What effects do conditions like autism have on the Christian life?
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and restrictive or repetitive patterns of behavior. Autism exists on a spectrum, with some people being more mildly affected while others face more significant challenges. For Christians with autism or raising a child with autism, navigating its effects can raise a lot of questions about how it impacts one’s spiritual life and relationship with God. Though autism presents unique challenges, the Bible offers comfort, wisdom, and reassurance for those impacted by it.
Social Challenges and the Body of Christ
One major area autism affects is social interaction. Autistic individuals often struggle to pick up on social cues, engage reciprocally in conversation, develop peer relationships, and read emotional expressions on faces. For Christians with autism, these social difficulties can make forming community within the church challenging. Attending small groups, mingling at fellowship events, having casual conversations after service, and other social expectations associated with church life may feel overwhelming. However, the Bible offers a beautiful vision of diversity within the body of Christ as different believers with different strengths and struggles come together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). While church bodies are imperfect, the family of God is called to embrace, support, and make room for those who struggle socially, not ostracize them. Small groups and ministries specifically for families affected by autism can provide a more comfortable social environment for relationship building and spiritual growth within the body. Most importantly, the Bible reminds believers that our value and identity is in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29), not our social skills.
Communication Differences and Hearing from God
Many autistic individuals communicate differently than neurotypical people, whether through fewer words, odd intonation, obsessive interests in specific topics, or interpreting language very literally. These differences can make communication in relationships and church settings challenging. Moreover, some Christians with autism who communicate nonverbally or have intellectual disabilities may wonder if they can still have a meaningful relationship with God if they struggle to read Scripture or comprehend preaching. However, the Bible shows that God hears the prayers of all His children, regardless of their communication abilities. The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in accordance with God’s will when words fail them (Romans 8:26-27). God also communicates His truth through Scripture, the church community, observing His creation, and quiet promptings of the Spirit. While language and communication abilities vary greatly for those with autism, God provides abundant avenues for them to connect with and hear from Him meaningfully.
Need for Routines and the Concept of Sabbath
The tendency towards routines, repetition, and sameness commonly seen with autism can conflict with the busyness and disruption that often occurs within church life. Yet another aspect of autism, hyper-focusing on topics of interest, can actually enrich spiritual growth if focused on Scripture and theology. The biblical practice of Sabbath provides vital lessons for balancing the routines autistic individuals often rely on with the flexibility required within Christian community. God commanded Sabbath rests as a gift of refreshment from burdensome work (Exodus 20:8-11) and Jesus modeled its importance by frequently withdrawing to desolate places to pray (Luke 5:15-16). For autistic Christians, practicing regular Sabbath rest can provide soothing routines that honor God while also teaching the faith community the spiritual discipline of slowing down. Immersing oneself in studying Scripture or nature on Sabbath can nurture autistic tendencies towards hyper-focus on special interests. Most importantly, Sabbath reminds believers that routines are good but God is sovereign over the disruptions He permits into our lives.
Sensory Sensitivities and Reverence for God’s Creation
Many people with autism have heightened or unusual sensitivities to sensory stimuli like sound, light, smell, taste, and touch. The unpredictability of sensory environments, especially noisy and crowded ones, can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. At times, church worship services with loud music, bright stage lights, and packed crowds unfortunately overstimulate those prone to sensory overload. However, the Bible teaches that bodies are temples of God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and God created the world and declared it good (Genesis 1:31). Therefore, Christians should pay attention to special sensory needs within the body of Christ, avoiding condemnation of those who plug their ears, wear sunglasses indoors, or communicate their distress when overstimulated. With compassion and creativity, worship teams can adapt aspects like lighting and volume to accommodate sensitivity differences in congregants. Moreover, vulnerable sharing of sensory experiences can enlighten others about the profound ways God reveals Himself through sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures in His wondrous creation.
Repetitive Behaviors and the Discipline of Worship
Flapping, rocking, spinning, echolalia, and other repetitive or “stimming” behaviors are common ways autistic individuals self-soothe or express joy. Within the neurotypical social norms of many churches, these behaviors may be misunderstood as disruption or irreverence. However, Scripture calls believers to worship God with their whole being (Psalm 103:1, Luke 10:27) and with joyful abandon like David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). For Christians with autism, incorporating stimming behaviors into personal expressions of praise to God provides a meaningful way to worship with their whole selves. At other times, the discomfort of suppressing their natural movements can teach important lessons about self-control and denying fleshly impulses to honor God and others (Titus 2:11-14). With empathy and discretion about what is distracting versus comfortable for their community, autistic believers can learn to balance freedom in worship with appropriate restraint.
Autism and Spiritual Gifts
Every Christian believer, including those with autism, receives spiritual gifts to build up the church (1 Peter 4:10). While autism comes with challenges in areas like social skills and communication, it can also impart strengths that powerfully equip saints for doing God’s work. For example, some autistic people have an uncanny focus on details others miss which can help them master and teach Scripture. Or they may have a deep sensitivity and care for vulnerable people overlooked by society. Still others exhibit a childlike dependence on God rather than worldly measures of success. Like other believers, they can discern their gifts through prayer, exploration of interests, and input of wise counselors who see their unique God-given strengths. As churches welcome and listen to Christians with autism, they gain enrichment from their spiritual gifts delivered through the lenses of autistic minds and hands.
Finding Community in the Family of Christ
Above all, Christians impacted by autism need what every believer needs – the comfort of God’s presence (Psalm 23:4), the counsel of His living Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and the support of the family of God (Galatians 6:2). Through the patient nurturing of parents, the understanding of siblings, the companionship of friends, and fellowship within the church, those with autism can find essential community in the body of Christ. In turn, interacting with Christians who have autism sensitizes God’s people to show more grace, communicate with greater empathy, and celebrate neurodiversity within the Lord’s family. While autism can complicate aspects of social functioning, identity development, sensory experience, and communication, it does not alter every believer’s identity as a cherished child made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Strengthened by God’s unchanging love, Christians both with and without autism have full access to the spiritual riches of life in Christ Jesus.
Navigating Societal Misconceptions with Biblical Truth
In a world that highly values social, academic, and career achievements, people with more severe forms of autism often battle stigma and shame for their dependence and perceived lack of accomplishments. Well-meaning yet misguided advice insisting autistic individuals just try harder to “get over” autism and fit in only worsens the shame. In contrast, Scripture attests that every person has worth as God’s creation (Genesis 1:27) with a purpose in His kingdom work (Ephesians 2:10). Their identity is secure in who God says they are, not their worldly success. Christians are called to value those who are often devalued by the world, to comfort the distressed and stand up for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:34-40). The church must counter society’s lies that equate worth with productivity and independence. Instead believers must speak and live out the truth that all people, at every level of functioning, have inherent dignity and something to contribute in Christ’s kingdom.
Teaching Children with Autism
Parents raising children with autism often wonder how best to nurture their spiritual growth. While autism presents challenges, Scripture provides guidance on how to disciple children toward knowing Christ. Parents can teach the faith through modeling godly character and discussing Scripture naturally during everyday routines (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Using children’s special interests to engage them with biblical concepts, like studying animals for science-loving kids, can foster greater understanding. Hands-on activities and sensory objects can illuminate abstract spiritual truths. Above all, bathed in prayer, parents can rest in God’s promises to lead and protect their children (Proverbs 22:6). With patience and adaptation, children with autism can comprehend biblical truths and develop meaningful relationships with Jesus in their own unique ways.
Hope in Christ for This Life and Eternity
Autism is a lifelong condition and its effects often intensify with age rather than improve. Adults with autism struggle to find steady jobs and live independently of family members. But whether comforted as a hurting child, guided as a transitioning teen, or sustained as a struggling adult, Christians impacted by autism have hope. Hope is not wishful thinking but confident assurance of God’s promises to redeem suffering and make all things new (Revelation 21:5). Believers can rest in the eternal truth that one day God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (Revelation 21:4). In this fallen world, autism often causes tears, mourning, crying and pain. But supported by Christ’s body on earth, and cherished as God’s beloved child, each autistic person can walk the path of faith knowing one day they will stand healed and whole before their Savior. Until then, they do not walk alone.
As this overview shows, while autism presents difficulties, Scripture provides rich truths for believers seeking to understand its effects on Christian life. God’s unconditional love and sovereign care for his children impart grace, identity, purpose and hope. Within the fellowship of the church, autistic believers and their loved ones can experience support, belonging and nurture for spiritual growth amidst autism’s challenges. Most importantly, Godvalues each autistic person as his precious image-bearer and gifted member of the body of Christ.