1. Adolescents with Autism We Deserve to Learn About Jesus
Too!
2. Introductions Name: Jared Michael OConnor Age: As of next
Monday, 12 Status: Does not attend church
3. What Does Autism Look Like? Need some energy? I have lots to
spare!
4. What Does Autism Look Like? Passion? Oh yeah, Ive definitely
got that; but you have to figure it out! Attempt to converse is
rewarded
5. What Is Autism? Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders 5th Edition (DSM) Autism (p. 31) Classified as a
Neurodevelopmental Disorder Typically manifest in early development
Characterized by developmental deficits impairing: Personal
functioning Social functioning Academic functioning Occupational
functioning Frequently co-occur A primary diagnosis with a
different accompanying diagnosis
6. What Is Autism? Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders 5th Edition (DSM) Autism Spectrum Disorder (p. 50-59) A
difference in the 5th Edition Combination into one diagnosis (also
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html) Autistic disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD- NOS)
Asperger syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder
(https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism) Diagnostic Criteria
(observable deficit now or in the past) Persistent deficit in
social communication and interaction across multiple contexts
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or
activities
7. What Is Autism? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html) Autism Speaks
(https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism) Prevalence (How common
is it?) 1 in 68 Americans diagnosed 4 times more prevalent in boys
than girls 1 in 189 girls 1 out of 42 boys Over 3 million
individuals in the U.S. Reason for Growth? Unknown Actual increase
Awareness of the issue Combination of diagnosis
8. The Problem A Misunderstanding of Autism Complexities of
faith beyond the grasp of adolescents with Autism Reactive rather
than proactive programming Unprepared volunteers Fake acceptance
Consumerism of congregations The Problem of Inclusion Each
individual is different Distracting behaviors
9. The Solution Complexities of faith beyond the grasp of
adolescents with Autism Change in Mindset Made in the image of God
Ephesians 3 Knowing God goes beyond our capacity of comprehensible
knowledge Mathew 19:14 Do not hinder the little ones from coming to
me; in fact, you must come to me like a child Adolescents with
Autism learn through experience and visual information Becoming a
bridge to show God true church experience Entering into a time of
prayer and fasting for guidance on how to proceed
10. The Solution Reactive rather than proactive programming
Change in Curriculum Experiential Visual Ability to include in an
active way Ability to look at topics in different ways Expect to
allow time for processing possibly months Volunteer Education and
Training Bring in experts Teach classes and/or volunteers Help
write appropriate curriculum Recruit special needs experts from the
congregation Im not looking for a babysitter for my child. I want
him to be taught! Tonya Ramey Jarods mom
11. The Solution Fake acceptance Authenticity Do not be afraid
of adolescents with Autism You may think youre good at hiding it;
but they sense it, and it confuses them. Tonya Ramey Learn
everything you can about Autism The more a person understands and
has knowledge about autism will make the experience of working with
people with Autism the better the experience. Melinda Mayfield
Consumerism of congregations Community is not about ME Matthew
22:39 Love your neighbor as yourself Connect experience of love
from the congregation with the understanding of Gods love
12. The Solution The Problem of Inclusion Each individual is
different Interest in the Individual Open dialogue with parents
Peer buddies Distracting behaviors Aides Volunteers in classes
Volunteers in services Compassion Understanding behaviors are not
meant to distract Understanding behaviors are not defiant
13. Does the Church really Need to be Concerned About Autism?
Christ acted for the outcast and those who struggled in society The
Church should be the example to the world of what it means to be
inclusive, especially for those who have difficulty standing up for
themselves Called to love and sacrifice ourselves for others
