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Autism and Religion

Muckworm
over 11 years ago

Hi Folks - I have a situation I'd like to share with you and comment on if you think it would be helpful. I would appreciate some feedback.

I believe in God and have, over the years, as  someone living with a diagnosed ASD tried to attend church. I always thought it would be a way to maybe meet people and make friends because I am very isolated.

I find the whole thing hard because it is noisy and I can't always cope with that or the people (I hate being touched) and if I'm having a bad day and know I'm heading for meltdown (like today) I stay away so it doesn't happen there because they wouldn't understand. Which is where my question comes in -

I spoke to the Vicar at my church and told him I was autistic and would find some 'adjustments' useful (e.g. being able to sit at the back so I can move around if I need to, or not to go forward for things like communion which I don't get really, or not to be part of a small group). He seemed to think that was ok but said my admission to being autistic explained why I was a bit weird (not helpful). Most people know I have autism there.

I thought Christians were supposed to be accepting and loving and stuff but no-one speaks to me, offers any hand in friendship or shows any respect for my condition.

Has anyone experienced anything similar and how did you cope with it (other than staying away which is what I do now)?

Any good stories about going to church or Mosque or other place of worship? How have others treated you because of being autistic or maybe you have a child who is autistic - how was it?

I'm trying to work some of this stuff out and would appreciate comments.

Thanks Everyone!

Parents
  • over 11 years ago

    There is a minister in the next town to us who has AS and talks openly about it. There is also a worship leader at another church who has it and he recently organised an information evening for people locally to explain more about it. Sadly most of the people who turned up were either on the spectrum themselves or have family members who are.

    The Oxford Diocese has a document called something like "Welcoming people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome into our Churches and communities". I think you can download it from their website.

    We had similar problems to Bananas. Our son has left Church. The adults tried really hard to help him. One of them produced a leaflet about AS and did a talk to the youth group, but the young people themselves just left him out and found him difficult to relate to.

    I am sorry your Vicar didn't deal with you very well, and that your Church isn't very friendly. Perhaps you could try some other Churches.

Reply
  • over 11 years ago

    There is a minister in the next town to us who has AS and talks openly about it. There is also a worship leader at another church who has it and he recently organised an information evening for people locally to explain more about it. Sadly most of the people who turned up were either on the spectrum themselves or have family members who are.

    The Oxford Diocese has a document called something like "Welcoming people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome into our Churches and communities". I think you can download it from their website.

    We had similar problems to Bananas. Our son has left Church. The adults tried really hard to help him. One of them produced a leaflet about AS and did a talk to the youth group, but the young people themselves just left him out and found him difficult to relate to.

    I am sorry your Vicar didn't deal with you very well, and that your Church isn't very friendly. Perhaps you could try some other Churches.

Children
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