Including those with autism

Deborah Sloan reports on a recent event, organised by East Belfast Presbytery, looking at how the Church can better welcome and support people with autism.

Every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm, in all of their stores across Northern Ireland, Lidl provide ‘Autism Aware Quiet Evenings’ for their customers. Lighting is reduced, no music is played, till scan sounds are lowered and in-store announcements are paused. As well as priority queuing, extra staff are on standby and assistance dogs are welcome.

“If that’s what supermarkets do, how are churches welcoming those with autism?” was the question asked at a recent awareness and training event on ‘autism in the church’ organised by East Belfast Presbytery. “If we are going to be serious about inclusion, we have to specifically include those who are excluded.”

Autism is an increasing challenge for the church. The statistics are stark. Currently, 1 in 20 children in Northern Ireland have an autism diagnosis, with 6% attending 1 of the 39 special schools in NI and 18% in mainstream education. In addition, approximately 25% of children are receiving some form of SEN (Special Educational Needs) intervention. There is also a huge rise in those being diagnosed with autism in later life and whilst many churches run groups for children with additional needs to attend with their parents, it was emphasised at the event that “children do not stay children forever”. With much less for adults, there is a growing requirement for churches to welcome those of all ages with autism.

Many parents of autistic children can sit on the sidelines of church life…

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” is often used to describe the variety of experiences of those on the autism spectrum, ranging from individuals with low support needs who can live independently to individuals with high support needs who require round-theclock supervision and a high level of care to keep them safe. At the event, attendees heard the stories of Erin Burnett, a Christian writer who has low support needs, and Rachel Briggs, a SEN teacher whose five-year-old twin daughters have high support needs. They were joined by Anita Conkey, special needs coordinator for Scripture Union NI, and Ruth Bromley, PCI’s children’s development officer, who both shared resources available to equip churches.

Now in her 20s, Erin realised there was something different about her when she started secondary school. Whilst her academic ability was well above her peers, her social ability was well below. An autism diagnosis in sixth form helped her to understand why she was struggling to fit in. Erin, who completed a Theology degree at Belfast’s Union College and has written a book on pastoral care for adults with autism, highlighted how those with low support needs can have hidden struggles which the church should be aware of. Alongside sensitivities to light and sound, many have difficulty socialising and can feel they are surrounded by people who speak another language. Small talk is challenging, and coffee time can be busy, loud and disorientating. While those with autism want to make friends, they just don’t have the skills to do so, leading to loneliness and isolation. Because of a lack of peer pressure, many benefit from multigenerational friendships and get on better with older people. They also find one-to-one conversations, places where they can share their specific interests and fellowship through smaller gatherings, such as prayer meetings and walking groups, helpful.

For Rachel, getting through a church service can be incredibly stressful. Asking her daughters to be quiet and not run up and down the aisles is impossible. She described how she lives in a constant state of high alert as her girls have no sense of danger. Many parents of autistic children can sit on the sidelines of church life, unable to commit to attending organisations and meetings because of difficulties finding childcare. Even catching up with someone for a chat on a Sunday morning isn’t feasible as they are always keeping an eye on a potential escapee. In addition, parents can be grieving the loss of the dreams and aspirations they had for their children and coping with the impact on siblings who can’t have a natural relationship with their brothers or sisters.

Rachel finds it particularly useful to have a quiet place at church to access if her children need time out. A pop-up tent filled with sensory equipment can offer respite. Having a bag of fidget toys and ear defenders readily available is another practical way that churches can help. But what Rachel appreciates most is people getting to know her daughters. Paying her a visit at home and asking what they enjoy or offering to look after them for 15 minutes on a Sunday morning so she can have a cup of tea is a lifeline. Even more important is people committing to pray for her family.

…it’s not just social inclusion… Many with autism can also feel theologically excluded.

But it’s not just social inclusion that churches need to focus on. Many with autism can also feel theologically excluded. Black and white thinking is an attribute of autism and nuance can be problematic for the autistic brain. As Erin explained, seemingly simple statements such as “love God with all your mind” can be hard for the autistic mind to process. Having a personal relationship with Jesus can be complicated because of a preference for logical and scientific explanations over feelings. As faith for Erin is more actionorientated than feeling-orientated, she finds it easier to connect with God in tangible ways such as outside in nature on her motorbike. Autistic people are naturally curious and say things others are afraid to say, so being part of a supportive faith community which is open to questions is vital. A Bible study specifically for adults with autism can provide a safe space for discussion.

As her daughters are non-verbal and unable to express their emotions, Rachel has continuing concerns about how to address their spiritual needs. But even though what they understand is unknown, she knows she can rely on God to communicate with them and sees how they are benefiting from being embraced by their church family.

The Bible confirms that all are made in the image of God and for both Rachel and Erin, celebrating the uniqueness of those with autism and appreciating the specific gifts they bring to the church is key. “Autism is not a death sentence. My girls live full and happy lives,” says Rachel. “I view my autism as my ability not my disability,” says Erin.

Rev Dr Jim Campbell, one of the organisers of the event said, “We were overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to come today but had to limit our attendees to 100. There is obviously a real demand for people to find out information and receive support. We would love to see people being offered an opportunity to attend something similar in every presbytery in Ireland.”

His comment was echoed by the Moderator of the General Assembly, Dr Sam Mawhinney, who also attended the event. He said, “When we see the needs around us and move towards people in love and support, we are doing what Jesus wants us to do.”