Anonymous Going to church can be a real struggle for families with autistic children. We have had several moments in church where the boys are too loud, don’t behave appropriately when the children are called to the front of the church, etc. Some of it is typical kid stuff and some of it is the autism. However, I feel that the more people in church understand children with differences, the better the experience is for us all.
What are some effective ways faith communities minister to families with autism?
First, by being a spiritually welcoming community for ALL of God’s children. Along with this hospitality comes a commitment and resolve to do whatever it takes for successful inclusion. Increased awareness leads to attitudes of acceptance and understanding, resulting in a willingness to relate to individuals with autism and their families. This works wonders in minimizing the isolation that can be so prevalent. Second, out of that welcome and resolve come creative ways to deal with extra challenges, such as: • Being attentive to the needs of the other siblings in the family. • Providing an hour of hands-on respite care so that weary parents may worship together, sing in the choir, or attend religious education classes as a couple. • Listening to the cares and needs of a family. • Providing “sanctuary” (in the truest sense of the word)—a safe place for families to ask all of their hard questions.
I have witnessed, as both pastor and parent, the positive difference that a loving and accepting congregation can make in the life of a family who is hurting or struggling with this diagnosis. A congregation can help enrich a family’s faith. A faith community can be an advocate. My journey with autism has taught me that every person’s relationship with God is both individual and communal. In community we learn the importance of celebrating the uniqueness of the human family as well as the diversity of each human individual. Together, in community, we can have life.
Rev. Alice F. Walsh is a United Methodist pastor/chaplain and a parent of a child on the autism spectrum.
The Higginbottom Family Bringing our son Robbie into our church family has been difficult and is not complete. When Robbie was about 6, I inquired into how he could become part of the congregation. I was told that another church in our conference had two children in an autistic class.. I went to visit the class but it was not a fit for Robbie. Robbie did not have the skills the other two children had. He couldn’t sit still, etc. They were higher functioning. Our minister realized that we were upset. Many people in my family attend the church. We met with our minister and I basically told him that I was baptized, confirmed, married, etc., in this church. He asked what I wanted. I told him basically a classroom.
Robbie in Sunday School
Robbie and I lie on the floor and read books (Christian books). We do crafts also. His older cousin joins us at times as do other family members. He knows some basics. He is not a religious scholar. Another hurdle has been coffee hour. It is now after about 3 years of coming to church that people make an effort to engage with him. There have been times when I have left church hurt or angry, but things are getting better.
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A Journey Into Community
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