Autism Spectrum Issues
A child who is on the autism spectrum does not stand out in the crowd like one who may have a physical handicap. Autism is not something you see with your eyes by simply noticing how the child looks. A child that is on the autism spectrum may look completely like any other child. This can be difficult when a child is seemingly displaying inappropriate behavior. While a parent may know better, a teacher or a church worker may not recognize the characteristics of the autistic child at first and believe the child is displaying bad behavior due to a rebellious spiritual condition of their heart when it may simply be the result of autism. It is only while observing behavior that one can begin to assess this special need.
Below, we offer some links to help you learn more about the autism spectrum so you can better be prepared to minister to kids and families with this special need. A church who fails to minister to the special needs of others is missing a big opportunity to do Kingdom work and very well may be a church with a spiritual handicap. For God's Word challenges us in 1st Corinthians 12:26
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. IF one part is honored,
every part shares in its joy."
Below, we offer some links to help you learn more about the autism spectrum so you can better be prepared to minister to kids and families with this special need. A church who fails to minister to the special needs of others is missing a big opportunity to do Kingdom work and very well may be a church with a spiritual handicap. For God's Word challenges us in 1st Corinthians 12:26
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. IF one part is honored,
every part shares in its joy."
Autism Speaks"Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions."
https://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us |
Wendy Chung: autism - what we know (and what we don't know yet)This 15 minute TED Talk about autism by Wendy Chung, American clinical and molecular geneticist, will help you understand the causes of autism, dispel myths, and understand different aspects of the broad spectrum of autism.
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Autism And Your Faith CommunityMany families affected by Autism may find it difficult to fit into a faith community. This link above takes you to a section on the "Autism Speaks" website with several links to helpful articles to help churches and families minister to kids and families with this special need.
In this link you will find:
On the website they state that they hope "that all families affected by autism may be welcomed in their house of worship, and be able to become active participants in their faith community." https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/your-religious-community |
This page was developed by Chris Knipp, Minister of Children at Westmore Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee.