Faith, Patience and Understanding Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how individuals interact, communicate, learn and behave. It is often marked by challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviors and difficulties with speech or nonverbal communication. Autism is called a “spectrum” because it manifests differently in every individual.

According to the CDC Community Report on Autism 2025, 1 in 31 eight-year-old children is diagnosed with autism—a number that has increased by approximately 317 percent since 2000. Researchers point to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including complications during pregnancy, advanced parental age and exposure to toxins, as contributing to the rise in diagnoses.

Many of us interact daily with people on the autism spectrum—whether in our congregations, communities or families. From my own personal experience of raising a child with autism, I can say it has been an interesting and joyful experience filled with both challenges and joy.

After noticing a regression in my son Tidus’s verbal skills and eye contact around age two, we sought answers through specialists and testing. After some rather lengthy appointments with multiple specialists and completion of thorough testing, by age three, he was diagnosed with moderate autism. The doctor warned us he might never regain verbal ability—a difficult moment for any parent.

Our first course of action was to have him anointed and then we pursued various therapies addressing speech, occupational and physical development. Six years later, Tidus has made remarkable progress. Those who know him are amazed by his growth—he is loving, kind and thoughtful.

Every individual with ASD is unique, and their challenges may improve or worsen over time. Understanding these struggles not only helps us support those with autism but also reflects Christ’s call to love, include and serve all members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). By learning about autism, we can foster patience, compassion and encouragement in our congregations, honoring God’s teaching that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

There was a time when I would carry Tidus into a restaurant, church or any public building, and he would immediately begin screaming. There were no outward signs explaining why, and at the time he had no verbal ability to tell us what he was feeling. He would simply scream and cry, overwhelmed by something we could not see.

One challenge that often co-occurs with autism is sensory sensitivity, also known as sensory processing disorder (SPD). This involves difficulty processing sensory input—where the brain overreacts to sounds, lights, touch, movement or crowds that others may tolerate with ease. For Tidus, large crowds and loud environments were particularly distressing.

Through trial and observation, we discovered that placing him on my shoulders provided enough relief to help him feel safe. Being above the crowd created a kind of “safe zone,” where fewer people could invade his space. This simple adjustment allowed us to enter buildings that had once felt impossible for him.

This went on for years and required patience, persistence and gradual desensitization. Over time, Tidus progressed from needing noise-dampening headphones to learning how to tolerate loud and crowded environments. Today, he is able to walk into buildings independently. While sensory challenges remain an ongoing struggle, witnessing his perseverance has deeply shaped my own growth in patience, empathy and understanding.

The Struggles of Those with Autism

While every individual with autism is unique, many people on the spectrum experience varying challenges that affect daily life. These may include:

• Social interaction difficulties: challenges with eye contact, interpreting body language, or forming peer relationships.
• Communication challenges: delayed speech, limited conversational skills, or nonverbal communication.
• Sensory sensitivities: over- or under-reactivity to sounds, lights, textures or crowds.
• Repetitive behaviors: routines, rituals, hand-flapping or focused interests.
• Emotional regulation challenges: difficulty managing frustration, anxiety or changes in routine.
• Executive functioning difficulties: trouble with planning, organizing or transitioning between tasks.

Understanding these challenges is essential—especially within our congregations. Why? Because it reflects Christ’s call to love, include and serve all members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Without understanding, individuals with ASD may feel isolated, misunderstood, or excluded in church settings.

By learning about autism, we can help create congregations that are more patient, welcoming and supportive—places where everyone, regardless of ability, can worship, grow in faith and use their God-given gifts. This honors the truth that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and reflects our calling to bear one another’s burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Autism and the Christian Walk

While autism and the Christian life are very different in nature, there are meaningful parallels between the challenges faced by individuals with ASD and the spiritual journey of following Christ. These similarities become especially important when we remember that a Christian with autism may experience both struggles simultaneously.

1. Daily Effort and Perseverance

Both the Christian walk and life with autism require ongoing effort, patience and intentional perseverance. A Christian strives daily to follow God’s teachings and resist worldly influences, while a person with autism—or their caregiver—works continually to manage sensory, emotional and social challenges (Romans 5:3–5).

As James 1:2-4 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (New International Version used throughout).

These verses remind us that trials produce perseverance and maturity. When approached with faith, daily struggles—whether spiritual, emotional or physical—can lead to growth, purpose and strength.

2. Feeling Misunderstood or Isolated

Christians may often feel out of step with the world’s values, just as individuals with autism can feel out of sync with social norms. In both cases, there may be a deep sense of being different or misunderstood.

Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

These verses reassure us that feeling different or alone is not a sign of failure—God’s presence and purpose remain steady, even when acceptance feels distant.

3. Growth Through Struggle

Both journeys involve learning through hardship. Christians grow spiritually by overcoming trials and seeking God’s guidance; those living with autism grow through persistence, support and learning to navigate a world that they may perceive as “not built for them.”

Scriptures such as John 15:2, Isaiah 43:2 and Philippians 1:6 remind us that struggles are not dead ends—they are part of a refining process guided by God. Through these challenges, endurance, compassion and deeper purpose can emerge.

A Call to Love the Whole Body

Ultimately, both journeys call for understanding and compassion—toward ourselves and toward others. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:2, we are to walk with humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another in love. And in 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, we are reminded “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one 
body . . . and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

Let’s continue to nourish the entire Body of Christ,  fostering church environments where those with ASD or other developmental challenges feel encouraged, understood and deeply loved. Let us uplift those who struggle, affirming their value and dignity—remembering that every person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).