Our son Sam was the long-awaited answer to Jane’s prayers, fulfilling her desire for a brother. Born prematurely, Sam faced health challenges in his early days, spending several days within the intensive care unit as an infant. Despite doctors losing hope, continuous prayers from Sam’s sister and family granted him a recent life. As Sam grew, we noticed developmental differences in comparison with other children his age.
Even his sister began complaining that Daddy, “Sam is not fiddling with me,” and “he is not even listening to my instructions.” After consulting doctors and psychologists, Sam was diagnosed with autism. This news shocked us, and Sam began to live in his own world as he began to grow. The term “autism” was recent to us as parents.
Different people gave their views with limited understanding, but we, as parents, began to grapple with questions akin to: How would he manage his life? When would he change into independent? When would he begin socialising with other children of his age? How would society accept him? Why has God made him like this?
Prevalence of autism
As per a recent report by ETHealthWorld, roughly 18 million (1 in 68 children) individuals in India have received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Moreover, it’s estimated that autism affects around 1%-1.5% of kids aged between two and nine years. Additionally, boys are believed to be 4 times more prone to autism than girls. Challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviours characterise ASD. It also impacts individuals’ ability to operate effectively in society and other areas of life.
In India, many individuals are unaware of the term autism and its symptoms. Once, an elderly lady visited our home and was quite disturbed to see Sam in his hyperactive state. She felt that we weren’t disciplining our child, and he was almost spoilt for her. Such an attitude happens due to our people’s lack of education and awareness. Bollywood movies like ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ ‘Barfi,’ ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ do raise awareness in our Indian society, but rather more must be done. A holistic approach is required to deal with these kid’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
Individuals diagnosed with autism perceive the world in a different way and communicate in various ways. Community acceptance and identifying their talents is a challenge. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognise the importance of adapting themselves to accommodate individuals with autism. Instead, they often try to implement changes on those with autism, neglecting their needs. This lack of consideration hinders the strategy of making individuals with autism feel comfortable and accepted inside their communities. We miss the chance to foster real inclusion and understanding by neglecting the need for mutual adaptation.
Demeaning the image of God
During my recent visit to Lucknow, I talked with a retired Christian teacher from a prestigious school. After sharing about Sam, she recalled her interaction with the mother of a boy in her class who was also diagnosed with autism. Hearing in regards to the mother’s disparaging remarks about her son – labelling him as mentally retarded, useless, idiot and mad – brought tears to my eyes. Despite this, the teacher consistently emphasised the unique qualities of the boy and gave her best to support him.
In his article “Does Darwinism Devalue Human Life?,” Richard Weikart explores the historical connection between Darwinism and the devaluation of human life. He shares that Darwinism undermines the Judeo-Christian belief within the sanctity of human life. Weikart traces the historical roots of Darwinism’s impact on ethics, highlighting how German Darwinist Ernst Haeckel proposed killing disabled infants within the late nineteenth century.
For Haeckel, newborn infants don’t have any soul, “so killing them is not any different than killing other animals and can’t be equated with murder.” About a physically or mentally disabled infant, he wrote, “a small dose of morphine or cyanide wouldn’t only free this pitiable creature itself, but in addition its relatives from the burden of a protracted, worthless and painful existence.” The only reason we don’t kill “defective” children at birth, in line with Haeckel, is because we’re following emotion moderately than reason.
In 1833, Charles Darwin launched into a journey to the South Sea Islands looking for the presumed “missing link.” Observing the inhabitants, whom he deemed primitive, particularly the cannibals, he believed them to represent a lower stratum of humanity, seemingly confirming his evolutionary theory. However, thirty-four years later, upon his return to the identical islands, Darwin was astonished to search out churches, schools, and civilised homes inhabited by the once-perceived primitive inhabitants.
This remarkable transformation was attributed to the missionary efforts of John G. Paton, who had spread the truths of salvation amongst them. Witnessing their upliftment and spiritual growth moved Darwin profoundly, leading him to support the London Missionary Society generously. This experience challenged Darwin’s notion of the “missing link,” highlighting the transformative power of religion and the image of God inside humanity.
Some scientists may query the rationality of autistic children because they fail to recognise the unique qualities which these children contribute to our society. Unfortunately, “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, in order that they can not see the sunshine of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who’s the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Hence there are individuals who usually are not in a position to see the image of God and the glory of Christ in such children. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways, but it surely doesn’t diminish their price as human beings created within the image of God. Therefore, any suggestion of devaluing or harming individuals with disabilities, including autism, contradicts the basic teachings of Christianity regarding the sanctity of human life.
In his image
Genesis chapter one affirms that each human being is created within the image and likeness of God. To be in God’s image, humans share His character, nature, attributes, and moral, ethical and mental abilities. In other words, it refers back to the mental and spiritual faculties and His persona that humans share with Him. When Christians encounter questions on disability, they often look to the concept of the image of God. This concept is the right fit for affirming the worth and importance of all and sundry. Brian Brock in his article, ‘Autism and the Image of God: On Becoming A Mobile And Reproductive Church’, mentions that there are three major ways in which Christians have understood the image of God over the centuries:
(a) The Substantive View: This view explains that despite having many capabilities, humans are different from the remainder of creation by giving them abilities that no other creatures have. Some argue that what sets humans aside from all other beings is their capability for rationality, while others argue it’s their sense of right and wrong.
(b) The Functionalist View: This view of the image of God focuses on one other aspect mentioned in Genesis 1, where God assigns humans a task i.e. to have ‘dominion’ (Genesis 1:26). According to this attitude, the concept of the image of God isn’t routinely present in every human being but is seen as a royal responsibility.
(c) Relational View: In this attitude, humans are designed for relationships—with one another and with God. By fostering life-giving connections despite differences, humans reflect Christ to 1 one other. This view emphasises the individuality of humans, as they alone are tasked with representing God on this planet. The birth of each human from Adam and Eve signifies their humanity, and their primary role isn’t to dominate the earth but to live in ways in which resemble Christ of their interactions with others. After going through the above views, it is crucial to know that each human, whether regular or autistic, is created within the image and likeness of God. We might initially separate individuals with autism from our understanding, but from a divine perspective, they hold immense value.
After the Fall, sin took control of our lives, and we forgot that we were created within the image of God. We do share His persona, but our image is tarnished resulting from sin. Since then, we have now change into confused about our image. We have just one strategy to regain our tarnished image, and it is barely through God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the image of the invisible God, the radiance of His glory and the precise representation of His nature. When we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour, He begins restoration work and transforms us into His image. In this, we recognise that we’re created in God’s image and acknowledge others to be created in His image.
Fostering relationship
The life stories of Albert Einstein, Thomas Alva Edison, Benjamin Franklin, etc., are eye-openers that enable us to know the potential of autistic children. In John 9:1-3 Jesus saw a person blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened in order that the works of God may be displayed in him.” Like the disciples, we also close our eyes and fail to know the actual purpose of God. The challenge before us is how we accommodate and value individuals with autism throughout the context of their abilities. By doing this, we not only acknowledge that they’re created within the image of God but in addition develop a relationship with them.
For Sheila George, Director of the Ashish Foundation for the Differently Abled (AFDA): “Our ultimate goal is to assist these children and adults lead fulfilling and productive lives, and to be accepted and included within the mainstream of society.” The vision of AFDA is to “enhance the image and competencies of every child to take up valued social roles.” This foundation sensitises and equips families, communities, and organisations to reply and interact productively in order that children and adults with autism can lead fulfilling lives. In our experience, relationship matters so much. Sam is a really loving child. The more we pour our love into his life, the more we experience love from him. We feel privileged that God has chosen us to be Sam’s parents. Like Sam, other children are desperately waiting for our love and care.
Embrace: role of the Church
A church, whose head is Jesus Christ, is known as to play an energetic role within the lives of such children. The Church must uphold the dignity and value of all human life, including individuals diagnosed with autism. The Church’s response is rooted in compassion, understanding, and respect for the inherent price of all and sundry, no matter their abilities or differences. There are 4 steps which believers should take with those that are diagnosed with autism:
Availability
How can we make ourselves available to others? By approaching them with openness and compassion. As a community belonging to Christ, we must reach out to children like these. To achieve this, we must discover such children in our neighbourhood or church community. In Matthew 25:42-45, Jesus speaks of those that neglect to take care of others in need, highlighting hunger, thirst, lack of hospitality, clothing, sickness, and imprisonment. By not visiting them, we fail to recognise the presence of Jesus in them. Jesus further said in verse 45, “Truly I inform you, whatever you probably did not do for certainly one of the least of those, you probably did not do for me.” How essential is it to come back near those that are in a different way abled? Often, we notice their absence from our regular gatherings. How should we reply to such scenarios?
Acquaintance
By coming near them, we get acquainted with them. Through this, we are going to discover their likes and dislikes, strengths and talents, hobbies and abilities, and communication and social skills. What do they enjoy? (food, activities, objects, places, people); What do they find distressing? (food, activities, objects, places, people). By doing so, we are able to create supportive environments that cater to their needs and interests. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage each other and construct one another up, just as the truth is you might be doing.” Further, he states in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to 1 one other in love. Honour each other above yourselves.”
Adjustments
By getting acquainted with them, we’re called to regulate ourselves in line with them. Through adjustments, we are able to meet their needs. Can we alter anything in order that they might get what they need? By inviting families into our homes and churches and making them feel comfortable, we are able to create inclusive spaces where autistic children can thrive and receive the support they need. This may involve modifying routines, providing sensory-friendly spaces, and offering understanding and acceptance. Ultimately, by adjusting ourselves and our environments, we are able to make sure that autistic children receive the care and support they require to flourish in each home and church settings.
Acceptance
As believers, it’s crucial for the Church to embrace and support such children and their families. We must make sure that they might get opportunities to take part in church activities tailored to their needs, valuing their unique gifts and abilities. By adapting programmes and providing support, we are able to enrich your entire church community while fostering their sense of belonging. Christian schools must be ready to simply accept them on a par with others. Paul writes in Galatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this fashion you’ll fulfil the law of Christ.”
Sufficient grace
April is recognised as International Autism Acceptance Month, during which I had the chance to deal with the Caleb Institute Community about autism. To my surprise, many students and college members were unaware of the small print of autism, and for some, autism was a recent concept. I felt a necessity to lift awareness about this inside our community. Initially, it was quite a harrowing experience for my wife Delicia and me to share about Sam. However, after much prayer, we felt peace in our hearts, and now Sam has change into an example through which we are able to share insights about autism and God’s love with others. Only through the grace, love, and compassion of Jesus Christ we take care of Sam and his sister Jane.
Ashish Foundation for the Differently Abled (AFDA) Charitable Trust, situated in Dwarka, New Delhi, is an establishment where Sam goes for his studies. The vision of this foundation is to empower children and adults with autism to succeed in their God-given potential in inclusive communities. This foundation sensitises and equips families, communities, and organisations to reply and interact productively in order that children and adults with autism can lead fulfilling lives. Geeta Mondol, Founder of AFDA, states, “We are all created in God’s image to attain our potential and contribute to the constructing of our nation. Ashish vows to help and facilitate the creation of an inclusive society where there may be room for everybody.”
Rev. Dr. Samuel Richmond is currently the Director of the Centre for Advanced Religious Studies at North East Christian University, Dimapur-Nagaland, and an Academic Consultant at Caleb Institute in Gurugram, Haryana. He also serves because the honorary secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Theological Commission. He is married to Delicia and has two children, Jane and Sam.
