God Lets Me Spin: Accepting and Integrating Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
As the rates of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder increase, it is imperative that the leadership of churches learn how to best accept and integrate children with this disorder. This paper is designed to give an introduction to accomplishing these goals. It includes an overview of the Autism Spectrum Disorder, the author’s personal connection to the topic, and motivation for change based on Jesus’ and the early church’s ministries. Furthermore, examples of how some churches are currently treating children diagnosed with this disorder are presented. Finally, challenges specific to attending a Sunday morning service are addressed and solutions are given. By gaining a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and possible difficulties present on a Sunday morning, church leadership teams will be better prepared to successfully accept and integrate children with this disorder.
CM 499 Capstone
Terry O’Casey and Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
P114
11 AM