Taking a Child with Autism to Church
April is Autism Awareness Month. This little book, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Your Child: Help for Your Family by Kathy Hoopman, (New Growth, 2016) is an excellent and inexpensive resource for church leaders who want to learn more about helping families who have children with Autism. I particularly resonated with the section about taking a child with Autism to church. Here are the two long paragraphs.
Children on the spectrum can find it extremely difficult to conform to many of the social expectations in a church environment. If asked to “turn to the person beside you and say hi,” they are likely to freeze in terror. Or being put on the spot to lead a prayer can be enough to make them never want to return to that church again—ever! The Bible compares those following Jesus to different parts of one body. Each part of the body has its own strengths and needs. Some parts are active and seen by everyone. Some parts are internal and no one sees them working, but the body would die without them (1 Corinthians 12:12–26). Likewise in the church there are out-front people and those who quietly work away from all eyes. Often those with ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] prefer to stay away from large groups and confusing social demands. Remember, the Bible does not specify only one acceptable way of worship. In fact, the first Christians met in small groups in people’s homes, which would have been the perfect environment for someone with ASD to learn.
Consider the physical environment when going into your church. It is best to sit somewhere not boxed in from all sides. This may be in the front seats or at the end of the rows or by the exit doors so you do not get caught up in the crowds when people leave. Maybe your church is simply too big for your children to feel comfortable there. If so, consider moving to a smaller congregation. Or allow them to sit where others don’t normally sit—like in a choir loft or a side room wired for sound. Talk to your children and heed their preferences. Small things like this can make a world of difference for how they enjoy each meeting and ultimately how much they learn about God. It is also important that children with ASD be allowed to serve in church, as serving is a Christian privilege and command (1 Peter 4:10). A nonverbal child can help collect the offering or hand out bulletins. Those who are interested can be trained to be members of the IT team or be sound technicians. (This has the added benefit of them mixing with adults and being able to sit away from the crowds at the back of the church.) Many children with ASD are talented musicians so invite them to join the music team. Only when every part of the body is allowed to work can the body function properly as a whole.
If you found these encouragements to be helpful, be certain to pick up the mini-book from New Growth Press.