Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Their Families, and the Worship Service

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is being diagnosed more often every year throughout the entire world. This means that more children with this disorder and their families will be members of our congregations. This disorder brings with it special difficulties in the worship service. When a child with ASD joins our congregation it is important first for us to understand what this disorder is and what it is not. It will then be wise to apply those findings to situations that play out in the worship service. Finally congregations will want to learn how to integrate these people into their worship as seamlessly as possible, understanding all the while that this will take patience and a humble, loving attitude.