Autism & Christianity | My thoughts & experience + my special interests
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- Опубликовано: 18 апр 2024
- What is Autism?
Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.
Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system.
I found this info from a simple Google search but here's some more info below:
"Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how Autistic people perceive the world, think and behave, and communicate and interact with others.
Put simply, Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people.
Autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be ‘cured’. Many Autistic adults consider being Autistic as a fundamental part of their identity.
Autism is a spectrum. This means that some people are affected more than others. For example, some Autistic people do not use verbal language, while others have excellent spoken language skills but may find it difficult to understand what other people mean.
While all Autistic people share some common differences in the way they see, hear and feel the world, they all have different strengths and abilities and challenges which affect their lives in different ways at different ages and in different environments.
No two people on the spectrum are the same."
www.altogetherautism.org.nz/w...
I believe that Autistic needs are not acknowledged or catered for enough in the church and that church services for many of us Neuro-diverse people can be difficult to sit through leaving us feeling isolated.
But I also believe that God is mindful of us and will aid us in whatever difficult situations we face so there is always hope and also an opportunity for us to learn and grow.
If you have any thoughts or questions, leave them in the comments below, thank you!
- Tanaya
My IG:
/ hiswordandme
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#jesus #christian #autism #asd #autismawareness #autismawarenessmonth
![Autism & Religion [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PwVbbzd7QkY/mqdefault.jpg)
Hello, just want to apologise for the poor sound quality of this video (and some of my other videos) I plan to upgrade my phone or get a decent camera and mic sometime in the near future to create better quality content.
I suggest not listening to this video with headphones as my daughter is making a lot of noise in the background.
Also, I'd appreciate if you would take the time to read the description box for more info and have a lovely day ❤️
Thank you for your channel Tannaya. It is such a relief. I am struggling with the idea that autism is a demon and have had horrible experiences in the church. I feel really second rate and rejected. I cry every day and am lonely. Don't really think I've had much help or support. People just criticise and say I'm a bad person. For many years I struggled with self hatred. Unfortunately, I don't see autism as a blessing. It seems like an excuse for the majority to bully and exclude us, particularly in the church. I don't think I'm worthless or a nasty person but because I'm alone, I really suffer and struggle. Have been praying to the Most High for some love, understanding and inclusion and end the cycle of loneliness. My faith is strong but it is some of those in the churches that have been the most challenging. Please pray for me. 🙏
I'm sorry to hear, and can say I've been there and still struggle to make connections but I know God will not leave us without comfort and will answer our prayers, in due time.
Praying for you that He would strengthen your heart and mind and bring you closer to Himself ❤️🙏🏻
I am autistic. My impression is that you pay a very high price to feel in community.
I draw too!
Good luck! ❤
U don't have to worry. Brains are different and are not the same
Thank you so much for sharing! 🥰
This is exactly how I felt. It cant be prayed away but we can pray for the struggles to God and have him help us manage and cope through our daily lives.
One thing he said to me was that, "The only validation we absolutely need is from God."
I am also adhd so many people don't really see it and I was trying to get validation like can anyone see it, cause im looking back at my life and the signs are there.
but thats when God gave me the word validated. Knowing that he validates me and cares for me is a true blessing and I love His words.
Yes so true! I've felt the same way and you're absolutely right.. One of my children has adhd and I empathise a lot with you in that.. I think Neuro-diverse people, despite the challenges they live with, are usually wonderful, vibrant and empathetic people 😊
@@Hiswordandme totally agree with this 🥰
Thank you for this wonderful word from God, that He validates us. That is so comforting
Beautiful thanks for sharing. It is great when everyone in church accepts everyone else just as they are - it's the 'world' that wants to 'squeeze everyone into its mould' and in church there is or ought to be more celebration of diveristy as God made us all different and unique. It's even better is there is some support and help to change in the way we need to change, but without pressure to act like someone else (be more 'normal'!) or making us feel guilty or ashamed about anything or awkward about who we are and things we can't change.
Sensitive sensory issues can make church unbearable sometimes if the music is too loud or there are other distractions like bright lights, the heating being up too high or the smell of perfume and aftershave (or anything worse!).
Having struggles with understanding others or social interaction means some concepts of Christianity are harder to grasp for some with autistic tendencies - like everything about relationships and love, things involving the heart and feelings, even though I think love is about doing things to help more than feelings. Also about communication - prayer, worship, sharing, having conversations all need communcating with words. Difficult if it takes ages to think of the best words to express what you want to say, or when you have nothing to say but feel you ought to say something anyway. Or using set liturgy is the same words over and over and sometimes it feels like going through the motions just repeating the same prayers and statements which can get so familiar they can lose their meaning. Words can also mean different things to different people and cause misunderstanding.
Anyway I thought you were very good at communicating, and you have even more challenges to deal with, being a Mum!
Thank you. I agree with a lot of what you said.. I think there should be more room for diversity as it seems a lot of Christians are trying to fit into a mould of who they think they should be rather than just being themselves which I think is damaging to one's identity. I still struggle with it, feeling shame around being myself sometimes because of the way the church is typically structured.. It can feel a bit restrictive and yes, very unfriendly to ND people too with the noise and smells etc. My main area of struggle and concern is relationships as it's much harder to gain someone's compassion and understanding when on the spectrum as a believer and yes it's an added struggle as a mother too but not impossible with God, that's where I find my greatest strength! 😊
@@Hiswordandme Thank you for replying! I find small group fellowship more helpful than big formal church services, and we haven't had small home group for about 15 years and I miss it. More relaxed, informal, interactive and less like a performance! We have 'cafe church' from time to time which is informal and includes a craft activity, so that's fun and relaxing, although not everyone is keen on doing something crafty!
Yes we all need God's help - faith certainly can give us hope and purpose, and make more sense of life. If only God would help more and not leave us to our own devices too much of the time. Maybe I'm dragged down too much by life's struggles and forget to pray, thank God and remember 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'!
@@yahccs1 I prefer the atmosphere of small groups also but haven't been able to attend any for some time. Church cafe sounds fun.. I'd love to see more groups and events but it seems churches have been doing a lot less and being more cautious since covid, maybe that will change soon, I hope. And yes, it's hard to keep trusting in God through life's troubles but there is no where else to put our hope outside of Christ and He won't abandon us no matter how far we may stray. ❤️
What a beautiful channel you are creating. I found just yesterday. I could empathize, so much with what, you were saying. I am now 49 years old. But about 12 years ago l started having, very bad seizures and rapid deterioration in health. I became so seitive to bright light, loud sounds, anxiety and anything l knew could trigger a seizure. Soon l developed debilitating physical nerve pain, My whole physical nervous system was deteriorating so fast, which has left me unable to walk anymore and was suddenly in a wheelchair. After months in hospital l was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder of which there is no cure, only medication to slow the advancement down and ease the pain, as l began to loose now all sensation in my legs. I am blessed with a very loving husband and My Saviour Jesus, who l know is with me daily. I went through so much, feeling everone was, thinking why l was not getting a miracle healing. I started to feel so lesser than, that it stopped me feeling the community l so needed from fellow Christ followers. I did not want to leave the house at all. We then moved back home, to a small rural town in Europe where l come from. We joined a new church and a support system, l know only the Lord, had prepared for us. For me, that was a miracle, even if it was not a physical healing. Your videos are so honest and calming, and l look so forward to it growing and blossoming. At my utmost low, l know that God always sees the bigger picture, he just asks us to carry His lamp at our feet, for His light is guiding always. God bless you and your family. Keep shining the light of our Lord!!✨🙏✨
Wow.. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad to know that God has been with you through all of that but it sounds like you went through a lot and a what a beautiful encouragement!
Keep going with your channel. It's beautiful ❤❤❤❤
Thank you for the encouragement, it means a lot ❤️
In the US, churches lobbied to be exempt from government laws about disability. Religious organizations are allowed to discriminate. Also, many American Christian denominations consider autism to be demonic possession. Children are subject to exorcisms and emotional abuse. You sound like you’re in Australia. You are very lucky that you have a wonderful, caring church. That’s what they should be like.
Thanks for the info, I didn't know that. But I am aware of the poor theology that has led some denominations to believe that Autism is demonic. It's quite insane actually, and disheartening. I'm in New Zealand and my experience has been mixed with churches here but for the most part, many people have shown compassion and try to understand the needs of others. I'm moving to the US soon, so I'm curious to see the difference in church culture.
@@Hiswordandme In the US, churches are heavily divided along political lines, a division that began prior to the Civil War. We have Baptist vs. Southern Baptists. Missouri Lutherans vs. regular Lutherans. I have a lot of United Methodist friends, and sadly, that church is on the verge of splitting again into two. These divisions were based on whether the denominations used the Bible to justify slavery. Nowadays, the division is between authoritarian/Christian Nationalist vs. progressive Christians, following Jesus's actions. There are many so-called American Christians who call the Beatitudes "too woke." Fossil fuel billionaires have spent a lot of money convincing right-wing churches to include defense of fossil fuels as part of their platforms. There are churches that worship gun ownership and have idolatrous images of Jesus with automatic weapons. It is truly surreal. I recommend searching "Faithful America Resources" and reading/listening to some of their podcasts. Unfortunately, however, even liberal Christian groups will take advantage of their exemption--I used to attend a Unitarian Universalist Church (a very liberal denomination) whose Board nevertheless refused to provide a handicapped accessible restroom or to introduce speakers so our Blind member knew who was talking. There are definitely inclusive congregations, however, that actually have outreach ministries for neurodivergent adults and whose children's programs are sensory friendly. Without government requirements, it entirely depends on the leadership, so you need to "shop around." Whatever denomination you are, there will be these divisions, sadly. Good luck!
@@sarahlongstaff5101 thank you.. My husband and I will likely be attending a non denominational church 😊
This was a nice video, you have such a beautiful voice. I enjoyed seeing your artwork!
Thank you, that's very kind ☺️❤️
Hey!! Child of God❤ you are amazing, and talented, can you share more work of art please
Thank you 🙏🏻 I would love to share more over the coming months as I'm hoping to illustrate a story I've written 😊
I have Autism too mine is Mild
Same for me I guess. My support needs are low compared to others on the spectrum
I found your video hard to listen to because of the background noise. My autism involves auditory processing issues, so I appreciated the subtitles. I've had profoundly negative experiences in the American evangelical church. There's an expectation to conform to norms that have nothing to do with being like Christ. Fortunately, Jesus is bigger than man-made institutions, so my hope and identity are in him
@@SarahMull-rx3qd sorry about that, but glad you could still watch it without sound.
And yeah, it's really tough when people lack understanding and compassion for disabilities like Autism. I'm glad also because my hope and identity are in Him too 😊
NTs (even most Christians) seem to assume what they are able to do and have is because they choose to. They don’t realize their abilities and possessions are gifts - given to them - by God. There. I said it out loud. Thank you for the opportunity.