Autism, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and developmental delays often keep kids (and parents) away from church. A new study has found children with autism are almost twice as likely to never attend church or other religious services. Families of children with other disabilities are missing from the pews as well. These are the parents who grew up in the church. Whose fathers were preachers, elders, deacons and whose mothers were Sunday School Teachers and Ladies Bible Class members. These parents of children with disabilities are aching for their child to know the same love of a church family as they did.
I can vouch for this describes my family. Our oldest son has Autism. For families like mine, it doesn’t take a study to know that there are often barriers that prevent children with disabilities (and their families) from participating in worship. So what are the barriers and how can we, as parents and church leaders, accommodate by emulating Christs ministry to all?
Church is a large social gathering that in itself, difficult for anyone with autism. The service can be a radically unwelcoming, even dangerous, place for persons with ASD in ways nobody ever intends. Sensory, Anxiety, etc. It is another potentially overwhelming situation (like school, grocery shopping, etc.) that is asked of autistic kids on a regular basis. Unlike most people, they don’t leave church feeling refreshed and renewed to face the week ahead.
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. – John 9:1-3
As a parent of a child with a disability, know that you have been prepared for the road less traveled. God will not give you more than you can bear and He (the Almighty) prepared you, as he did your child, for this journey.
Below is a statement my son Samuel said when he was very young and we have it printed and hanging by our front door:
Don’t worry about the impairments that God included in this package…think about the good stuff in the package God gave you.
Samuel Allen
I would agree with Sam. As medical science begins to unravel and understand the brain and the effects of autism, we as a society and especially as the Church, should subside our fear of ‘different’ and embrace God’s beautiful design in worship together. On the other hand, parents should take note of a saying I’ve often heard Dr. Temple Grandin state: “Autism is not an excuse for bad manners.” Parents need to be cognisant not only of their child and their needs, but the ability for others to hear the sermon thus keeping the focus on God.
On Tuesday, September 17th, 2019, I was honored to have presented a lecture at my alma mater, Abilene Christian University. It was ACU Summit 2019 and my topic given: Autism and the Church today. With the overall Summit theme of “Sorrow, Hope & Joy” (a tribute to the Psalms) my heart knew (all too well) all three emotions and suspect yours does too. I offer to our Aspergers101 readers the entire presentation and downloadable tri-fold brochure if this message resonates with you or someone you love.
May you know you are never alone and as with all things…the answer resides in living like Christ. In the following presentation, we explore his teachings and apply them toward raising a family with a disability in the church today.
[embeddoc url=”https://aspergers101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Less-traveled-path-to-Christ-ACU-Summit-Presentation.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google”]Below is a downloadable tri-fold brochure you may want to share with your church or autism/parent organization.
[embeddoc url=”https://aspergers101.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ACU-Brochure.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google”]Inclusion and compassion was everything Christ personified on earth. I think there is a strong correlation for both the church and the family seeking Gods unconditional love.
I hope the above materials offer insight and some steps toward inclusion and above all…a comfort to know you are not taking your less traveled path alone.
by: Jennifer Allen/Founder & CEO Aspergers101
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.
While I appreciate the effort to connect a sense of cohesion around religion, focusing on Christianity seems to reject other forms of spirituality for autistics, if interpreted literally. This is unfortunate since there are many people who don’t “fit” this approach, including myself. I am uncomfortable with being told that Christ is “the way” since it does not describe my spirituality.
Thank you for your feedback James….I appreciate hearing from you! I realized when I posted that there would be some uncomfortable with the subject matter of faith and Christianity. This website has many different tabs that have nothing mentioning our faith and I hope you continue to read. However, Aspergers101 is a non-profit that has been formed and developed and grown by my family’s journey with Autism. We are steeped in Christ and his teachings and attribute his acceptance, kindness and sacrifice for those with disabilities, and those without…to…the way to live and interact with others. It’s the example I think this world needs more of. Again, it is my hope you are not offended as I am not trying to hurt nor cause you to stumble from your spirituality…only seek for inclusion and to uplift. We will consider to add a disclaimer…what would you suggest?