Autism and Church

    Going to church was a challenge. You never knew what was going to set Matthew off, whether it was the loud noises or crowds. He did not have much language so I was always guessing his needs or what was frustrating him. Separation anxiety was a big issue at Sunday School just like regular school. I would leave him at his Sunday School Preschool class and walk down the hall hearing him scream. There were many years in the beginning where we would try attending Vacation Bible School in the Summer and would never make the whole week. We usually dropped out by day two or three.
     The Pastors and congregation where we attended when Matthew was diagnosed with Autism were very supportive! We had some members that did Play Therapy with him. They would come over once a week and work with him. He loved it! The teachers in the Sunday school program really wanted him to be able to participate in class. We came up with an idea to have a High Schooler who enjoyed kids be his aide in the classroom. This went really well for Matthew. The High School aide would distract him so I could leave him without the screaming. Then he would help him participate in the activities. This young man also helped him participate in Vacation Bible School at church. It felt like such great success when Matthew finally made it through a whole week!
     In the pictures posted today Matthew's High School aide was helping him learn about Baptism. In the class everyone got a turn to Baptize the baby doll.

Hands on activities work really well with individuals with Autism. It helps them understand things better. The second picture is Matthew participating in the Sunday School Christmas play. As you can see, he was waving to us. He did not do what he was supposed to do in the play but stared at us and waved the whole time. Everyone thought it was very cute! 

We were thrilled that he was able to be a part of the program! This was a great start in our journey in the church. I have learned through the years that some are not supportive. Our family received a great blessing to be where we were when we were going through the diagnosis process with Matthew.