Definition
Autism – also called autism spectrum disorder* – is a difference which exhibits itself in numerous ways.
*Many autistic folks do not like to be called ASD or to be referred to as “disordered.” This is a medical term denoting deviation from the average/normal. It is not a term to be used in the general day.
Because of the sheer diversity in autism, I’m not defining much. And the information categories are also differently categorized.
Areas where autism interacts with the world differently.
- Sensory Differences
- Communication
- Executive Function Skills
- Repetitive Behaviors (and interests)
- Self-soothing behaviors (stimming)
Overview and Definitions
Person First Language and Ableism – take your cue from the person not anyone else.
The Problem with Functioning Labels – this is a discussion of “low” or “high” or “spectrum.” It is really good to read to ponder how God values people.
Start Here: a guide for parents of autistic kids. I hand this out regularly to parents who just discover their child’s diagnosis.
Ticktock, Facebook and Instagram
Ask me, I’m Autistic (24hr rule!) (Facebook) – forum for questions and thoughts. It can be brutal to people who haven’t done their own work first. Google before you jump on and ask a question.
Neurowild (Facebook) – an Autistic & ADHD speech pathologist – she does really great infographics
undercoverautie (Instagram)
MrsArensberg2.0 (Tiktok) – Vicki loves her classroom inclusion ideas
How do we define who is Autistic:
Adult Misdiagnosis – the Default Path to and Autistic Identity
Girls and Women and Autism – Sarah is amazing and thoughtful. There are other videos by her.
Invisible Diversity: A Story of Undiagnosed Autism
Why It’s So Difficult to Diagnose Autism in Girls – this is Slate so it is a little breathless. But still it is very, very hard to find psychiatrists who diagnose females at an equal rate as males.
Autism’s Race Problem – I have moms whisper to me that they think their kid is “autism touched” but they can’t bring it up in the church or community. There is some excellent research out of the university of Aberdeen about immigrant mom’s experiences in cultural and religious settings. This is an additional area for education of leadership.
Disability and Self-Advocacy
Autism Self-Direction: Empowering Individuals on the Spectrum to Take Control of Their Lives
No, Really!
Well meaning people say really interesting things that can be very hurtful. Sometimes these are even well meaning organizations that have been around a while.
ABA Therapy – a couple of thoughts. I don’t discount this therapy. In fact to get grants for some other therapies (like equine therapy) in my area you must have a certain number of hours of ABA therapy. I also know teens and adults who can consent to ABA therapy and choose it – they re at an age with agency. And for them, they can choose to enter into a challenging situation for them selves.
The Argument Over a Long-Standing Autism Intervention
Why ABA Therapy is Harmful to Autistic People on Autistic Science Person
Ethical Concerns with Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum “Disorder”
Podcasts
Autism and Theology – I recommend beginning with Autism Consecrated – what an amazing group of Roman Catholic folks.
Autistic and Christian
Autism Consecrated – interviewed by the folks at the Autism and Theology podcast.
Center for Autism and Theology – University of Aberdeen – there are excellent papers on their resource page
Autism and Worship: A Liturgical Theology
Autistic Thinking in the Life of the Church: Cafe Theologique – University of Reading
Grant Macaskill – profoundly thoughtful and author of numerous books.
Father Matthew Schneider – Catholic priest and advocate
Speaking With Us, Not For Us: Neurodiversity, Theology and Justice (Jacobs)
Autism, Doxology, and the Nature of Christian Worship (Leidenhag)
Father Matthew Schneider – Ethicist
Baylor University – Institute for Faith and Learning – has a strong theology focus on disability
YouTube Information
The Inclusive Atrium 