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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

    Just an update on this - I was away last weekend (birdwatching and it was brilliant) where I met a Franciscan Monk and I shared my plight with him. He said that under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act, any church has an obligation to accomodate the needs of people with a registered disability including ASD.

    He pointed out that my church would have made adjustments for those in wheelchairs, partially sighted/blind and hearing impairments and he was right - so why not for people with ASD or other conditions like Down's or cerebal palsy. He said to go back and if I could to take a representative with me to the Vicar and/or the PCC and state a case for those with ASD's and point out they are actually in breach of the law if they do not make an effort to make the adjustments necessary to facilitate my (and perhaps other's) needs.

    Interesting - am thinking about it!

Reply
  • over 11 years ago

    Just an update on this - I was away last weekend (birdwatching and it was brilliant) where I met a Franciscan Monk and I shared my plight with him. He said that under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act, any church has an obligation to accomodate the needs of people with a registered disability including ASD.

    He pointed out that my church would have made adjustments for those in wheelchairs, partially sighted/blind and hearing impairments and he was right - so why not for people with ASD or other conditions like Down's or cerebal palsy. He said to go back and if I could to take a representative with me to the Vicar and/or the PCC and state a case for those with ASD's and point out they are actually in breach of the law if they do not make an effort to make the adjustments necessary to facilitate my (and perhaps other's) needs.

    Interesting - am thinking about it!

Children
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