Last week I attended a Middle District Pastor’s Continuing Education Luncheon. These events are held monthly, and most of the time the topic and presenters are right on point. Last week’s topic concerned how churches can welcome individuals and families who are living with a wide range of special needs, specifically Autism. It is estimated that about one in sixty children today are diagnosed with Autism, and for males that number is about one in forty. It is also estimated that the number of children with sensory issues is nearly one in twelve. Last week’s speaker has an adult son with Autism. She started her career as a special education teacher in Chesterfield County Schools, but now she serves in Virginia for the Federal Government helping families with special needs children. She shared that although she grew up in the church, the child of a Children’s Minister, as her son was diagnosed and her family began dealing with issues related to his diagnosis, she became distant from the church.
One of the pastors asked the presenter “what could your church have done to help you stay connected when you began dealing with your son’s diagnosis?” Her reply was not confusing or detailed or difficult. She said that she would have loved to be asked “what can we do for your son and your family?” She said looking back that is all it would have taken. People thought if they mentioned his diagnosis it would be painful or difficult for her and her husband, but she said it would have meant the world to her. She knew her son was Autistic, and to know that her church family would welcome them in spite of his struggle would have made the difference.
Several years ago there was a family with an Autistic child worshiping and serving with us at May Memorial. The family had two sons, and tragically the dad had terminal cancer. The family worshiped with us for a couple of years, and finally, toward the end of the dad’s cancer battle, moved to North Carolina to be closer to family. I remember as time came close for the youth to go to Passport camp, the mom and dad signed their two boys up to go. One without special needs and one with Autism. There was never much said about that potentially difficult situation. An adult at May Memorial found out about it, and she stepped up to go with the youth and give 100% of her time to supervising that young man. She made sure he was where he needed to be, and most importantly, that he didn’t wander off. The youth went to camp and had a great week. It was a great opportunity for an Autistic young man who could have easily been denied a week a camp because of his disability. But for a May Memorial member who gave her time.
I thank God for this woman and her willingness to do what she did. It was a blessing to a family who were experiencing a very hard time…an Autistic son and a dad with terminal cancer. What a blessing it was for them.