Autism in the Church
 

Now that doctors are saying one in every 150 children will have some sort of autism, how will our church's children's programs be affected? We have two little boys right now that are autistic that I know of, and possibly a few more. We have had to start a "special needs" ministry in the Children's Dept. with workers just for those boys. It's very hard, because they hit and yell, but they don't understand it as misbehaving. They are over-stimulated and don't know how to deal with it.

It's difficult for the parents of other kids, because sometimes they get attacked or hurt. But I feel so sorry for the parents of the autistic kids, because they are trying their best and I don't want them to feel that they are not welcome in our church.

We had another lady with a fifteen year old autistic son, who was in pretty bad shape, and she finally just decided to stay home because her son was way too big for the kid's department, but she could not possibly keep him in the sanctuary because he disrupted.

Has anyone else faced this in their churches? Any suggestions????

Any desease that starts to become "on the rise"... scares me. What is causing this? There HAS to be a cause...

Cancer has been around for hundreds of years... but we do know some causes of different types... but Autism.. have any studies shown what may cause it?

Our church doesn't have a special needs ministry as yet... I'm not sure if we have any special needs kids... severely needing special attention...
But I'm not actively involved in SS ministry at present.

They are saying now that autism is probably caused by the metals in the MMR vaccinations. It affects some children in negative ways, but not others. But doctors say the dangers of not vaccinating them is even worse, so people are taking their chances. The one little boy in our church was perfectly normal until he had his first shots. He immediately became unresponsive to humans and terribly overstimulated by any kind of noise or touch.

I read a book on autism when I was in high school and planning to study Abnormal Childhood Psychology. I was fascinated by it, but it was all very new then (1970's). It is very scary that it is so prevalent now.

I believe that a lot of these 'childhood' illnesses and diseases are brought on by ever-changing environmental factors, including but not limited to the use of medicines during labor, the amount of processed food eaten while pregnant, and the very air we breathe in the area in which we live and work.

ADHD is also on the rise. Mental illness in children is as well. I also believe that vaccinations bring on autism and had a friend who's only child had that happen to him.

I have yet to hear of a child or adult in this country (born and raised) who came down with diptheria or polio because they didn't receive the vaccine.

Given the chance to vaccine my kids again, I wouldn't.

My son has an autistic disorder. Our son was the first child in our school district with an autistim. Our children's ministry has 2 kids diagnosed with autism. Some of the websites staying on top of latest autism research are autismtoday.com, usautism.org. autismspeaks is a good resource. Radio great Don Imus has put resources at his disposal in places who are looking for the cause and cures of autism.

E-mail my wife and I contact information. I'll have my wife get in contact with you.

One of my DIL's has not vaccinated her last 2 children, had a midwife and home birth for both without drugs. And lives a very healthy life style.

A special needs class with qualified personnel is priceless to a church congregation. It is good to be prepared. We've taken kids in our children's ministry who would bawl and act up and in a few weeks, they were begging thier parents to bring them to church. We've have a couple of those kids get the Holy Ghost. It's a great feeling to minister to a largely ignored segment of humanity.

We have a special needs ministry in our church. We have about 9 people that have some type of disability. We serve all kinds of disabilities, not just autism. Yes, they are going to make noise. I think they should be able to stay in the sanctuary for as long as possible before being taken out. They can enjoy the worship service just like we do. When the preaching starts is when you need to be more conscious of them being too loud.

Autism is on the rise. When I did a little promo for our SNM it was 1 in 166 children had autism. Now it is 1 in 150. I agree with HO, I think it has to do alot with nutrition and what we eat and also the vaccines.

But you have to look at what they are calling autism. My son has apraxia. It is a motor coordination problem. (like when someone has a stroke, afterwards they have a hard time talking. They know what they want to say but can't get their mouth to say the right sounds) Because my son has this problem he is slow with his socialization and communication. The doctors said he has autism because of this. So I am a little skeptical when they say so many children has autism or adhd.

My son is 9 yo and is ADHD & dyslexic. :mamaAs a parent I worry about him alot when he goes to SS and children's church. On the weekends I don't give him his meds b/c I hate the way they make him act. But, I worry about how he will behave in class also. So, sometimes I give him a half of a dose (enough to take the edge off, but w/out changing his personality). Also, on Wednesday nights I help with children's church, mostly so I can try to help with my son. It's not that he's out of control, but he does get out of his seat alot, and he cries over things that most 9 yo kids would not. I think that when his meds wear off, he is more emotional. We have tried lots of different meds, and this one seems to work the best. :pullhair As a parent, it is very hard when you have a child with ADHD. They are so impulsive and immature for their age. I'm always afraid my child will be viewed as being mean or a cry baby by people that don't understand the situation. I mean just to look at my son he looks "normal".

So, thank you to all of you that take the time to work with special needs kids.
:cheer

I appreciate this thread, but can I add a few words. I myself have bipolar and the church doesnt understand it. I am married to a licensed minister and I have alot of compassion for people that have Bipolar because I have it. My husband and I have started a ministry for people that Suffer from this disorder its called Jericho Road Ministries. I think the church needs to become more equipped to handle people that have these kinds of needs for people of all ages that have a mental disorder.

God Bless you sister. I am ADHD/Dyslexic. I went thru a lot of what you are discribing. Back when I was a kid in the 70's the dosages were much higher and the results of the medicine were extreme nightmares during puberty.

The good news is, I turned out pretty OK. That had a lot to do with my parents. it wasnt easy for them for sure, but a firm hand with a lot of love and understanding and an open policy of talking to me about the situation were the keys.

These are encouraging and informative posts. Thanks for all the stories and the information.

My 10 year old nephew has Asperger's Syndrome...a mild form of Autism.

I have posted before about Ethan. He is a great kid and is smart as a whip...he has come a long way.

When he was younger and wouldn't hug or sit on our laps, I'd say, "Ethan...come and hug Aunt Barb...try to break my ribs."

And he'd try to do just that...now he hugs all the time and doesn't mind sitting on my lap.

The church plays a big part in helping these kids, IMO.

Ethan sits on the front row in service, "with the guys..." and is encouraged to do so. Everyone treats him as if nothing is wrong.

Of course his situation is not as drastic as what Sherri is describing, though he does have his moments of anger.

But he is quick to tell me if he's had a bad day and listens when we try and teach him how to handle stress.

My son wouldn't sit on my lap either. It was a sesory issue. Now that he is over the sensory issues he has no problem with sitting on my lap. Too bad he is 17 years old now!!!!!!!!!:toofunnyIt's ok, a parent will take it when the child feels like giving it, no matter what the age.

I pray I never have to face what some of you parents and relatives have faced... I hope that's not selfish but I pray it every day! That said.. I pray for you, because what you face cuts to the heart of any parent or loved one. I am honored to read this thread and hear of how you have/are working through these things.

God Knows...

Yes He does, and I appreciate your prayers, girl...

Ethan has been praying at the altar, and they tell me that he is so sweet, standing there with his little hands raised. He's such a dear heart.

One thing for Sherri and others to remember about autisic children is that they often excel in a specific area, and the key to reaching them is finding their 'thing' and encourage them in it.

Ethan began his interest when he was very small with the Titanic...knew all there was to know at his young age and would talk endlessly about it. We encouraged his interest by asking him questions and buying him books.

He shifted from that to animals and reptiles and we have done the same. His b'day is coming up and he wants gift cards to PetSmart.

Again the church folks are a big help...they take him fishing and listen to him talk about his tales of searching for bugs and varmints.

It means a lot...

Re: Autism in the Church
 

I just finished this book by Jenny McCarthy, Mother Warriors, A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds.

Excerpt from the book - there is some language in this book:
I was riveted!!! Boy, I can't wait to read her book, Louder than Words.

Watching her segments on YouTube with Oprah. Jenny McCarthy is a hero and so are all the mothers who stood up to the medical industry and said - ENOUGH!!!

:thumbsup
Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cutcg5xfd7A

Part Two
Part Three
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHNj5tabl7o&NR=1

Re: Autism in the Church
 

I just met a mother in Brazil who is a missionary and raised their kids in that country. Her youngest son was at the missionary retreat, and he is autistic. He is highly funcitoning, but she said that he was totally non-functioning until she read about changing his diet. She took him off four things, one at a time, until he became a different person! They were white sugar, milk products, gluten and one other that I can't remember. He improved with each one that was removed.

Anyway, he was a joy to watch. You could tell there was something "different" about him, but he was friendly and loved to worship. Also, he taught himself how to read, write, and speak Japanese - he's extremely intelligent. He wants to be a missionary to Japan!!

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Wow! I feel a beautiful spirit as I read this thread!

Re: Autism in the Church
 

great thread sherri!

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPDDzwhu--s

Part Two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My8fQil923Q&NR=1

Part Three
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Thh81R1R4&NR=1

Part Four - Loved what Dr. Bernadine Healy, Former President, American Red Cross had to say about Hep B shots in a baby - at 6.15 marker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ6bUG7QePI&NR=1

Part Five
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Do_ngZugc&NR=1

Re: Autism in the Church
 

I know the diet would work as I stopped eating white sugar and gluten a couple of years ago. I just felt something was wrong inside and when I quit that, a big change.

We are in a co-op for "Grade A Raw Milk" which is so much more healthy. I'm not going to stop drinking milk! The milk in the grocery store is totally worthless and will give you flim - it's all the additives.

Additives are like poison!

I just ran across a ranch close by that carries "goat's milk". It is so much easier to digest than cow's milk. I'll have to give them a call. :thumbsup

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Ah yes....
What to do with the Spectrum kids....

Depending upon their needs, having a special ministry is a great help.
Offering support to the parents is beyond priceless as well.

For any reading this who are dealing with an S-Kid I offer these thoughts:
Diet is important, if they are reacting to something that they are eating...
(and they most likely are) then you can help them by removing the offending
substances.
things to look for: corn, wheat, ARtificial food Colors, milk (cow).
Yes there can be some complications from vaccines also, but I suspect it
is limited to those who have a genetic predisposition that makes them
vulnerable to it.
Sensory issues abound in the Autism Spectrum, btw.
Tactile, audible, visual...
these are smart kids, but they have an input/output problem and anything
that we can do to help them is a good thing.

Mark

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Wow, every kid is unique, even when they're autistic. My son is almost 7 and we found out last year he's an "aspie". What a discovery. Like the light went on for us, when we found out he was doing these behaviors for a reason.

Life is difficult. We are managing, learning, making progress, but it's not easy. Church and school are hard for him. He likes them ok enough, but one of his "problems" is quick, bursts of anger over the most trivial things. Most the folks at our church are gracious and forgiving and helpful. They know he's a good kid.

I haven't seen all the videos yet, but will look later. I'm tired tonight. I knew that Jenny McCarthy has a child with AS, but haven't read her books yet.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Drummerboy...

Feel free to drop me a line.

mark

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Hope something here will be able to give you more help and more direction. :friend

The foundation that Jenny McCarthy started is called Generation Rescue. www.generationrescue.org.

The book that I referenced has this information about her foundation:

Thought this information on the website was very interesting - there is so much helpful information on this site:

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Another important website:

Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) is a bold project title, and the doctors and researchers involved have an equally bold goal: to find, test, and
promote safe and effective treatments for a disorder that
many medical professionals still consider untreatable.

http://www.defeatautismnow.com/

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Re: Autism in the Church
 

I just found out a lady in our church has an autistic child. She is more of a visitor so far but today at service she kept taking the child out and she was just carrying on and on and after I while I wondered if she was sick or something. My pastors wife told me that she has autism.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

we have an autistic boy at our church. He is not mean, thank God. He is however one of our youngest son's best friends. We love him dearly. His autism is the kind that leans more to the genius type. This kid NEVER forgets anything. EVER.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Crafter:

You sound like you may be a psycologist or work in the field. What is your background, if you don't mind sharing.

My son has sensory issues as well. His school has a sensory room and he gets to go there nearly everyday. It helps him a lot. I'm interested in your comments about diet. You say they most likely are affected by something. Can you give examples of how we can spot an offending substance? What are they and what behaviors do they cause?

Re: Autism in the Church
 

After watching some of the videos posted, I was amazed by Jenny's constant reference to God and that she prayed and asked God for direction! So often you hear about Hollywood's departure from spiritually...it was refreshing for me to hear her talk about praying for direction! :thumbsup

I know, I know, totally sidebar, don't want to hijack the thread!

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Actually, I am an Electro-Mech.
I chose long ago to work on machines because they were easier for me to deal
with than people were.
I've got two Aspie kids, and leave it to you to guess which parent they got their
wiring plan from. :P

Now, food issues, for some, including my son, the wrong substance can
induce a tendency to violence. They also can bring on systemic pain and
photo- sensitivity.
Milk causes pain in my daughter.

Some things, like food additives, bring on hyperactivity as well, making it
extremely hard for them to focus on things.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

LOL Yeah, working with people is the worst!

In an early meeting with our child's psychologist, we laughed because he made the comment that most of the time when he explains to the parents about AS in their children, one or both of them usually tell him that they too have a "little bit of aspergers". My guess is, that just as with ADD and ADHD, they will begin on an increasing level, making diagnoses of AS in adults who've never before been diagnosed.

Any suggestions on books or websites to read on diet and it's effect on behavior?

BTW, thanks for the invite to write you. I will take you up on the offer.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

for websites.. you could drop by ancientcrossroads.org
we have a mostly private folder for discussing Spectrum issues.

for books.. I'll take a scan through my lady's bookshelf and get you a list of titles.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

I've also heard the connection of vaccines and autism.
Thirty years ago they were just beginning to connect the dots. In his reading my dad told me to avoid vaccines but by then my kids had all of their shots...

I'd probably avoid vaccines today.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

In SD we had a neighbor with twins. One was autistic. He started special classes at three.
The school system started mainstreaming and he went to regular classes in high school.

Needless to say, this family had lots of challenges.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Current job, great gal in next dept; we chat from time to time...
Her husband has aspergers and most of the time does well...works, etc.

Youngest child ,of her 5, also has aspergers. They constantly adjust his meds.

His mother missed work Wed because her son was having one of his angry days....wouldn't go to school and basically fighting with his mother. He's 14.

The entire household is disrupted from his outbursts.

Re: Autism in the Church
 

Then odds are good he's ingesting something that his system can not tolerate.
Again, my usual suspects are corn, wheat, artificial food colors, etc.
with this it is helpful to keep a food log to see what the correlation is.

Oh... and meds have some of the nastiest artificial color combo's in them.
(we learned the hard way)

Re: Autism in the Church
 

My son was just "bein' himself" the other night when someone asked me out of the blue if he was autistic. No one's ever done that to me before. I've been places and seen kids who I thought were on the spectrum, but I doubt I could just go ask that of their parents. I slowly said,"yeah, he's an aspie". We talked, and he said he had an aspie too. It was kinda cool. I wish we would have had more time to talk. It is difficult enough being a parent, but boy these kids can really put you through the ringer.