellowship can create friendship, confidence and belonging. Festive boards and social events can also feel busy or unpredictable. Explaining the format and making introductions thoughtfully can make participation easier.
Inclusive practice starts with the individual rather than an assumption about what neurodivergence looks like or what support someone should want.
Invite the person to explain whether anything would help them prepare, participate, learn or feel more comfortable. Use an open question rather than proposing a diagnosis or solution.
Give the person time to describe their own experience and preferences. What helps one Brother may be unnecessary or unhelpful for another.
Choose a clear, practical approach together for the particular role, meeting or occasion. Involve only the people needed to make that approach work.
Ask whether the approach was useful and whether anything should change next time. Preferences may vary between ritual, meetings, ceremonies and social events.
Brotherly Love asks us to meet difference with patience, respect and fellowship, recognising the value each Brother brings.
Relief can include thoughtful, practical support that eases an avoidable difficulty and helps a Brother participate with confidence.
Truth encourages an honest conversation about what is helpful, without assumptions about ability, confidence or commitment.
For mentors, Lodge officers and members, these principles become meaningful through listening, clear communication and a willingness to learn from individual experience.
Use these resources to continue the conversation, explore different approaches to Masonic learning and support welcoming Lodge environments. External resources open in a new tab.
Practical guide
An East Kent Freemasons guide exploring practical approaches to learning in a Masonic setting. This was an approved resource in the original commission and is also linked from UGLE’s CraftCast episode page.
Read the Learning for Conditions guide (opens in a new tab)CraftCast podcast
A UGLE CraftCast conversation about awareness, mentoring and different approaches to learning ritual, with perspectives for mentors and mentees.
Explore the UGLE CraftCast episode (opens in a new tab)Solomon Live podcast
An official UGLE Solomon Live episode exploring accessibility, courage, inclusion and belonging in Freemasonry.
Listen to Freemasonry Without Barriers (opens in a new tab)Provincial learning
Explore Provincial learning, mentoring and Solomon resources intended to support Brethren, Lodge officers and mentors throughout the Masonic journey.
Visit Learning & DevelopmentFor further information, to contribute a useful resource, discuss neurodiversity within the Province or share a personal experience, you may contact either Provincial officer in confidence.
WBro Bob Waddell
Provincial Grand Learning & Development Officer
bob.waddell@pgln.org.uk
WBro Graeme Butterfield
Provincial Grand Communications Officer
graeme.butterfield@pgln.org.uk
Brethren, families, mentors, Lodge officers and people considering Freemasonry are welcome to begin the conversation.
