Two new “Sensational Churches” designed to support neurodiverse children and their families have launched in Western Australia and South Africa, less than six months after the first congregation began meeting in Perth.
Sensational Church founder Pastor Vikram Panchal said the growth reflects the increasing need for neurodiverse-friendly ministry spaces to better support families navigating autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“Autism and ADHD have fast become the new normal in our society,” Pastor Panchal said.
“In the 1980s, 1 in 2500 children was diagnosed with autism in Australia. Today that number is around 1 in 27. Everyone seems to be talking about it.”
The original Sensational Church launched in Ballajura, Western Australia, in September 2025 inspired by Pastor Panchal and his wife Leah’s personal journey raising a son diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
Since then, new Sensational Churches have opened in Baldivis, Western Australia, led by Pastor Abby Aviles, and in Cape Town, South Africa, led by Pastor Nigel Carolus and their volunteer teams.
“The fact this has happened in merely five-and-a-half months demonstrates God’s overwhelming love for these children and their parents,” Pastor Panchal said.
“Though autism is growing, our ability to extend our reach to embrace these families is also growing.”
Sensational Church is supported by volunteers and specialist advisers—speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioural support specialists, psychologists and sensory chefs— helping create a safe and welcoming environment for families.
Pastor Panchal said one of the most significant aspects of the ministry is helping parents rediscover a sense of belonging.
“After receiving news of their child’s diagnosis . . . it’s not only children but also their parents who suddenly find their sense of belonging has been stripped away,” he said.
“These families are desperately reaching out for help and for someone to understand them.”
According to Pastor Panchal, many families attending the services had previously found it difficult or impossible to participate in traditional church settings.
Each Sensational Church is reportedly seeing 40 to 50 per cent attendance from families representing Christians from various denominations, people from other faith backgrounds and previously unchurched families.
“God is doing everything possible to ensure every child is given equal opportunity to receive the message of salvation in a way that makes sense to them,” Pastor Panchal said.
The vision for the ministry is “Every child, everywhere”, with resources, guidance and step-by-step mentoring available for churches and members interested in getting involved.
“Starting a new Sensational Church has never been easier,” Pastor Panchal said.
To find out more about Sensational Church, follow @sensationalchurch on Instagram and Facebook.
