Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term used to describe a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Some symptoms include difficulty mingling with other children; resisting learning; having no fear of danger; avoiding eye contact; demonstrating strong attachments to objects; and having unusual reactions to the way things smell, look, feel, or sound. As a spectrum disorder, it means that symptoms will vary from person to person and by degrees.
The church family cannot ignore anyone but must value all, moreover those with special needs. It matters not whether the building is large or small, fancy or plain; attitude is key. When we welcome families with ASD and other special needs, the question must always be, “How can we, as a church, serve you?” At first, you may not have a sensory room available, headphones to reduce the sound, or a sign language interpreter, but when it is known that the church will welcome and do whatever lies in their power to serve and empower those with ASD and other special needs, it sends a comforting message to the families attending.
People not only came to Jesus, but He also went to them. There is a powerful witnessing opportunity to minister to families unable to attend the services because of complications resulting from disabilities. As you do so, you will gain an entrance, not only to their hearts, but also to the hearts of all the family members connected with them. The global Seventh-day Adventist Church has made great strides in supporting those with special needs and disabilities through Adventist Possibility Ministries. Across the world, there is a progressive movement in the church toward recognizing and affirming those who have special needs. Learn as much as you can about the topic of disabilities and special needs to be as sensitive in your choice of terminology as possible. Remember, you are inviting them to see Jesus, and your words and actions can either make that a reality or diminish the opportunity.
Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, states it well when she says, “I saw that it is in the providence of God that widows and orphans, the blind, the deaf, the lame, and persons afflicted in a variety of ways, have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church; it is to prove His people and develop their true character. Angels of God are watching to see how we treat these persons who need our sympathy, love, and disinterested benevolence. This is God’s test of our character.” My prayer is that each church will meet and pass this test with flying colors.
