ASD and Church

[NIrelandGillian]

Found this really useful and informative article on welcoming people with autism into our churches:

https://www.oxford.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/autism_guidelines.pdf

Gillian

 

[Llleopard]

thanks for this - very useful. I can see I will base some things on this in t he near future

 

[NIrelandGillian]

You’re

thanks for this - very useful. I can see I will base some things on this in t he near future

You’re very welcome. Tell me how you get on. I am planning to send the link to our church elders.

Gillian

 

[*LILAC]

Very good article! A must read for everyone, for sure. My autistic son loves shaking hands with people in church. I think it helps him to feel included and most people enjoy shaking hands with him, too! He'll also give you a high 5 if that's your preference.

 

[NIrelandGillian]

Very good article! A must read for everyone, for sure. My autistic son loves shaking hands with people in church. I think it helps him to feel included and most people enjoy shaking hands with him, too! He'll also give you a high 5 if that's your preference.

Hi Lilac,
I agree, everyone should read this article, in particular church leaders. I was very interested to read about your son. What age is he? You say he loves to shake hands and yet many autistic people can't bear to shake hands because that involves touching - just shows no two people on the autistic spectrum are the same!

Gillian

 

[*LILAC]

Hi Lilac,
I agree, everyone should read this article, in particular church leaders. I was very interested to read about your son. What age is he? You say he loves to shake hands and yet many autistic people can't bear to shake hands because that involves touching - just shows no two people on the autistic spectrum are the same!

Gillian

He's 22. When he was younger he couldn't stand to be touched at all. Only daddy was allowed to snuggle and hold him when he felt sick, etc... But, after alot of one on one therapy with him, he has gone long strides with the touching! He will shake hands and very occasionally offer a hug (and allow to be hugged by people he knows) and even kiss babies! lol Yep, no two people are the same and even when they do have these types of struggles as youngster, it can be overcome with alot of consistency.

 

[Sabertooth]

I grew up with a huggy mom (and her family). I crave physical touch (where it is appropriate). So does my non-verbal, LFA daughter (but with less reservations).

 

[NIrelandGillian]

He's 22. When he was younger he couldn't stand to be touched at all. Only daddy was allowed to snuggle and hold him when he felt sick, etc... But, after alot of one on one therapy with him, he has gone long strides with the touching! He will shake hands and very occasionally offer a hug (and allow to be hugged by people he knows) and even kiss babies! lol Yep, no two people are the same and even when they do have these types of struggles as youngster, it can be overcome with alot of consistency.

Sounds good. I gather he initiates the touching most of the time, so that it's done on his terms? What therapy did he receive? A lot of therapy out there forces a child to act as something they're not just to make them acceptable to a neurotypical world.