slaves and all those less valued by society. It is these people, those who will never earn their keep, who dwell outside the circles of power and wealth, who dwell on the margins, who were the friends of Jesus, as are all those on the margins today. We know that language remains an elusive goal for many with autism, and as Christians, we are called to speak with and for the voiceless, to recognize that not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say, and to include people with autism in a way that allows us to genuinely hear them into speech. These four core Christian faith claims, reflecting on creation and covenant, and on hospitality and the ministry of Jesus, orient us toward the work and ministry of inclusion. While not always a simple task, communities of faith must find ways to welcome people with autism and their families, not just because those with autism will benefit, but more so because in this way Christians testify to the truth of their faith through their actions. Although I have spoken here primarily from the perspective of Christian faith, one could make a parallel case for the importance of including people with autism from any of the many different faith traditions in New Jersey. It is critical that faith communities become inclusive given the prevalence of autism in our state. Communities of faith have before them a tremendous opportunity. When the doors of our churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples are opened, along with our hearts, to people with autism and their families, faith communities will experience a gratitude that knows no bounds, as they more authentically live out their beliefs. Footnotes 1 Approximate count from 181 different sources on New Jersey: www.adherents.com/adhloc/Wh_232.html. Retrieved March 6, 2007. 2 Since I am trained as a Christian theologian, it is from and to that tradition that I speak. However, my first two scripture references will be to the Hebrew Scriptures, and I hope that my reflections on them will ring true to all people who hold those texts sacred, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. 3 Scriptural citations of the importance of hospitality from many religious traditions (Islam, Judism, Christianity, Hinduism, Janeism, Buddhism, and others) can be found here: www.unification.net/ws/theme141.htm.
Dr. Mary Beth Walsh is a Catholic theologian, Board member of The Association of Science in Autism Treatment, and parent of a child with autism.
“Communities of faith can mitigate the isolation that autism often brings. They can provide a place of solace and refuge. They can become a haven of acceptance and belonging for individuals with autism and their families.”
14
Autism and Faith
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting