The Autism Spectrum

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It results from neurological differences that affect development in social interaction and communication.

Create ways for people on the autism spectrum to share their unique gifts and talents

People with autism represent a wide diversity of ability, from individuals with intellectual disability and no speech, to highly verbal individuals with exceptional abilities in specific areas and challenges in others (informally described as having Asperger syndrome), and every combination in between. The common ground across the autism spectrum is the presence of limitations in communication and forming relationships.

People on the autism spectrum often take comfort in repetitive behaviors and restricted interests because, by definition, they find communication and social interaction challenging.

Others may be confused when encountering these unusual behaviors, and that confusion can lead to rejection. Sunday school teachers, peers, and other adults have a vital role to play when it comes to accepting and including people on the autism spectrum in the community of faith.

Douglas Wood (left) and his father lead an outdoor worship service at Broadway Church of the Brethren in Virginia. Douglas, who has autism, is a photographer for the church.

Promote social inclusion of children with autism

Teach rather than lecture or punish, if undesirable behavior arises

Share information about the disability with peers

Train a peer buddy to model appropriate responses
Create ways for people with autism spectrum differences to share their unique gifts and talents

Autism resources for faith communities

ADN's resources on autism: explore the links on this page.

Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, by Barbara J. Newman, revised edition (Faith Alive Christian Resources), is an excellent resource offering dozens of practical ways to welcome and include individuals with autism spectrum disorders into the full life of a congregation.

Autism and Faith: A Journey into Community. 2008. A 52-page resource from the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities is available online in English or Spanish to download as a pdf.

Four training videos are available from CLC Network, presented by Barbara J. Newman. Order from CLC Network.

Autism: A Christian Response

Behavior Management Playing Field

Inclusion Tool Box: 52 Practical Ideas to Include Individuals with Disabilities. A version of this presentation is also available on YouTube.

Make Heaven a Noisier Place: Including Children with Disabilities

Learn more

Disability Topics
- Autism spectrum
  Resources on understanding and supporting children and adults with autism
- Disabilities of Aging
  Resources on disabilities that commonly accompany aging, including hearing loss, vision and mobility limitations, dementia, and more.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
  Resources on the range of conditions resulting from brain injury to an unborn child when the mother consumes alcohol.
- For the Deaf
  Inclusion of the Deaf and others with profound hearing loss.
- Hearing Loss
  Tips and stories on including people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Hidden Disabilities
  Resources to raise awareness of hidden disabilities like chronic pain or diseases.
- Intellectual Disabilities
  Resources on including people with intellectual disabilities.
- Mobility Impairment
  Welcoming people who use wheelchairs or walkers, or who get around with difficulty.
- Vision Disabilities
  Understanding low vision and blindness.

Opening Doors

Autism and Faith
Ann Hamlin relates her experience as an autistic adult in her church community.
"I Am Here"
Ann Hamlin shares her perspective as a nonverbal young adult in a poignant song.
Beautiful Day
Ron Sandison's journey with autism has been like the weather in Michigan, filled with both beautiful days and thunderstorms.
Autism in the Congregation
Suggestions for including children with autism in church activities
Ready and Able
Tony Walters, a deacon at Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren who happens to have autism, helps prepare for the congregation's love feasts.

Connections

The Comparison Game
Connections Fall 2022
in this issue: Talking to God when You're Nonverbal, the Comparison Game, Fully Embracing Differences in God's Kingdom.
Slow Your Roll
Disability can help us slow down, listen to God and pray without ceasing
Chasing the Rabbit
A review of Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum, by Derek Volk with Dylan Volk
Photographer of Beaver Creek
Douglas Wood serves Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater, Virginia, as unofficial church photographer, undeterred by his autism.