Inclusion In The Church: Autism Acceptance Month

I grew up in church and never really knew anyone with a disability—especially someone my age. I also grew up genuinely believing that the church was an inclusive place. After all, we're all there for the same reason, right? To find Jesus. But it wasn't until I had two children with disabilities that I truly understood what "inclusion" means.
 
I never understood why some families couldn't go to church. I grew up believing everyone should learn and be expected to follow the same rules. No matter what. Disability or not, but oh, how wrong that truly is.
 
Our oldest daughter, Opal, is six and was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age three. The nursery was a great option for a long time, but she couldn't be there forever. However, a typical classroom without modifications wasn't necessarily a safe or good option either.

Inclusion means ensuring all children can attend church. One way our church is being inclusive is by having a special needs/sensory room. The ultimate goal is to help kids join with their peers eventually, but until then, until they are ready for that, there is a safe and fun space for them. They learn the same lesson as all the other children and are treated with just as much love.

But what is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disability that affects development, social interactions, communication, and everyday life, as well as others–but it depends on the individual because it is a spectrum.

But what does this look like in an actual autistic individual? Sometimes, that can mean being extremely shy or not always saying things that seem appropriate for social interaction. This can mean playing with a toy repetitively instead of the way it may have been intended to be used. It can mean getting frustrated and causing behaviors because they cannot communicate the way they need to. Sounds can be too loud. Lights can be too bright.

Imagine walking through a grocery store. Your first thought probably wasn't what kind of music plays while you're in there, or how bright the lights are, or how powerful the smell of produce is when you walk in, or even the shrill cry of a toddler. Imagine all those sensory experiences happening at once while being asked what you want or why you came into the grocery store.
 
Our daughter Opal is nonverbal/nonspeaking, and big crowds of kids can overwhelm her. She also struggles with relationships and tends to keep to herself often because she doesn't always understand social cues or what is expected of her. But just because she has autism doesn't mean she can't hear you or know what you say to her. She needs Jesus just like any other six-year-old. For her, and many kids like her, inclusion can look like conversing with her, even though she can't verbally talk back. It can look like inviting her to join the other kids and encouraging the kiddos to talk to her and include her in games, even if she decides not to play.

Jesus loves children with disabilities just like any other child. Sadly, 80% of families with a loved one who has special needs don't attend church because they struggle to find a welcoming church that supports and encourages their full participation.

It's our job as churchgoers, volunteers, community leaders, and disciple-makers to ensure all families can attend church.

Ensuring all families can attend church should be taken seriously by all local churches. Right now, it isn't, but it is at our church home.
 
Jesus teaches us to "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). Not providing ways for children to come to church hinders them from hearing the love of Jesus. And that hinders not only the children but also their parents and siblings.
 
I know talking to people with disabilities can be intimidating, but think of how much more intimidating it can be for them, for the families that have truly been hurt by not being able to attend church when the Bible talks about Christ loving all people.

It is biblical to include families with autistic children or adults or other disabilities/special needs. Jesus even says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). All creation. Able-bodied or disabled. The gospel is inclusive because Jesus died for all of us.

It's estimated that 80-85% of churches do not have any level of special needs ministry. Our family has even been turned away from a church before. However, making small accommodations does not have to be costly. You may not feel "called" to the disabled community, but the truth is we are all called to people whom the world sees as "the least of these" (Matthew 25:45). They should never feel like that in church because God determines our worth–and we are all special in his sight (Genesis 1:26). 

Some practical ways we can include people with disabilities:

• Providing a buddy in children's church
• Having a sensory room accessible to those who may need it
• Asking your child to make sure they include the kiddo who struggles with interacting with others
• Having plenty of movement opportunities during the lesson
• Providing adult changing tables
• Saying "Hi"–not just to the parent but to the child or adult who has a disability, even if they can't respond
• Asking questions

There are a plethora of other things that can be done, and the more you get to know your congregation of people with disabilities, the more you'll know what you can do to help.
 
If you don't know how, don't be afraid to ask.

Instagram: @theadaptedway
Facebook: Autism Faith Network
PDF: The Do's and Don't of Making Your Place of Worship Inclusive for Autistic Children