Autism Spectrum Disorder
Check out our Being Pro Life Episode: Autism- The Invisible Disorder. Click the video or one of the icons to the left to watch, listen, and read.
General Information
Understanding Autism
Dr. Joseph White and Anne Masters present information on the Characteristics and Diagnosis of Autism at the Partnership 2013: National Conference on Faith and Disability hosted by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
CLICK HERE to download the accompanying Power Point presentation.
CLICK HERE to download the accompanying Power Point presentation.
Church Documents
“Persons with disabilities are called to the fullness of sacramental life, even in the presence of severe disorders. The sacraments are gifts from God, and the liturgy even before being rationally understood, needs to be lived: therefore no one can refuse the sacraments to persons with disabilities. The community that is able to discover the beauty and joy of faith of which these brothers are capable becomes richer.” -Directory for Catechesis (New Edition)
If persons with disabilities are to become equal partners in the Christian community, injustices must be eliminated and ignorance and apathy replaced by increased sensitivity and warm acceptance. The leaders and the general membership of the Church must educate themselves to appreciate fully the contribution persons with disabilities can make to the Church’s spiritual life.
These guidelines were developed to address many of the concerns raised by persons with disabilities and their families and advocates, and also clergy and other pastoral ministers, for greater consistency in pastoral practice in the celebration of the sacraments throughout the country. With this objective in view, and with the desire to meet the spiritual, sacramental, and pastoral needs of persons with disabilities, the guidelines draw upon the Church’s ritual books, its canonical tradition, and its experience in ministering to or with persons with disabilities in order to dispel misunderstandings that may impede sound pastoral practice in the celebration of the sacraments. It is our hope that the guidelines will enhance diocesan policies already in existence.
Organizations & Webpages
Below are organizations, along with their webpages, that serve as wonderful resources for parishes, families and individuals who would like to learn more about the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mission: Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) works collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society.
This website is loaded with resources for families, individuals and parishes to better support faith development and meaningful participation within the Catholic Faith.
The Autism Society of Ohio is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America, the nation’s leading grass roots autism organization. The Autism Society exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-today issues faced by people with ASD, advocating for appropriate services across the life span, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, and advocacy.
This is the Dayton affiliate of the Autism Society of Ohio and it offers specific resources for those who live in the Miami Valley. They share local events, agencies, and resources for families who have children with autism and provide awareness education for the community at large to promote support for such families.
Autism Society Greater Cincinnati (ASGC) has been a part of the autism community for 50 years, providing resources, support, and activities for families all along the spectrum. Today, they support families through social and recreational programs, support groups, and a resource helpline.
Prayer
A Prayer of St. Francis for Autism
that where people cannot speak, I may be their advocate;
that where anyone is rejected, I may extend my arms in welcome;
that where parents are heavy burdened, I may offer a word of comfort; that where our children struggle, I may lift them up and cheer; that where some see disability, I may reveal to them extraordinary gifts; that where others judge, I may share with them my deep gladness; and that where any are overlooked, I may help the lights of all to shine.
Oh giver of these gifts,
grant that I may not so much seek to be reassured as to reassure;
to be praised as to praise;
to be accepted as to accept;
for it is in all our uncertainty that we are inspired to hope;
it is in great challenges that we discover our greatest joys,
and it is in our community of wanderers that we find the way home.
Amen.
Tim Tucker
Both Hands and a Flashlight
Parenting, Autism, and the Pursuit of Being Awesome
http://www.bothhandsandaflashlight.com
Provided by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability Autism Task Force
