Children with autism are one of the largest unreached groups. And they’re right in your community! Research from Clemson University shows that families of kids with autism are 84% less likely than other families to attend church.
It takes intentionality to create a welcoming environment for these often-isolated parents and kids. Kidmin workers must provide a place to build relationships, get support, and be discipled to grow in friendship with Jesus.
As a children’s ministry volunteer, I’m no expert on autism. I want to serve, welcome, and disciple all kids in my church. Yet when it comes to kids with mental health conditions, I often feel unequipped or afraid to say or do the wrong thing.
Maybe you have questions, too. What exactly is autism? What’s keeping families of children with autism from church? And what would a welcoming environment look like for them?
For expert insights, I talked to Dr. Steve Grcevich, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who wrote Mental Health and the Churchpresident of Key Ministry, which helps churches welcome families of children with hidden disabilities. Grcevich shared practical ways that churches can welcome kids with special needs.
Children With Autism: What KidMin Leaders Need to Know
First, what is autism? And what does it mean to be on the high end of the spectrum?
Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a group of developmental disorders. They’re characterized by repetitive behaviors, social challenges, inflexible thinking, and even challenges with speech. Children on the “high end” of the autism spectrum demonstrate traits such as:
- normal to high intelligence
- challenges with social interaction
- heightened emotional sensitivity
- magnified sensitivity to sensory input
- intense, narrow interests
- fixation on routines, repetitive habits
- difficulty with change
- focus on self
Grcevich refers to kids on the high end of the spectrum as having “hidden disabilities.” Peers and church leaders often don’t notice their disorder. Their behaviors may simply seem odd or quirky. Unlike a visible physical disability, ASD may not be readily identified through casual interaction. This is especially true if the child is on the high end of the spectrum. Yet the needs of these kids are very real.
You may feel like more kids in your ministry are on the spectrum, compared to years past. That’s likely due to better training and recognition. Studies show that 1 in 36 kids are on the spectrum. And considering that many cases go undiagnosed, the numbers are likely higher. Grcevich says more parents are being proactive and seeking assessments for their kids. That can open doors for resources and support.
What keeps families of children with autism from church?
Next, think of a typical Sunday in your children’s ministry. Maybe words like exciting, noisy, or even relational come to mind. While these ingredients make classrooms fun, they can spur anxiety for kids with mental health challenges.
