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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

    hi - thanks for your comments.

    I've actually tried to get involved in small groups and other activities but what happens is the people meet and 'forget' to tell me when and where so I get left out and when that happens once I accept it as genuine but when it happens all the time I know it's deliberate. And when I asked for help once I was told to go and take a pill.

    I am probably in the wrong church although I have tried 3 and the same tends to happen. I will probably stop going because at the moment I haven't been for 3 months and nobody has contacted me to see where I am or how I am. I'm coming to the conclusion that the church is like the rest of society - if you aren't what they consider to be normal, you are left out, disregarded and no-one cares.

    I had heard that Oxford Diocese had done some work in this area and I will have a look at it. I may link it to my vicar but I don't think he would be interested.

     

Reply
  • over 11 years ago

    hi - thanks for your comments.

    I've actually tried to get involved in small groups and other activities but what happens is the people meet and 'forget' to tell me when and where so I get left out and when that happens once I accept it as genuine but when it happens all the time I know it's deliberate. And when I asked for help once I was told to go and take a pill.

    I am probably in the wrong church although I have tried 3 and the same tends to happen. I will probably stop going because at the moment I haven't been for 3 months and nobody has contacted me to see where I am or how I am. I'm coming to the conclusion that the church is like the rest of society - if you aren't what they consider to be normal, you are left out, disregarded and no-one cares.

    I had heard that Oxford Diocese had done some work in this area and I will have a look at it. I may link it to my vicar but I don't think he would be interested.

     

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