A Conversation on Autism

It started to build last year! Within two of our youth ministry network meetings; the topic just kept surfacing in our conversations. How to work alongside families with Autistic kids? The plan started to form; a plan to have a network meeting that focused on starting a conversation on Autism. "Let's make it a learning process and bring in a professional!" The two things that would determine a professional would be A. They work for a living with people that have Autism or B. Were a parent of a kid that had Autism and became a professional out of love for their child. 

In preparation for this meeting, I did a variety of things. I had many conversations with families that had children with special needs. It amazed me that once I looked around, I just kept running into families. It was great for me to listen to their pains and joys of raising their kid. The one thing that excited many of the families was that a bunch of youth pastors were actually meeting together to learn how to work alongside families and kids with ASD. I also spent some time reading the book "Autism and your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder" by Barbara J. Newman. A recommended read for ministry leaders! I learned so much about controlling loud noises, making structures classes, and working with parents to better meet the needs of their child in a church setting. I was excited for our meeting "A Conversation on Autism!" 

On February 10th, a group of 20 ministry leaders gathered for "A Conversation on Autism." The need was felt! The desire to learn and be educated was shown! You could see the excitement to help families, to reach into the community, to reach all for the Gospel!

Our keynote speaker was Charlie Chivers of Special Touch Ministries. He has had over three decades of experience of working with individuals with Autism and special needs. Charlie spent time sharing what an individual with Autism could experience. Why some react outwardly do to a variety of sensory things that could have caused them to be uncomfortable or even caused pain. He would also go on to talk about the importance of the church building and the need to be thoughtful on the church surroundings. Class rooms with order, no clutter. A family bathroom is a big one for churches that have special needs. Picture signs to help individuals to go through a Sunday School class. One of the most important things Charlie stressed is to get to know the individual. Find out what he likes and does not like; let them get comfortable with you and be there for them and their family.

I hope that many ministry leaders walked away from our meeting seeking to apply some things and desiring to learn more! Hopefully, the conversation on Autism turns into many conversations on Autism! Hopefully, many families in our communities are encouraged and ministered to because churches are working alongside them and their kids. The church is called to reach all!  Keep the conversations going.