Since 2004 the incidence of autism in the United States has doubled and currently one in every 54 individuals has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This impacts all facets of our communities, and naturally points to a need to foster a greater sense of community and improve support and other opportunities for individuals and their families that live with ASD.
ASD is a complex disability that can impact an individual’s ability to communicate, build and form relationships and regulate their own bodies and emotions. It occurs in all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic classes and has a higher prevalence in boys than girls. It is classified as a “spectrum disorder” because the way it impacts individuals varies from case to case.
As every individual with ASD is unique, we may not know if someone has it. As Catholic Christians who are called to love everyone, we owe it to our brothers and sisters to do our part to help make all individuals feel included. Think of a time when you were in an environment where you didn’t speak the language everyone else spoke — perhaps it was a different language altogether although it could also be like being in a doctor or lawyer’s office where the terminology is unknown to you. Now consider how that made you feel: Alone? Fearful? Anxious? Those living with ASD frequently feel similar emotions. That is why we must learn to be a more inclusive faith community welcoming of all individuals.
Below are a few suggestions that we as Catholic Christians can follow to make all individuals and families feel welcome.
— Be welcoming and supportive. Some individuals that live with ASD have characteristics about them that they cannot control. Try to be understanding and mindful of this when you encounter someone who is different.
— Show interest in learning about each person you encounter rather than only about their disability.
— Never assume anything. No two individuals living with ASD are the same. Therefore, try not to generalize but rather show kindness and compassion as you learn more about that specific person.
— Remember everyone wants to feel like they belong. The best way to do this is to be mindful, patient, compassionate and kind. Before you react to or say anything, consider how you would want your child (or other family member) addressed.
— Don’t pass judgment. Be mindful of your own behavior when interacting with others, as body language or a look are just two examples of many unspoken ways that we as humans convey judgment on others.
— Educate yourself about ASD. Learn what you can about this disability to better understand how this might impact a person’s life. Knowledge is power.
— Be compassionate and empathetic. While not always easy, compassion and empathy are simple ways to make others feel included.
— Be patient. Individuals and their families living with disabilities may not be very open during an initial meeting. Smiling and saying hello in a kind manner may be all it takes to help an individual or family feel welcome.
— Have an attitude of openness. Stereotyping and generalizing are ways we may unknowingly offend people. Instead, try to approach the parish community with a spirit of openness and acceptance of all as the unique individuals God made us all to be.
Lastly, recognize that feeling included in a faith community can help individuals and their families feel more empowered to walk their own faith journey. As Jesus has taught us, we need to “love one another as I have loved you.” It is with that spirit and openness that we will begin to make our parish communities and our own hearts more accepting of not just those with ASD but of all of humanity.
VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Ministry with the Deaf and Those with Disabilities is dedicated to helping those living with disabilities. Father Hugh Bradley currently oversees this ministry in our diocese. These ministries offer services to help individuals and their families living with ASD and other disabilities. One of the most effective things most of us can do to foster change is to create an environment where all feel welcome.
Through this ministry eight of our Camden Diocese parishes now offer Masses of Inclusion. Bright lighting, loud music and long readings can all be overstimulating for individuals with ASD. Masses of Inclusion try to reduce overstimulating aspects of the Mass and modify them to create a less stimulating environment. For many families, this allows them to participate in Mass together, which in and of itself makes it a better family unit experience.
If you would like more information about our Masses of Inclusion or other VITALity ministries, please see this flyer: vitality.camdendiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Inclusion-Masses-Flyer.pdf or visit: vitality.camdendiocese.org/disabilities/.
Nicole Keefer, RN, is director of Parish Nursing, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, Diocese of Camden.
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