Autism and the Family
Alice F. Walsh, M.Div. The door to the church building creaks open, then closes…opens, then closes. The lights in the fellowship hall flicker on and off, repeatedly, as four-year-old Jason makes his way into the church. From the other side of the room I hear these words, “I see Jason is in church today! Welcome, Jason, and family!” And my harried soul finds sanctuary…
Autism’s Impact on the Family
Getting ready to go to church on a Sunday morning is difficult for many families…the inevitable lost shoe, the misplaced jacket. However, when one of your children has a disability on the autism spectrum, that transition from home to church can be even more challenging. At times, the temptation may be great to stay home, to not inflict the uncertainty, or even pain, that such a transition may bring. But when you have been regularly worshipping with a particular faith community for many years, it feels natural to continue that affiliation when the autism diagnosis comes. And it is natural… except now everything is also changed.
Autism affects the entire family. A diagnosis of autism for one family member will affect the whole family system.
What are some of the ways autism affects a family? Adrienne Robertiello, a Roman Catholic parent in Scotch Plains, NJ, speaks of the overwhelming daily tasks and the resulting isolation:
Simple situations like haircuts, grocery shopping or community gatherings, and religious practice have quite a different outlook for families having members with autism. The minutiae of living encompasses challenges with family balance, demands on family members, depletion of time and energy, enormous strain on finances, ongoing frustrations and self-esteem issues, overburdened schedules with unending appointments, doctor visits, meetings, childcare, educational communications, and logistical coordination. Autism changes daily interactions, safety considerations, recreational activities, expenditures, and priorities. It puts a significant load on all relationships. Autism leaves families fighting to deal with emotional and spiritual confusion. With these tremendous burdens, families do not have the time, energy or confidence to search or ask for the help that they desperately need. These individuals need a source for coping and relating and finding spiritual direction.
A Faith Community’s Impact on the Family
Our faith communities can play a positive role in the life of the family. Communities of faith are natural places of support for families affected by autism. One mother decided that church might offer a perfect opportunity for inclusion, so she approached her church to find out what might be possible. She was welcomed, and her son was included in Sunday school. After a short time in which the mother sat in the class to be sure everything was going well, the coordinator of Christian Education said to her, “You are here to be participating in worship. We will look after your son.” (Note: This was the first time anyone had ever offered to care for her son without pay. This mother later became a member of that church, realizing that she was involved in a community of love.)
continues on next page
16
Autism and Faith
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting