Autism spectrum disorders are on the rise in the United States with an estimated one in 166 persons affected. In addition to this page, there exists a companion page on Asperger Syndrome which is sometimes referred to as a form of high-functioning autism.  For a good introduction to Asperger Syndrome, see the May 2006 issue of ADNotes.

The church is just beginning to think about what it means to include in its life persons with autism and related conditions.  See below for resources that relate to the church.

For general information on autism, the following links may be helpful:

All About Autism

A helpfully arranged set of resources and basic information on autism from the Autism Society of America.

Many individuals with autism have sensory processing differences , that is, heightened sensitivity to one or more types of sensory stimuli. 

Resources for churches:

From the Autism Society of America, Tips for participation of people with autism in worship and other church activities.    

A Healing Community in an Overstimulated World by Paul Leichty and Christine Guth describes ways that congregations can be more inclusive and welcoming of people with sensory processing differences.

Autism and Faith: A Journey Into Community. This unique guide is the product of two years of work by The Autism and Faith Task Force in New Jersey. The Task Force is a joint effort of The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities and The Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC). 
    With articles by family members, theologians, pastors, rabbis, people with autism, and professionals, the booklet contains facts about autism, pastoral care, religious education, strategies for supporting families, tips for lay people, and a listing of religious and public resources. The articles are highlighted by real life stories from a number of families who responded to an autism and faith survey. For order form click here.

Autism and Your Church by Barbara J. Newman is a resource from Friendship Ministries.  This workbook offers practical ways to welcome and include individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) into the full life of a congregation.

This excellent practical book is reviewed by Christine Guth.  You can now order this and other Friendship Ministries resources directly from ADNet.

Newman offers suggestions for monitoring the sensory input in your church environment (see the book for more details):

• Provide a "reset" area
• Offer "break time" instead of imposing "time out"
• Don't insist on eye contact
• Weigh the effects of touch
• Add rocking chairs and trampolines
• Think along with an individual

Dr. Karla Kay Akins, educator, pastor, and mother of twin boys with autism, has written several helpful articles on helping children with autism to be integrated into Sunday school and worship.

How Churches Can Support Families Living with the Autism Spectrum/Pervasive Developmental Disorders Or Other Disabilities

Sensory Integration in the Religious Education Classroom

For more general information about Sensory Integration (now standardized under the nomenclature of "Sensory Processing Disorders") visit the Sensory Processing Disorders Network.

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