Lisa Reyes’ son Philip is autistic. She says, “Nothing has taught me more about faith, hope, and love, than being a parent of a child with autism.”
Lisa is an MD with degrees from John Hopkins University and SUNY Buffalo. She says, “God is my source of wisdom, but Philip has been my greatest teacher in fleshing out God’s word in my life.”
Philip
I am Philip. God made me this way. The story of a boy who could not talk, but learned to make his thoughts known by spelling on a letter board and typing. This is his path from silence to communication.
The autism community knows the truth: “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
Sheldon Cooper
Sheldon Cooper, a character in The Big Bang Theory TV series which is now in reruns, is one of the most unique characters on television. Whether or not the Sheldon character has Aspergers, the show’s popularity brought the discussion of autism to a large national audience. Sheldon shows that dreams parents hope for their own kids like having a job, being in a relationship and living independently can become reality.
Autism self-advocate, Dr. Temple Grandin, refers to two people she believed shared characteristics of Aspergers, Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein. Much like Sheldon, these two geniuses are seen as two brilliant minds that also have issues with social interaction.
Faith Communities
Faith communities are the cornerstones of spiritual support and often serve as a social centre, bringing individuals and families together not only for worship but for fun, education, and respite.
We pastored North Pointe as a “come as you are” church. “You” meant everyone. Our “come-as-you-are” culture called for acceptance, anticipation, and provision to welcome all. Under the leadership of pastors Jodi Graf and Charity Mongrain, and volunteers, our children’s ministry created safe, healthy spaces for families with children on the autism spectrum.
10 Things Parents Want Others to Know
- Just because our child is non-verbal, that doesn’t mean they have nothing to say…
- Our child wants to be understood. …
- Our child has very deep feelings. …
- If our child wasn’t autistic he wouldn’t be himself…
- The problem isn’t that my child is autistic. The problem is that the rest of us aren’t…
- Our child isn’t out of control. …
- Our child is highly intelligent. …
- We want to be included…
- We appreciate it when you learn about autism…
- We want you to engage with our child even if it is challenging…
Too often, when parents explain that their child is autistic, they get a response like, “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Parents say, my kid is amazing. He’s funny, gifted, kind, joyful, brilliant, and empathetic. He is the delight of our lives. Don’t be sorry, because we definitely aren’t.
Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours.
Individuals and families affected by autism worry that they may not be welcomed, even at a place of worship. Sometimes they feel isolated and may resist attempting something new or attending functions and activities.
A congregation who celebrates all abilities offers a warm welcome to those who have grown weary by exclusion and misunderstanding.
Eight Ways A Church Can Make a Difference With Autism
1. Undertaking Congregation-wide Disability Awareness Efforts
2. Facilitating or Connecting Parents to a Support Group
4. Making Modifications in Religious Education Programs
5. Creating Personal Supports for Religious Education
6. Arranging for Support During Worship Services
7. Assisting Families With Financial Support
8. Assisting With Transportation to Congregational Activities
(Thanks to the Autism Society for these suggestions.)
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